Pavel Mentlík

Elementary forms and “scientific reliability” as an innovative approach to geomorphological mapping

Abstract Please click here to download the map associated with this article. A detailed geomorphological map of the surroundings of Prášilské Lake, Bohemian Forest, Czech Republic is presented. A layer of elementary forms (segments of relief nearing constant values of fundamental morphometric variables) holistically covering the whole mapped area was used as a base for mapping. Elementary forms were delineated by: i) analysis of contour lines and a DEM; ii) verification on orthophotomaps and iii) field mapping, where boundaries of each form were verified (195 elementary forms were mapped). Elementary forms were grouped according to their genesis to form geomorphologically homogenous landforms. The geomorphological map covering a 955 ha previously glaciated area is focused on morphogenesis and morphochronology. Additional maps at 1:20,000 provide information about geological characteristics and their interrelations with the main relief features. A map of the scientific reliability of landform origins presents the degrees of uncertainty in geomorphological knowledge. The mapping of elementary forms and the map of scientific reliability provide a holistic view of the mapped area (fundamental for comprehensive analysis of relief), a base for systematization of the relief and a platform for the evaluation and planning of research.

Bohemian ForestBohemian Forest : Landscape and People on the Frontier

The direct expression of variable rock resistance and fault lines of different ages is characteristic for the deeply denuded relief of the Bohemian Forest. Three types of relief are typical. First, an extensive plateau covered with peat bogs spreading out in the central part of the area. Second, canyon valleys incised in the edge of the plateaus with torrential flows in rocky and stony riverbeds and finally, a rugged glacial relief with glacial cirques and a few relicts of periglacial processes in the vicinity of the highest summits. Geomorphological mapping supported by 10Be and radiocarbon dating showed that the culmination of the last glaciation in the Sumava range occurred during the Last Glacial Maximum , when valley glaciers appeared in some places. The cirque glaciers developed separately approximately 16,000 and 14,000 years ago. The recent findings suggest the presence of humans in the Sumava region since the Mesolithic period. The area was a source of raw material from the Middle Ages (gold and wood) for nearby populated regions and it was also a region of glass production. The most important recent change was connected with the end of the World War II when the predominant German population was expelled. The protection of natural heritage within the whole area is coordinated by the Sumava National Park , established in 1991.

What can the surface of the Earth tell us about environmental changes

Geomorphology is a science dealing with the landforms of the Earth. Origin and development of the landforms are influenced by many factors which are dependent on climate and strongly influenced by its change. Therefore, analysis of the surface of the Earth provides relevant information about climate and environmental changes in the past.