TabrizـMarand road is a remarkable strategic road which provides a surface link between the lowlands of Tabriz and Marand plains. This is achieved by a crossing of the Payam pass. The study area is characterised by high mountains, Quaternary sediment deposits, slope instability and active geomorphologic processes. The problems for road construction and other improvement activities have been compounded by floods, debris flows, mass wastings, tectonic activity, retrogressive erosion and human incorrect repairs. This paper is mainly concerned with investigation and evaluation of geomorphologic problems, geomorphic effects of roadline construction and other engineering activities, and environmental hazards resulting from geomorphological factores. This survey clearly reveals the importance of a good appreciation of geomorphological processes to road construction in high mountains. It also indicates the potential for geomorphological inputs to road and highway design.

Keywords: Engineering Geomorphology, Highway Design, Payam Pass, Tabriz ـ Marand Roadline, Northwest of Iran

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