The Changing Geomorphology of Danubian Floodplains in Hungary

Abstract

The once extensive floodplains along the Hungarian section of the Danube have mostly disappeared by now or have been restricted to certain reaches of the river: the Szigetkoz alluvial fan, minor remnants in the environs of Budapest and the Gemenc Forest and Beda-Karapancsa area along the southernmost Hungarian section studied here (continued on Croatian territory). From ancient times floodplains have supplied valuable economic resources and, consequently, have undergone major transformations. They are now mostly under cultivation or environmental protection. In the paper their natural and man-influenced evolution is outlined with an evaluation of perspectives for rehabilitation. Floodplain topography is evaluated and mapped for features of natural and man-made origin as well for present-day functioning in the landscape. In compliance with EU directives intensive farming is envisaged to cease over large areas of lower productivity beyond flood-control dykes and these areas will be available for rehabilitation serving conservation (through landform and habitat restoration) and flood control (through flood-water storage). Locally, traditional floodplain economy (fishing, grazing, vegetable gardens and orchards) is being restored.