[H-GM02] Geomorphology

[HGM02-06] Relationships between the channel migration of the Amdarya, and construction of the ancient Buddhism temples and cities near Termes, south Uzbekisutan

*Hiroshi Shimazu¹, Masayuki Oishi¹ (1.Department of Geography, Faculty of Geo-Environmental Science, Rissho University)

Keywords:Buddhism archeological site, channel migration, lateral erosion, geomorphological environment, Amdarya, Termez

The archeological sites of ancient Buddhism temples and cities, existing from before Christ to 7^th century, near Termez, south Uzbekistan are located on the terraced flat surface which widely occupies the Surhandarya area. These sites are faced on the Amdarya flood plain with cliffs whose relative height is about 20 meters. These temples and city were constructed on the strategic points. The cliffs were formed not downcutting of the Amdarya but lateral erosion caused by the migration of the Amdarya river course. The major migration of the river course was caused by advance of the sand dunes from west to east in the left bank of the Amdarya. During recent 2000 years minor channel migrations of the Amdarya occurred and it caused the partly destruction of the Kanpir-Tepe ancient city site by lateral erosion, and the small gully development on the flat surface where the ancient structures were constructed.