Vol. 54 No. 2 (252) (2020)

The Armenian highlands are characterized by the presence of potentially seismic zones that form the level of seismic hazard in the territory of the RA. In particular, the Van earthquake (M=7.2) in October 23, 2011 manifested in Yerevan by seismic shaking (J=5–6 points). The article presents the analysis of the seismic-geodyna-mic situation of the study area during the preparation of this strong earthquake. The first stage of the analysis is devoted to the study of low seismicity (M<4.0) of the region with coordinates (φºN 38.0–42.0; λºE 42.0–48.0) for the time period 2004–2011. Year-to-year maps of the spatio-temporal distribution of earthquake epicen-ters for the period 2004–2011 were built for 2 groups of basic data – seismic events with (M<2.5) and (2.5≤M<4.0). It turned out that in the southwestern part of the study area (Van focal zone), weak earthquakes (M<4.0) in 2004–2009 were not recorded. Their number increased sharply in the period of 01.01.2010–23.10.2011.

In volcanic rocks of aquiferous effusive complex, lithogeneticcraks sharply prevail over cracks of tectonic and exogenous origins. In fact, in lava rocks blocking is completely due to lotogenetic cracks. The presence of fractured zones in lava rocks casuses electrical anisotropy that is unequal electrical conductivity in different directions. This factor allows in favorable conditions to use circular vertical electrical sensing to determine the dominant direction of the fractured zones and changes in their intensity at various depths. Within quasi homogeneous, in mineral compositions lava formation in a saturated state, the relative electrical resistance is closely related to their porosity and fracture.

The article considers changes in groundwater level under the influence of horizontal systematic drainages. The filtration resistance method is used to calculate the dynamics of groundwater level increase in the middle of the drainage distances in irrigated lands under the conditions of unstable filtration. The calculation results show that in irrigated lands, the maximum increase in groundwater level in the middle of drainage distances is 1–1.16 m. Therefore, if the design parameters of the drainage are maintained, the increase in the level of groundwater during the vegetation season is within or below the mark of the drying depth.

Summarizing of study of ancient and recent glaciation of Armenian highland is presented. Reduction of ancient and recent glaciation area of highland from second half of XIX century and strengthening this process at the last twenty years is marked. For the first time four stages of retreat of lateneopleistocene (Wurm) glacier is revealed by typical relief of cirque moraines of Aragats. Supposition about shortly completion of process rise in temperature of climate and start of next fall in temperature – new glacial period is brought.

In the work, by comparing the morphometric coefficient and the coefficient of uncomfortable of relief, they are distinguished in territories that have favorable conditions for human health and for the development of the health tourism. A new approach was found whether the emergence of new territories that can be used in the assessment of any other territories.

Cave-treatment has been widely spread in the world and is based on underground mineral and warm springs, different kinds of salts and other natural resources. People have been interested in it for centuries, but it was put in modern basis some decades ago. Cave-therapy is considered to beboth health and tourism. Cave-treatment motivates the health protection, the development of some kinds of tourism, the protection of natural monuments, the establishment of protected areas.

One of the priority goals of socio-economic development of the republic of Armenia is the overcoming current disproportional development and ensuring more or less balanced development of the territories. Disbalanced territorial development problems of Gegharkunik Province are discussed in the article.

The article is dedicated to the elucidation of feasibility of application in the RA of the theoretical models of regional economic policy by leading countries and, in this context, the efficiency of on-going programs in the country.

Globalization that embraced the whole world in all areas of life in the XXI century has become an integral feature for tourism. Tourism is a largely social category. And it formed on the basis of numerous Factors. The tourism industry moves huge masses of people around the world. Nevertheless, one must understand that a traveler chooses a certain country, a certain region, which has its own developed approach to organizing tourism activities. The experience of some countries in the development of tourism, in particular the Czech Republic and Hungary, can be of great help in the development of the tourism industry in Armenia. A special mission in this process is given to the media. Their goal is to convey to the potential tourist information provoking positive associations.

In this paper theoretical and methodological bases of studying consumer behavior have been revealed, time analysis of consumer behavior has been done. These approaches of studying consumer behavior: economic, sociological and marketing have been analyzed. As a result, the strengths and weaknesses of each approach have been revealed. The implementation of complex and interdisciplinary approach is a must.