Beskid Mountains Research Articles

Content of heavy metals in Carpathian soils (Poland)

The article addresses determining the concentration of six chemical elements: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soils of the southern slope of the Jaworzyna Krynicka mountain in the Beskid Mountains. The research consisted of determining the diversity of metal content in soil samples taken at different altitudes (500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 m MSL). The test results indicated low soil contamination in the selected area, particularly for the altitudes of 500 and 900 m MSL. For these altitudes, the content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn was similar to the concentration of these metals in uncontaminated soils. In the conducted research, very low Cd content was found for all absolute altitudes. The chemical element of metal whose content in the soils under study was the highest and exceeded natural values was Zn. All tested metals showed a common trend of increasing content in the soils up to 800 m MSL.

Factors controlling Mn and Zn contents in leaves of silver and downy birch in acidified soils of Central Europe and Norway

In Central European mountain forests, foliar element concentrations (FECs) of manganese (Mn) in silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) are occasionally approximately 5000 mg kg−1 and can represent stress for these plants. Factors controlling the Mn FECs in silver birch in Central Europe and downy birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) in Norway have not yet been fully deciphered. In this study, the Central European silver birch specimens were sampled in 2022. The samples were analysed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Norwegian data were obtained from the literature. Mn FECs are commonly negatively correlated with magnesium and, in certain areas, with potassium. Mn FECs are simultaneously elevated with zinc (Zn), likely because of soil acidification and anthropogenic emissions. Mn FECs in birch were previously thought to be related to altitude, which was assigned to (i) downslope washes of Mn or (ii) the historical load of acid emissions. The highest Mn FECs in silver birch were found in the Harz Mountains, Germany, and have been attributed to historical atmospheric contamination and the abundance of soils on felsic silicic rocks poorly buffering acid rains. The historical emission load from iron and steel production was hypothesised to be the cause of elevated Mn and Zn FECs in the Beskid Mountains, Czech Republic. Mn FECs in birch can be used to map historical soil acidification caused by industrial emissions. Zn FECs in birches can reflect soil contamination by this element.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF GEOTOURISTIC AREAS OF THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS’ BESKID MOUNTAINS

For the purpose of organizing geotourism trips, geological and geomorphological objects of the Beskydy of the Ukrainian Carpathians were studied. Seven geotourism areas were identified, such as: Urytskyi, Yamelnytskyi, Syniovydnenskyi, Skole, Kliucha-Kamiankyi, Bubnyskyi and Rozgirche. Each of them characterizes morphological features of geomorphological objects, composition and structure of rocks, describes certain historical and cultural events related to them. To determine the tourist attractiveness of geological and geomorphological sites, an assessment methodology was developed based on the following indicators: the number of geological sites, their maximum heights, accessibility, picturesqueness (scenic beauty), visibility (sites as a vantage point of the area), scientific, educational, historical and cultural value, tourist infrastructure, popularity and tourist attendance. The analysis revealed that the most attractive tourist area within the study area is the Urytskyi tourist district, which, due to its picturesque cliffs with high historical and cultural value, has a significant number of tourists. In second place is the Bubnyskyi geotourism area, which has the largest number of the highest and most picturesque rocks. In third place is the Skole geotourism district, which has seven geo-attractions and is best equipped with tourist infrastructure facilities. The Kliucha-Kamianka area has an above-average attractiveness, with the largest number of different types of objects within its boundaries. It is the most popular and most visited by tourists. The tourist attractiveness of the Syniovydnianskyi geotourism area is somewhat less than the previous one, but there are outcrops among the geoattractions that have a high scientific and educational value. The Yamelnytskyi district has little attractiveness, it is little known, and the tourist infrastructure is poorly developed, but there are many rocks of different morphological types. Compared to other districts, the geotourism attractiveness of the Rozhirche district is low. The assessment of the attractiveness of the selected tourist areas showed that the highest scores were given to areas where geological and geomorphological objects are morphologically more diverse, with significant morphometric indicators, high landscape value, geological representation of the Carpathian structure, and various sedimentary and anthropogenic signs on the rock surface. Keywords: geological and geomorphological objects; geo-tourism; geo-attraction; tourist attractiveness; Ukrainian Carpathians’ Beskid Mountains.

