Interface of Geodiversity, Geomorphosites, Geotourism and Seasonal Economy in Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India

Interface of Geodiversity with human response can be understood simply as, the natural range (diversity) of geological (rocks, minerals, fossils), geomorphological (landforms, topography, physical processes), soil and hydrological features including their assemblages, structures, systems and contributions to landscapes together with the anthropogenic amalgamation in the landscape system. Geomorphosites are those components of geodiversity that have acquired a scientific, cultural/historical, aesthetic and socio-economic value due to human perception or exploitation (Panizza, 2001). The trans-Himalayan district of Lahaul and Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, India is a landlocked district in trans-Himalaya accessible seasonally through high mountain passes; where the interface is manifested though human response to the geodiversity elements. The abiotic factors play a significant role in generating stimuli and the human response varies accordingly in the study area. It is also known as the Tethyan Himalayan region, where the interface (interactive zone/crossing point/edge) of Geomorphosites and human response in terms of geotourism has been analysed and mapped. The data has been collected through extensive field work using structured questionnaire survey and field observations at geomorphosites having unique characteristics. The field work has been done in May–June 2017 and June 2018. The assessment of human response in terms of seasonal economy and geotourism has been done using GIS environment, GPS and SWOT analysis. The study highlights that potential geotourism sites have to be further identified, explored and developed in the region and the existing sites have to be conserved in order to harness the tremendous geotourism potential of the region and thereby boosting the seasonal economy.

Techniki rejestracji zdalnej w kartowaniu geomorfologicznym wybrzeży klifowych

This paper presents the evaluation of three remote sensing methods used in geomorphological mapping of cliff coasts. The basic parameters of point clouds obtained in the process of airborne laser scanning (ALS), terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and digital processing of photos obtained with UAV (Structure from Motion – UAV-SfM) were analysed. The obtained results allowed to state that the models with the highest resolution and accuracy can be obtained using the TLS and UAV-SfM methods. These two techniques provide the greatest possibilities in detailed relief analyses and estimation of the sediment budget in small research sites. Images of ALS are less accurate, but for studies carried out in larger areas they seem to be the most optimal solution.

Zarys przyrodniczych i antropogenicznych uwarunkowań rozwoju systemów dolinnych i korytowych w Polsce

The paper is an attempt to review the state of current knowledge and discussion on the evolution and typology of valley and river channel systems in Poland. Contemporary landscapes of valley systems and river channel systems reflect the overlap of multiple natural and anthropogenic factors. Among them, climate changes and regional morphotectonic and morphogenetic determinants are of crucial importance. Over the last decades, these landscapes have undergone substantial transformations, among others as a result of climate change and as a consequence of changing hydrological conditions, land use, as well as a result of increasing human interference in river channel and valley systems. It thus follows from the circumstances that attempts are made to classify different evolutionary types and subtypes of river valleys and different types of contemporary river channel patterns and floodplains that reflect complex and often overlapping natural and anthropogenic conditions.

Environmental factors affecting splash erosion in the mountain area (the Western Polish Carpathians)

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of various environmental factors on splash erosion based on the funnel method under natural conditions. The relationship between splash and wash erosion were also studied. The intermediate timescale study (2012–2016, from May to October) was conducted in the Western Polish Carpathians where Inceptisols predominate. The splash erosion rate (kg m−2) was variable and showed a strong correlation with environmental factors, including rainfall parameters, land use (black fallow, meadow), slope gradient (0°, 11°), and also the particle size of soil and usage time (organic matter content, OM). The splash erosion rate on the slope with black fallow was 95 times higher than in the meadow and up to 20 times higher than in flat area. The average downslope splash erosion was 75% higher than the upslope splash erosion, and the soil particles were detached to maximum heights of 50 cm (downslope). There was a positive correlation between splash erosion and wash and a negative correlation between splash erosion and OM.

The assessment of influence of soil erosion by water in the transformation of agricultural slopes of the Wiśnicz Foothills

The main aim of the paper is to assess influence of soil erosion by water in the transformation of agricultural slopes of the edge of Wiśnicz Foothills. Low hills are typical in the morphology of the area. Results presented come from measurements of soil erosion by water in 2007–2009. Soil erosion took place during short transformation periods and was caused by events of high magnitude and low frequency during which soil particles are transported from the slope to the channel, but its supply was only local and episodic. In the foothill area slope and channel are weakly linked.

Random walk analysis of cave maps for exemplary gypsum caves-mazes of Western Ukraine

The paper presents a new method of quantitative parameterization of net geomorphological structures with the use of random walk formalism and an analysis of Hurst exponent distribution derived from random walk experiments. As examples, horizontally developed gypsum caves were elaborated. The provided methodology is able to uniquely characterize cave systems.

New tools for an integrated vision of the territory: “LANDSCAPP”

Landscape is part of everyone’s cultural heritage, if recognized and understood; such consciousness fosters a more creative participation of society in a balanced management of the territory and sustainable development: an important resource in times of crisis. Cognitive tools now enjoy a wide use and offer us a means of immediate communicative diffusion of scientific knowledge relative to an area and an environment. LANDSCApp, a smartphone app, gives the public a chance to try an alternative approach to the knowledge of the natural and cultural territorial heritage, thanks to a set of information related to the geological, morphological, environmental settings of the Italian landscapes.