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.