Analysis of "standard" (Lipica) lemestone tablets and their weathering by carbonate staining and SEM imaging, a case study on the Vis island, Croatia

This paper focuses on the evolution and patterns of microscale weathering forms and dissolution rates of “standard” (Lipica) limestone tablets. Analysis of carbonate weathering using combination of methods (quantitative analysis by the weight loss of "standard" tablets, and qualitative analysis of the weathered surfaces by stained acetate peels and SEM imaging) showed that dissolution takes place not only at the surface of limestone tablets, but also along voids and cavities in limestone tablets which makes total weathering surface larger than the area of the tablet surface. Dissolution is more pronounced on the micritic calcite surfaces (due to different dissolution kinetics of carbonate minerals), resulting in lowering of the surface (calcite matrix) which causes gradual unburial and removal of authigenic dolomite grains

TYPOLOGY OF VIS ISLAND BASED ON INFLUENCE OF GEOLOGICAL, GEOMORPHOLOGICAL AND PEDOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS ON NATURAL AND CULTURAL LANDSCAPE

Temeljna pretpostavka ovog rada jest da odnos između geoloških, geomorfoloških i pedoloških značajki, zajedno sa strukturnim obilježjima prirodnoga i kulturnog krajolika može biti kriterij za određivanje tipologije krajobraza s obzirom na osjetljivost na prirodne procese i antropogeni utjecaj. Krški prirodni i kulturni krajolik otoka Visa kontinuirano se razvijao pod utjecajem tradicionalne poljoprivrede, pri čemu je došlo do transformacije u krajobrazu jedinstvenog identiteta i značaja u širem kontekstu jadranskoga i sredozemnog područja. Njegove su karakteristike izražene tipološke varijacije, autentičnost i međuovisnost prirodne i kulturne strukture krajobraza, što ga u velikoj mjeri razlikuje od većine ostalih jadranskih otoka. U ovom radu opisani su karakter i značenje utjecaja prirodnih i antropogenih faktora krajolika, procijenjena je osjetljivost područja na postojeće i potencijalne prirodne i antropogene utjecaje. To je posebice važno zbog činjenice da se u budućnosti može očekivati još snažnija transformacija krajobraza otoka Visa kao posljedica sinergijskih efekata recentnih prirodnih i antropogenih procesa. Antropogeni procesi uključuju napuštanje poljoprivrednog zemljišta, širenje turističkih sadržaja i s njima povezanih aktivnosti, što dovodi do negativnih utjecaja na prirodni i kulturni krajolik.The basic assumption of this paper is that the relationship between geological basics, geomorphological and pedological characteristics, with structural features of the natural and cultural landscape can serve as a criterion to determine landscape typology with respect to sensitivity to natural processes and anthropogenic influences. Karst natural and cultural landscape of Vis Island, continuously developed under the influence of traditional agriculture, transformed Vis Island into landscape of unique identity and relevance in the wider context of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Its characteristics are significant typological variations, authenticity and interdependence of natural and cultivated landscape structure, which makes significant difference respective to appearances of natural and human environment on other Adriatic islands. In this paper character and scope of the impact of natural and social features of the landscape were assessed and sensitivity of areas to existing and potential adverse natural and anthropogenic influences was estimated. This is especially important due to the fact that in the future the island of Vis can expect significant transformation of natural and cultural landscape, as a result of synergic effect of recent natural and social processes. The last are represented through the stronger trend of abandonment of agricultural land, parallel with the spreading of tourism and related activity which leaves the consequences on the natural and cultural landscape

