Denis Radoš

Geomorphology of Blidinje, Dinaric Alps (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

ABSTRACT Blidinje is tectonically derived lowland in the Dinaric Alps within Bosnia and Herzegovina. It is surrounded by Vran, Čvrsnica and Čabulja Mountains. The Blidinje study area is predominantly built of carbonates, where karst, fluvial and glacial geomorphological systems interact. We present a 1:25,000 geomorphological map covering a 100 km2 with an elevation range of 1200–1900 m. The map results from a combination of a fieldwork mapping, interpretation of orthophotos and an analysis of a digital elevation model. This map presents a distribution of landforms and sediments associated with the past and present karst, glacial and fluvial processes, such as different varieties of karst depressions, conical hills, erosional gullies, alluvial fans and large amphitheatre-like moraines. The focus of the presented map is to assist ongoing studies in this part of the Dinaric Alps that seek to understand the dynamics of former glaciers and associated palaeoclimate.

The effect of interpolation methods on the quality of a digital terrain model for geomorphometric analyses

Despite the modern technological advancements, contemporary methods of data gathering still rely on point samples, which means they feature a precise variable info only on specific x, y - coordinates. In order to get a continual representation of a surface necessary for research, it is necessary to approximate various data values on those surfaces which have not been sampled by using various methods of interpolation. The main aim of this research is to evaluate two different methods of interpolation based on the quality of digital terrain models used for geomorphometric analyses. For the purposes of developing and comparing these methods, a set of elevation data was attained by vectorization of contour lines from HOK. Two methods of interpolation were tested: triangulated irregular network (TIN) and ANUDEM (Topo to Raster). In order to get a more appropriate method, the research employed eight statistical parameters, various graphical representations (both two- and three-dimensional) and geomorphometric parameter of slope inclination. The research shows that ANUDEM is a better method for geomorphometric analyses than TIN is. After the analysis of geomorphometric parameters (slope), the conclusion is that there are no significant differences between the digital terrain models developed on the bases of different sets of elevation data.

Morphometrical Characteristics of the Broader Area of Duvanjsko Polje, Bosnia and Hercegovina

The objects of this study are the hillslopes in the broader area of Duvanjsko polje (Bosnia and Herzegovina). Slopes can be defined as relief surfaces determined by geographical position, slope inclination (related with horizontal surface), aspect, and degree of curvature (profile and planar).Recent slope shapes can be defined as results of series of natural and anthropogenic factors during relief genesis and evolution. It is possible to correlate slope characteristics with geological structure and other natural geographic features (climate, soils, vegetation etc.) using geomorphometrical analysis. The main aims of this study are: a) analysis of morphometric relief indicators, b) analysis of relationships between morphometric indicators, structural and lithological features, and c) synthesis of all analyzed indicators in order to better understand exogeomorphological and morphostructural features of the investigated area. The final intention is to assess the extent and intensity of the dominant geomorphologic processes. Special attention was given to the detailed geomorphometrical analysis of morphostructures in the broader area of Duvanjsko polje in GIS environment based on DMR. The applied geomorphometrical relief analysis included the use of different methods for precise calculation of the investigated area’s numerical relief parameters, which enabled a mutual comparison of specified parameters and comparison with tectonic units and lithology maps. The aim of this approach is a more exact analysis and interpretation of morphometric relief parameters as indicators of the investigated area’s endogenous and exogenous processes’ characteristics.