Biomonitoring of atmospheric PAHs using fir and spruce needles in forests in the vicinity of mountain villages

The aim of the study was to use chemical analyses of spruce and fir needles to determine environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in forests surrounding small mountain towns, including popular tourist destinations. The Beskid Mountains in Poland were chosen as the study area because they are very popular with tourists. The 6- and 12 month old needles were collected in two consecutive years from permanent study plots. Two vintages of needles were used to determine the differences between seasons in the profile of deposited pollutants. Some of plots were located away from roads and buildings, while others were located near tourist destinations. The comparison plots were located in the centre of a tourist resort, near a highway, and in a forest localised in the industrial city characterised by a high degree of urbanization. The analyses of 15 PAHs content showed that the amount and type of compounds retained by the needles were influenced not only by the proximity and amount of the surface emitters, but also by the location of the research sites above sea level. The results obtained can be explained, among other things, by the phenomenon of smog, which is not uncommon in the study region in autumn and winter.

Frightened or familiarised? Permanent residents' and second‐home owners' risk perceptions of extreme weather events

AbstractThe number and severity of extreme weather events have been increasing globally. Given the vulnerabilities of second homes to natural disasters, it is important to learn how their owners consider the related risks. This paper investigates the extreme weather‐event risk perceptions and their preconditions between second‐home owners and local people in the Little Beskid mountains in Poland. The results show that, despite significant differences in social, demographic and presence–absence terms, the two populations were very similar with respect to risk perception. It then lays the ground for community preparedness and successful recovery from extreme weather hazards.

Digital Survey of the Late 1960's Villa in Ustroń: Creating a Virtual Model of a Heritage Site of Polish Post-War Modernist Architecture

Abstract The paper undertakes the topic of architectural heritage of post-war modernism in Poland. Beside the typical single-family housing solutions from the second half of 20th century (the so-called “Polish cube”) it is possible to point out some examples of houses designed according to the world's leading design tendencies of that time. Those buildings were established on individual requests of the social elites including scientists, directors and government officials. One of such objects is a modernist villa from the 1960s located in Ustroń – a popular resort at the foot of the Beskid Mountains and built for General Jerzy Ziętek. There is a lack of its accurate, systematic documentation, which would become a basis for a conservation project. Here, we demonstrate a response to this problem which results in the development of a precise inventory documentation and representation of the investigated object, which is a valuable heritage of post-war modernism architecture. Methodology presented in this paper is based on combination of digital tools such as UAV photogrammetry and HBIM modelling and by adding a rich database obtained through thorough research.

Crowning, rotating, and emanating hierophanies with elevatio aspect in wayside shrines

Abstract My aim in this paper is to investigate the variants of directionality implied in visual hieratic texts as religious markers in the sacrosphere, which are substantially expressed in the form of a wayside shrine/cross. The methodological underpinnings for this project rely on the proposed semiotactics (cf. Haładewicz-Grzelak): the investigative perspective modeled after phonotactics – a branch of phonology investigating the restrictions on and the possibilities of phoneme combinations in languages (cf. Dziubalska-Kołaczyk 2011). The study draws on digital documentation of wayside shrines, crosses, and sacrality markers on houses collected by the author in various European countries (2009–2021), focusing in particular on the material collected in the area of present Slovakia, Ukraine, Austria, Slovenia, and the region of the Beskid Mountains in Poland. It shows how bodily hexis is inscribed into the phenomenology of a wayside shrine through particular types of hierophanic dynamics. The study also focuses on the aspect of headedness and markedness in the nano-structure of a sign, surfacing as directionality in the conceptualization of the religious sphere by particular communities.

