Starting a programme for research and monitoring of sediment transfer processes in the periglacial zone of Bulgaria (Bulgarian Periglacial Programme)

Abstract

The Bulgarian Periglacial Programme is organized by the Institute of Geography of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. It aims to investigate and observe contemporary geomorphic processes that occur in the Bulgarian periglacial zone located in the alpine and subalpine parts of the Rila and Pirin Mountains at altitudes of 2200–2925 m a.s.l.). The research will be used to create a set of landscape models, which to be used for assessment environmental reactions to global change and for environmental hazards risk assessment. Realization of the programme is of considerable importance for the Institute and for Bulgarian science as a whole and this type of research is currently lacking in the Bulgarian periglacial environment. The programme should be performed in close collaboration with European and global scientific community, with application of up-to-date standardized methods which to allow comparison with results from studies conducted elsewhere in the world. In essence, the Bulgarian Periglacial Programme is not a project – it is much more a strategic line, which should generate series of project proposals that will ensure the fulfilment of all the tasks planned. Hence, the main goal of the programme is to ensure an international partnership on wide basis.