Determinations of the slope fragmentation in the High Bieszczady Mountains

Apply

Determinations of the slope fragmentation in the High Bieszczady Mountains

Journal Title: Roczniki Bieszczadzkie - Year 2012, Vol 20, Issue 1

Abstract

Slopes are the most common element of relief, which are formed and modified by the variety of morphogenetic processes. The most important processes are mass movements and water erosion. Mass movements lead to flattening of slopes, while water erosion causes fragmentation of slopes. This paper presents determinations of slope fragmentation in the High Bieszczady Mts. based on analysis of three chosen areas: SW slopes of Mt. Bukowe Berdo, SW slopes of Polonina Carynska, NE slopes of Mt. Dział. The research was concentrated on structural and anthropogenic conditions. The study is based on the geomorphological mapping and analysis of topographic, geological and geomorphological maps, longitudinal and transverse valley profiles. The slope fragmentation in the High Bieszczady Mts. is mainly determined by the geological structure. Tectonics is a dominant factor. In the Połoniny range valleys begin in the zone made of sandstone and small-grained flysch and in the zones with tectonic discontinuities. It is connected with the springwaters which are on the contact of varied rock layers and in faults zone (Siwek et al. 2009). In Pasmo Graniczne range valleys begin in the zones with transverse faults. In the Fore-Dukla Zone the lithological and tectonic diversity do not allow to say whether the lithological or tectonic conditions played greater role in morphogenesis. Less resistance of rocks and the presence of numerous tectonic deformations in this zone had a large impact on the density of erosional-denudational valleys. Also anthropogenic activities have an influence on the slope fragmentation, but significant part of the High Bieszczady Mts. is protected as the Bieszczady National Park, so the impact of human activities is relatively small. Contemporary land use (over 83% of forest and 11% of meadows and pastures) promotes reduction of the intensity of mass movements (Bernatek 2010). At the same time reduction in supply of material from the slopes can lead to the increase in the intensity of erosive processes in the erosional-denudational valleys. However, even if the hollow ways and tourist paths function during the extreme precipitation as erosional “slit”, they have only a local influence on the slope fragmentation.

Authors and Affiliations

Anita Bernatek

Keywords

slope fragmentation system of erosional-denudational valleys structural influence anthropogenic influence the High Bieszczady Mountains

EP ID EP140803
DOI -
Views 93
Downloads 0