Samorząd terytorialny a „strefy wolne od LGBT”

Several dozen of self-governments – municipal and county councils and regional assemblies passed resolutions and declarations against the LGBT ideology. The authors of these documents emphasized the will to protect the family based on traditional values and to defend the education system against LGBT propaganda/ideology. Opponents warned against the stigmatization of non-heteronormative people. The guideline for the above-mentioned documents became the “Local Government Charter of Family Rights”, published in 2019. Signs “LGBT-free zone” have appeared at the entrances to areas administered by self-governments that have adopted such declarations or resolutions. The dispute has become increasingly wide-ranging and has involved the media, the courts, the prosecutor’s office, the Ombudsman, the European Parliament, and the European Commission. The author of this article does not take sides. He merely believes that unnecessary quarrels harms our country. To demonstrate the absurdness of the argument over “LGBT-free zones”, the article refers to: – the selected documents relating to local government (declarations, resolutions, court judgments) and the “Local Government Charter of Family Rights” – generally binding acts of law relating to the self-government, family and educational tasks; – biographies of people (e.g. writers) who should be considered positive in Polish and World history, despite their complicated family life. The selection of the analyzed data can be considered subjective. The author chose the documents of local governments of Małopolska and Beskid Mountains, because he considers the areas managed by them to be very attractive for tourists – he likes to spend holidays in Cracow, Zakopane and Beskid Śląski and Żywiecki, e.g. in Koniaków and Żywiec. The reading list for secondary schools, adopted by the Minister of National Education, determined the selection of writers’ biographies. The choice of the others was determined by the uniqueness of their biographies and the impact on the history of Poland and the world. Finishing work on the article in March 2022, the author consciously introduced the theme of Ukraine.

The border as a resource – new places for tourism development. Evidence from two Carpathian tripoints

Background: The development of cross-border tourism and local resources based on the border has grooving the importance in last decencies. One of the most important tourist attractions on Polish borders are tripoints. This article seeks to discuss changes made, by reference to two border tripoints situated on the junction of Polish, Czech and Slovak borders in the Beskids Mountains and on the junction of Polish, Slovak and Ukraine borders in the Bieszczady Mountains. Material and methods: Analysis of historical, legal and statistical materials as well as cartographic analysis and fieldwork were conducted. Informal discussions and formal in-depth interviews were undertaken with tourists in each of the researched tripoints: informal interviews/discussions with 45 tourists in the tripoint between Poland, Slovakia and Czechia and informal interviews/discussions with 40 tourists in the tripoint between Poland, Slovakia and Ukraine. Results: The tourists reaching tripoints in the Carpathians argued that the places have a great potential for tourism development. They underline great symbolic meanings, possibility to visit three countries in a short time and the importance of the point which is interesting and give an opportunity to take a nice photo. The presented research also exemplifies the concept of a new tourist space beyond traditional tourist destinations. This ensured the status of the tripoint as a resource, a “discovery”, and a curiosity. Conclusions: The border tripoints give great opportunities for the development of tourism. Openness and permeability of borders can determine development on both sides of tourism related to the presence of the border, and offer an opportunity for cross-border attractions to be set up. Tripoints as emerging tourist attractions have appeared in new marketing materials and have the potential to serve as unique border attractions.

Slope aspect and altitude effect on selected soil organic matter characteristics in Beskid Mountains forest soils

Abstract In the era of dynamic climate change, it is important to have knowledge on the interactions between climatic factors and processes occurring in the soil environment. The present study aimed to determine how slope aspect and altitude above sea level influence carbon and nitrogen accumulation and dehydrogenases activity of forest soils. The study was conducted in the Beskid Żywiecki in the south-facing part of Poland. Soils of the same texture, with similar vegetation species composition, in different altitude variants (600, 800, 1000 and 1200 m above sea level) and different north-facing and south-facing slope aspect were selected for the study. For each height and slope aspect variant, samples were collected from the surface horizons of soils for further analyses. The basic chemical properties and dehydrogenases activity of the soil samples were determined. Carbon and nitrogen stocks in the surface horizons of the soils were calculated. The analyses confirmed the influence of location conditions on the carbon and nitrogen stocks in mountain forest soils. The stock of carbon and nitrogen increased with the height up to 1000 m a.s.l. In the soils at the highest altitude, the reserve of carbon and nitrogen decreased regardless of the slope aspect variant. There were no statistically significant differences in carbon and nitrogen stocks between slope aspect variant. The highest dehydrogenases activity was associated with the organic horizons of the soils at the lowest altitude in height gradient. In our study, higher dehydrogenases activity was observed in the north-facing slope soils, and this finding can be explained by more stable thermal conditions.