GEOMORFOLOŠKE ZNAČAJKE OTOKA VISA

Na temelju općih morfoloških i morfostrukturnih osobina moguće je determinirati nekoliko osnovnih dijelova otoka Visa: sjeverni, središnji i južni hrbat, te sjevernu i južnu udolinu, koji su izduženi u smjeru Z (ZJZ) – I (ISI). Morfološki najizraženiji su južna udolina (veća i gospodarski važnija), koju velikim dijelom izgrađuju krška polja, i hrbat, koji dominira središnjim otočnim dijelom. Karbonatna osnova otoka Visa preoblikovana je tektonikom, a porast morske razine od oko 120 m nakon posljednjega ledenog doba dao je otoku današnje konture. Ispucale karbonatne stijene izložene djelovanju klimatskih, bioloških i antropogenih procesa bile su temelj za oblikovanje krškog reljefa. Egzogeni destrukcijski (krški, fluvio-krški, derazijski i abrazijski) i akumulacijski procesi oblikovali su konačan izgled kakav otok ima i danas. Materijal ispiran s padina ili erodiran djelovanjem paleo tekućica, akumuliran je u morfološkim depresijama u unutrašnjosti otoka, dok je uz obalnu liniju ispran ili djelovanjem valova preoblikovan u sedimente plaža. Znatna područja manje ili više strmih padina preoblikovana su antropogenim djelovanjem, i to izgradnjom terasa za uzgoj vinove loze. Kao potporni element terasastih parcela služili su suhozidi, koji su imali funkciju zadržavanja tla na strmijim dijelovima padina. Danas je njihova funkcija bitno smanjena, pa su velike površine terasastih polja na padinama u zarastanju, a suhozidi se zbog neodržavanja raspadaju

Natural resources of Korčula Island

U radu autori analiziraju geološke, geomorfološke, pedološke, klimatske, hidrološke i fitocenološke značajke otoka Korčule. Otok izgrađuju vapnenci i dolomiti kredne starosti, mjestimice prekriveni terra rossom i kvartarnim pijescima. Morfološki, reljef otoka Korčule obilježava izmjena uzvisina i polja te vrlo razvedena obala. Na otoku Korčuli nalazi se velik broj pedosustavnih jedinica (kalkokambisol, crvenica, koluvij, ocrveničena crnica, te rigolana tla polja i terasa). Otok obilježava Csa tip klime (mediteranska klima s blagim zimama te suhim i vrućim ljetima). Na otoku ne postoje površinski vodeni tokovi, a samo je jedan stalni izvor pitke vode malog kapaciteta. U vegetacijskom, odnosno bioklimatskom pogledu otok Korčula pripada mediteranskoj vegetacijskoj regiji. Na otoku se razlikuju dvije vegetacijske zone: stenomediteranska i eumediteranska. U otočnim uvjetima prirodni resursi su ograničeni, stoga njihova eksploatacija treba biti u skladu s održivim razvojem. U tom smislu predložene su smjernice budućeg razvoja otoka Korčule.In this paper, the authors analyse geological, geomorphological, soil, climate, hydrological and phytocenological characteristics of the Island of Korčula. The island is built of limestone and dolomite of Cretaceous age, covered with terra rossa and Quaternary sands. Morphologically, the relief of the island is characterized by interleaving of hills and fields, and indented coastline. There are a large number of soil units (calcocambisol, red, colluvium, reddish black soil, and rigoled soil of fields and terraces). The island is characterized by Csa type of climate (Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot and dry summers). There are no surface water flows, and there is only one permanent source of drinking water of a small capacity. In vegetation and bioclimatic terms Korčula Island belongs to the Mediterranean vegetation region. There are two distinct vegetation zones on the island: Steno-Mediterranean and Eu-Mediterranean. Natural resources are limited, and therefore their exploitation should be consistent with sustainable development. With respect to this fact, the guidelines for the future development of the Island of Korčula are proposed

