Adrspach-Teplice Rocks and Broumov Cliffs—Large Sandstone Rock Cities in the Central Europe

Abstract

Structural plateaus and cuestas underlain by sedimentary formations of Late Cretaceous age are a part of Intra-Sudetic Basin in the northeastern Bohemia. Processes of erosion, weathering, and gravity-driven slope movements created important rock cities which originated in differently resistant and tectonically jointed sandstones. Rock cities are systems of rock towers, pillars, ridges, and cliffs separated by deep canyons, narrow gorges, and crevices. Some of these rock formations are as much as 100 m high. Mesoforms and microforms of weathering and denudation, especially rock perforations (rock arches, windows), various types of pseudokarst caves, tors, mushroom rocks, rock hollows, rock basins, and karren are common. The largest and the most visited rock cities are the Adrspach-Teplice Rocks (Adrspassko-teplicke skaly) and the Broumov Cliffs (Broumovske steny) which belong to Broumovsko Protected Landscape Area.