Air pollution with nitrates as one of the major factors in the chemical composition of water in shallow-supplied mountain springs

The prolonged pressure of air pollutants on ecosystems weakens their resistance and changes the way they function. An example of this phenomenon can be found in the Silesian Beskid Mountains, which have long been influenced by pollutants such as NO3− coming from the Upper Silesia and Ostrava industrial districts. Air pollution containing nitrates has contributed to the spruce stand diebacks in the area. The depositional influence of NO3− can be even greater. NO3− ions accompany precipitation into the region's surface waters and are found in high concentrations in spring water. In this study NO3− concentrations exceeding 5 mg∙dm−3 and 10 mg∙dm−3 were found in 46% and 11% respectively, of 751 samples taken from 98 springs located in the Skrzyczne range. All these springs represented shallow water supply systems, meaning that they were supplied by precipitation only. Vegetation plays a significant role in the NO3− cycle by taking up NO3− ions from underground water to build biomass. In the research area, this process was most efficient in the youngest tree stands. Tree stands younger than 21 years old reduced NO3− concentration in spring water to a median value of 1.95 mg∙dm−3. The factor connected with the NO3− cycle was found to be one of four major factors determining spring water chemistry in the research area and explained from 7.99% to 10.71% of the variability in that chemistry, depending on the measuring session. The other three factors were connected with bedrock and soil weathering (which explained about 50% of the variance), terrain physiography and plant cover (which explained about 15% of variance) and organic matter decomposition (which explained about 8% of the variance).

Central European Variscan Basement in the Outer Carpathians: A Case Study from the Magura Nappe, Outer Western Carpathians, Poland

Exotic crystalline blocks within the Outer Carpathian flysch have the potential to establish the nature of their eroded basement source(s) and thus to reconstruct the paleogeography of the Outer Carpathians. Petrological investigations (including mineral analyses) coupled with zircon and apatite U-Pb dating were performed on an exotic crystalline block within Eocene siliciclastic rocks in the Rača Zone of the Magura Nappe in the Outer Western Carpathians, Poland. This exotic block is a large (c. 1 m diameter) pink porphyritic granitoid block found in the Osielczyk Stream, southeast of Osielec village in the Makowski Beskid mountains. The timing of magmatic crystallization is constrained by a U-Pb zircon age of 315.9 ± 2.6 Ma (MSWD = 0.69), while inherited zircon cores yield Archean (c. 2780 Ma), Cadomian (541.8 ± 6.7 Ma; MSWD = 0.53), Devonian (417 ± 11 Ma; MSWD = 0.57) and Early Variscan (c. 374 Ma) ages. Apatites from the same sample yield a Tera Wasserburg lower intercept U-Pb age of 311.3 ± 7.5 (MSWD = 0.87). The granitoid exhibits geochemical characteristics typical of I-type granites and εNd(316 Ma) = 2.15 (with a TDM model age of 1.18 Ga) and 87Sr/86Sr(316 Ma) = 0.704710. These data suggest a likely source region in the Saxo-Danubian Granite Belt, which possibly formed the basement of the Fore-Magura Ridge.

How border tripoints offer opportunities for transboundary tourism development

Borders have significant potential as tourist attractions, and there are many aspects of unique border locations capable of attracting people’s attention. One such attraction would be the tripoint, i.e. a place where the borders of three different countries meet physically at a single point. One of the newest such features in Europe – where the borders of Poland, Slovakia and Czechia meet in the Beskid Mountains – provides an example of far-reaching border-related changes in the EU, the creativity of local authorities as supported by EU funds, and the creation of a new transboundary meeting space with a strong integration-related identity. It also exemplifies the concept of a new tourist space beyond traditional tourist destinations. The development of tourism at tripoints is modelled ideographically. Spatio-temporal analysis with scalar dimensions shows the spatial relationships between tripoints and tourism development: the central point, the immediate vicinity, the proximal neighborhood (or local zone) and the regional zone. The tripoint examined here supports a proposal for a spatial planning model at tripoints in Europe.