Morphogenesis of karst poljes on Vis Island, Croatia

Karst poljes are the most characteristic feature of Dinaric karst area. The number of poljes identified on the island of Vis (Croatia) differs according to the various authors who have studied the island. Considering the various existing definitions of polje in previous studies, in this paper we propose a set of criteria for identifying poljes in karst terrain using Geographic Information System. This enabled the identification of six poljes on the Vis Island, whose formation is predetermined by tectonic structures. Moreover, processes are frequently inferred by neotectonic (both uplift and subsidence) according to the analysis of longitudinal and transverse profiles gradients affecting balance of these morphologies. Since they are not hydrologically active in present hydrological conditions, poljes on Vis Island can be considered to be paleo - overflow or structural poljes

Neki osnovni pokazatelji horizontalnih struktura krajobraza južnog dijela otoka Visa, Hrvatska

This research is based on application of landscape metrics in GIS environment for determination of the basic features of horizontal landscape structure of the southern part of Vis island, Croatia. Landscape elements (or geocomplex types) are determined based on their abiotic (lithological and geomorphological features) and biotic elements (natural vegetation cover). Anthropogenic impact during historical-geographic development (agriculturally cultivated land and urbanized areas) are also considered. By means of GIS tools, the three layers of abiotic and biotic parameters were overlayed (lithology, slope inclinations and types of vegetation cover) and 2556 basic units (geocomplexes) were obtained. Generalization of this basic units by criterion of similarity enabled extraction of 132 types of geocomplexes. This types represent generalised homogenous spatial units which were basis for all further analyses. In the next phase, landscape metrics has been applied in order to determine basic characteristics of horizontal landscape structure: total area of each geocomplex type (including minor elements or basic geocomplexes included in each type), frequency, average areas of individual geocomplexes within types and spatial variability index. The main goals of the research are precise determination of abiotic and biotic features of landscape elements, their spatial structure and interrelationships, classification, typology and determination of existence of specific dominant/stable and vulnerable/labile geocomplex types. The results should serve as methodological framework for evaluation of the current state and future development trends of landscape elements of the researched area. They can be applied in planning and preserving landscape of the southern part of Vis island, and other areas as well.Ovo istraživanje se temelji na primjeni krajobrazne metrike u GIS okruženju za određivanje osnovnih obilježja horizontalnih krajobraznih struktura južnog dijela otoka Visa, u Hrvatskoj. Pejzažni elementi (ili vrste geokompleksa) određene su na temelju njihovih abiotičkih (litološka i geomorfološka obilježja) i biotičkih elemenata (prirodni biljni pokrov). U obzir je uzet i antropogeni utjecaj tijekom povijesno-geografskog razvoja (poljoprivredna zemljišta i građevinska područja). Pomoću GIS alata, preklopljena su tri sloja abiotičkih i biotičkih parametara (litologija, nagibi padina i vrste biljnog pokrova) i dobiveno je 2556 osnovnih jedinica (geokompleksi). Generalizacijom ovih osnovnih jedinica po kriteriju sličnosti omogućeno je izdvajanje 132 vrsta geokompleksa. Ove vrste predstavljaju uopćene homogene prostorne jedinice koje su bile temelj za sve daljnje analize. U narednoj fazi, metrika je krajolika primijenjena kako bi se utvrdile osnovne karakteristike horizontalne strukture krajolika: ukupna površina svake vrste geokompleksa (uključujući i manje elemenate ili osnovne geokomplekse uključene u svaku vrstu), učestalost, prosječne površine pojedinih geokompleksa unutar vrste i indeks prostorne varijabilnosti. Glavni ciljevi istraživanja su precizno određivanje abiotičkih i biotičkih obilježja elemenata krajolika, njihova prostorna struktura i međusobni odnosi, klasifikacija, tipologija i utvrđivanje postojanja specifičnih dominantnih i nedominatnih vrsta geokompleksa. Rezultati bi trebali poslužiti kao metodološki okvir za procjenu trenutnog stanja i budućih razvojnih trendova krajobraznih elemenata istraživanog područja. Oni se mogu primijeniti u planiranju i očuvanju krajolika kako južnog dijela otoka Visa, tako i drugih područja također

