Model of slide slope evolution in flysch mountains (an example drawn from the Polish Carpathians)

Abstract

Summary In order to determine the dynamic features of slide slopes in the Polish flysch Carpathians, one slope was chosen for observation over three years. The slope is named detrusive because of a lack of a strong erosion at its base, which can cause the displacement of colluvial masses. During the period of investigation (July 1972 – August 1975) such environmental factors were analysed as: precipitation, groundwater changes in piezometers installed within the sliding masses, and hydrologic conditions in the creek flowing close to the slope base. At the same time geomorphological and hydrological mapping was carried out at a scale of 1 : 1000, together with repeated measurements of the positions of fixed geodetic points. Both shallow refraction and electric resistivity soundings were made to establish the surface of undisturbed slope under the mobile material. Climatic and hydrologic data were correlated with the dynamic features of the colluvial material. On this base a morphodynamic division of the slide slope was established and described by a cascading model of mass transport.