Geomorphology of the Slovak Karst (Eastern Part)

Abstract

The Slovak Karst region is an interesting European area that consists of karst plateaus at heights of 550–700 m, divided by deep gorges 300–400 m in depth. Gorges have classical fluviokarstic genesis with caves situated on the slopes indicating valley evolution during the Quaternary. During our geomorphological research, two plateaus were mapped–Jasov and Zádiel near the city of Košice. Due to the lack of typical karst forms, these plateaus are considered as less developed karst. According to our mapping, karst forms do in fact exist here, but the density and size of depressions are smaller than the western-situated plateaus. The dolines are not typical in that the shape and plateau relief is flat with east facing hills and valleys. The result of our field work is a geomorphological map at a scale of 1:10,000 involving the main geomorphological forms of diverse origin and age. Morphometric analyses of surface depressions were used to compare the Slovak Karst plateaus with other karst areas.