Physical, Geographical and Geological Description of the Retezat Mountains

Abstract

AbstractBased on the botanical and geomorphological studies carried out in the Retezat Mountains, Professor A. Borza succeeded in 1935 to establish the Retezat National Park. Located in the western part of the Southern Carpathians, the national park has an area of 38,500 ha and is geologically, geomorphologically, hydrologically and climatically significantly individualized by the neighboring massifs. Crystalline rocks predominate in the western and northern parts, with lofty peaks over 2400 m (Retezat Peak 2484 m), numerous glacial cirques and lakes (50). Limestone rocks frequently appear in the south-western part, sometimes on large areas, but with lower mountain peaks (Piule Peak 2083 m) and reduced glacial surfaces.