engleski

The influence of nivation and cryofraction on periglacial relief formation on Velebit Mt. (Croatia)

The studied peak areas of the Velebit Mt. display a interesting periglacial geomorphology. The appearance of forms is the result of the interdependent geological, geomorphologic, climatic, vegetational and pedological characteristics of the area. The structural and litological properties of the rock complex, and the inclination of the slope, play a significant role in periglacial relief modelling. Climatic elements are also important, as they influence the intensity and duration of the processes. Low temperatures and relatively high amount of precipitation during the last ice age (Würm III) served to intensive activity of periglacial processes and relief modelling of the entire Velebit Mt. area. Nivation and cryofraction are the most expressive of all periglacial processes which are represented by snow avalanches, snow accumulations, stone streams etc. Air temperatures and soil temperatures (at 30, 60, 90 cm) are mesaured, presented and reviewd together other atributes and slope inclination of the area. The interactions between ground temperature, snow cower and wind patterns play important role to frost actions. In addition to inclination, the penetration of warm winds (jugo) and warming of snow on the NE slopes are also important factors in destabilizing the snow cover and triggering avalanches. GIS analysis of slope of the area in question was applied during quantitative geomorphologic analysis. Snow avalanches are the most intensive on the slopes with declinations from 35° up to 50°, especially on the parts without vegetation cover.

nivation ; cryofraction ; periglacial relief ; Velebit Mt. ; Croatia

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