Uroš Stepišnik

Glaciokarst geomorphology of the Northern Dinaric Alps: Snežnik (Slovenia) and Gorski Kotar (Croatia)

ABSTRACT Snežnik and Gorski Kotar are mountainous areas in the Northern Dinaric Alps. We investigated this remote and densely forested area on the border between Slovenia and Croatia between 2011 and 2014. The result of the fieldwork campaign is a 1:30,000 geomorphological map covering almost 600 km2. The study area mainly consists of Mesozoic age limestone and dolostone. Karstified carbonate lithology results in almost the complete absence of surface run-off and a dominance of typical karst morphology. The extensive karstified area was modified by Quaternary glaciations; therefore, the recent landscape is characterized as a glaciokarst. The focus of the presented map is to provide a basis for further research of Quaternary glaciations in the areas of Snežnik and Gorski Kotar. Along with the map, we propose a legend for glaciokarst landscape mapping.

A New Quantitative Model for Comprehensive Geodiversity Evaluation: the Škocjan Caves Regional Park, Slovenia

The article presents a simple quantitative model for geodiversity evaluation, which merges spatial relationship of geodiversity elements with terrain data. The model is partially automated in geographic information system tools to eliminate the majority of subjectivity in evaluation. As a result, it can be used for different environment types and is applicable for comparative studies. The method was applied to the Škocjan Caves Regional Park, which is one of the most diverse karst areas in the world. The geodiversity element types were identified through remote sensing data and basic field mapping. Their diversity was subsequently defined through block statistic tools in a geographic information system programme. The geodiversity index was calculated from a number of different geodiversity element types within defined spatial units and from the terrain ruggedness index. Areas of high geodiversity index or geodiversity hotspots are in strong correlation with the most diverse areas of the regional park, which are also currently promoted for geotouristic and educational purposes.

Pleistocene glaciation in Mediterranean Slovenia

Abstract Geomorphological research on glacial features in Slovenia has a long tradition; the first studies were published in the late nineteenth century by Brückner. Evidence of glacial erosion and deposition is preserved in the Slovenian Alps and on the highest plateaus of the Dinaric Mountains, including traces of ice fields and ice caps with outlet glaciers on the edges and some valley glaciers. The prevailing bedrock in all the glaciated areas is limestone, forming complex glacio-karst morphological systems. Modern glacial reconstruction techniques have been applied in the last few years, focusing on the interpretation of palaeoglacial topography and local equilibrium-line altitudes. Both past and present studies, however, lack precise chronological frameworks for the glacial advances, which should be the main goal of future research on glaciation in Slovenia.

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.

Geomorfološke značilnosti Krasnega polja, severni Velebit, Hrvaška

The Krasno polje is located within the Northern Velebit Mountain in the Dinaric Alps, Croatia. It is completely filled with gravel and is inactive in a hydrological sense. We established that slopes above the polje were intensively modified by glacial action during the colder periods of the Pleistocene. Therefore, proglacial fans filled the karst depression, forming a piedmont polje. We assume that the polje was filled by proglacial material over at least two separate glacial events.

Brezstropa jama v Podbojevem lazu, Rakov Škocjan

This paper presents a denuded cave situated in the area of Podbojev laz, on the northwestern side of the Rakov Skocjan. Morphometric and morphogenetic properties of several sections of the denuded cave and its surroundings are described in detail. The denuded cave developed from an epiphreatic cave system which used to function as an outflow cave system from the Rak valley. Morphometrical analysis of the slopes show that the denuded cave was developedin stages. As the surrounding surface is not flattened, the cave roof must have been denuded gradually.