The analysis of the flysch badlands inventory in central Istria, Croatia

Abstract

The south-western part of Croatia, i.e. the area of central Istria, comprises the research area, (approximately 500 km2). It is characterized by a flysch complex with a great number of isolated relief landforms, termed badlands. The importance of badlands (areas with sparse or no vegetation) lies in the fact that sediment production from these areas is 8000 times higher than from areas with vegetation. Here, the badland inventory presents 5568 distinguishable badlands (polygons) with a total badland area of 10.7 km2. Spatial analysis of the badland inventory showed that erosive channel flow at the steep slope foot is the most important factor in badland formation and development for the area of central Istria.