engleski

Geomorphological heritage of Samobor karst area Croatia)

Samobor karst area is the most eastern unit of Samoborsko gorje-Zumberak Mt. geomorphological region in NW Croatia. It is developed in a well karstified Upper Triassic and Neogene carbonate beds with numerous karst phenomena: dolines, blind valleys, caves, springs and ponors. Some of them are recognized as important geomorphosites and protected or the formal protection process is in progress. Due to the intense urbanization this fragile karst environment is under strong anthropogenic pressure with negative environmental impacts. It is reflected in geoheritage, landscape and natural resources degradation. Therefore whole area is an object of systematic geoecological study that involves geomorphological, speleological and hydrological research performed in a cooperation of scientists, researchers, authorities dealing with nature protection and water resources management and local community. The result of researches is the GIS geodatabase aimed for preparing reports, professional studies and specialized maps used in spatial analysis, planning and nature protection. It consists of two main components, general geomorphological database and speleological database, and is a part of the larger geodatabase developing inside the project of Geomorphological mapping of Croatia. Owing to its object-oriented structure and high operability such database is an effective system for geoheritage identification, evaluation, vulnerability estimation and protection. One of the recent projects example is the research of Bistrac creek valley and preparing of documentation for its protection as a geomorphological nature monument. Such system also has a goal to provide a tool for geomorphosites implementation into the education process and nature protection awareness among local population. It is partially realized in the form of workshops with school children, public presentations and projecting of educational trails with accent on geomorphosites and its role in nature system of karst.

geodiversity; geoheritage; karst; protection; urbanization

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