GEOMORFOLOŠKE ZNAČAJKE OTOKA VISA

Na temelju općih morfoloških i morfostrukturnih osobina moguće je determinirati nekoliko osnovnih dijelova otoka Visa: sjeverni, središnji i južni hrbat, te sjevernu i južnu udolinu, koji su izduženi u smjeru Z (ZJZ) – I (ISI). Morfološki najizraženiji su južna udolina (veća i gospodarski važnija), koju velikim dijelom izgrađuju krška polja, i hrbat, koji dominira središnjim otočnim dijelom. Karbonatna osnova otoka Visa preoblikovana je tektonikom, a porast morske razine od oko 120 m nakon posljednjega ledenog doba dao je otoku današnje konture. Ispucale karbonatne stijene izložene djelovanju klimatskih, bioloških i antropogenih procesa bile su temelj za oblikovanje krškog reljefa. Egzogeni destrukcijski (krški, fluvio-krški, derazijski i abrazijski) i akumulacijski procesi oblikovali su konačan izgled kakav otok ima i danas. Materijal ispiran s padina ili erodiran djelovanjem paleo tekućica, akumuliran je u morfološkim depresijama u unutrašnjosti otoka, dok je uz obalnu liniju ispran ili djelovanjem valova preoblikovan u sedimente plaža. Znatna područja manje ili više strmih padina preoblikovana su antropogenim djelovanjem, i to izgradnjom terasa za uzgoj vinove loze. Kao potporni element terasastih parcela služili su suhozidi, koji su imali funkciju zadržavanja tla na strmijim dijelovima padina. Danas je njihova funkcija bitno smanjena, pa su velike površine terasastih polja na padinama u zarastanju, a suhozidi se zbog neodržavanja raspadaju

Basic Properties of Calcocambisol from a Location on North Dalmatian Plain

Calcocambisol is the most dominant soil type developed on Dinaric karst. It is formed by pedogenic processes acting on carbonate rocks, which include weathering, accumulation of insoluble residue, organic matter, and allogenic material and braunification. Further development of Calcocambisol includes leaching of clay from upper soil horizons and secondary accumulation in lower horizons. Calcocambisols are exclusively developed on carbonate rocks characterised by diverse relief forms resulting in variable soil depth over short distances and consequently different phases of soil development. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyse morphological, physical, and chemical properties of Calcocambisols in different stages of development from a location within the Krka National Park. Results of soil analysis showed similarities in morphological properties, soil field and air capacity, density and SOC content. On the other hand, differences in properties included different carbonate content and pH values of topsoil and difference in particle size distribution. These differences can be attributed to irregular rocky surface which plays important role in allogenic particles distribution and water percolation. Increased leaching of clay particles to deeper horizons results in diversification of Bt (argic) horizon, indicating more advanced stage of soil development towards Luvisol formation

Basic Properties of Calcocambisol from a Location on North Dalmatian Plain

Calcocambisol is the most dominant soil type developed on Dinaric karst. It is formed by pedogenic processes acting on carbonate rocks, which include weathering, accumulation of insoluble residue, organic matter, and allogenic material and braunification. Further development of Calcocambisol includes leaching of clay from upper soil horizons and secondary accumulation in lower horizons. Calcocambisols are exclusively developed on carbonate rocks characterised by diverse relief forms resulting in variable soil depth over short distances and consequently different phases of soil development. Thus, the goal of this study was to analyse morphological, physical, and chemical properties of Calcocambisols in different stages of development from a location within the Krka National Park. Results of soil analysis showed similarities in morphological properties, soil field and air capacity, density and SOC content. On the other hand, differences in properties included different carbonate content and pH values of topsoil and difference in particle size distribution. These differences can be attributed to irregular rocky surface which plays important role in allogenic particles distribution and water percolation. Increased leaching of clay particles to deeper horizons results in diversification of Bt (argic) horizon, indicating more advanced stage of soil development towards Luvisol formation