Analysis of the relationship between milk production, milk composition and morphological udder measurements in Wallachian sheep

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of udder measurements for prediction of milk yield, milk components and somatic cell count in non-dairy Wallachian sheep. The study was performed on 38 ewes in the Beskids Mountains kept under extensive management on pasture. Milk production (MILK) as well as samples for milk component and somatic cell count determination were collected during two separate control days (42<sup>nd</sup> day and 100<sup>th</sup> day of lactation on average). Rear udder depth (RUD, cm), udder width (UW, cm), and teat length (TL, mm) were measured at each control day as well. Linear regressions of udder measurement characteristics showed a predictive character ability for MILK only. An increasing of 70 g MILK corresponded with a 1 cm increase of RUD (P < 0.01) or 1 cm increase of UW (P < 0.001). These positive linear relationships were supported by the positive partial correlation analysis between MILK and RUD (r = 0.503; P < 0.001) or MILK and UW (r = 0.627; P < 0.001). An increase of 1 mm TL was associated with a 10 g (P < 0.01) increase of MILK; however, correlations between these traits were not significant. Results of this study demonstrate an alternative way of MILK ability in non-dairy Wallachian sheep population in general. Correlation and regression analysis further estimated this expected potential in detail using udder measurement characteristics. Measurement of RUD and UW could serve as a tool for breeding and flock management in order to maintain and improve milk production; however, there was no obvious evidence for the prediction of milk composition characteristics and somatic cell count.

Yield and Profitability of Crop Production in Mountain Less Favoured Areas

Agricultural production is a crucial part of policy issue in preventing depopulation of mountainous areas across Europe. However, soil and climate conditions are limiting yields and profitability of crop production in these regions. The European Union (EU) subsidizes agriculture in mountains by special payments (Less Favoured Area (LFA) subsidy) when areas match law-specified natural handicaps. This study aims to assess whether LFA subsidy in Poland is sufficient to cover losses caused by lower yields of crops cultivated in a mountainous region of Poland (Low Beskid Mountains in Carpathians) compared to lowland regions (non-LFA areas). The results indicated that LFA subsidy was adequate for crops (facultative wheat, winter wheat, field bean and spring barley) grown in the years 2015–2018.

Geological and geomorphological objects of the Ukrainian Carpathians’ Beskid Mountains and their tourist attractiveness

The article explores the geological and geomorphological objects of the Beskidy Ukrainian Carpathians for the further creation of geo-tourist routes. Geo-tourist areas combining several geological and geomorphological objects and establishments of tourist in- frastructure are highlighted. Among those objects are Urytskyi, Yamelnytskyi, Skolivskyi, Syniovydnenskyi, Kliuch-Kamianka, Bubnyskyi. Geo-attractions of each area are described in detail: the morphological features of the objects, the structure of rocks composing them, the nature of the rocky surface, as well as the historical and cultural events associated with the objects. The estimation of the tourist attractiveness of geological and geomorphological objects within Beskid region of Ukrainian Carpathians is performed. For this purpose, an assessment methodology has been developed. The methodology is based on the following indicators: the number of geological and geomorphological objects, maximum heights, picturesque, spectacular (objects as an overview of the terrain), accessibility, scientific, cognitive, historical and cultural value, tourist infrastructure, popularity (the number of web pages that highlight search results). The attractive geo-objects’ attendance of each district by tourists has been taken into account. It is established that the geological and geomorphological objects of the Urytskyi tourist area of Beskyds are of a greatest at- tractiveness for the geo-tourism’ development (the general indicator of attractiveness is 8.4 points). It has a high historical and cultural value and the highest attendance. The second one is the Bubnyskyi geo-tourist area (7.2 points), where the largest amount of the highest and most spectacular rocks is located. In the third area of a great attractiveness for the development of geo-tourism is Kliuch-Kamianka (6.9 points), within which there is the larger number of various objects than in other regions and the highest online popularity and attendance. The attractiveness of the Skolivskyi geo-tourist district is estimated at 6.6 points. It has seven geo-attractions and is best equipped by the facilities of tourist infrastructure. The attractiveness of the Syniovydnenskyi geo-tourist area’s objects is 5.6 points. There are eight geo-attractions here, including outcrops of high scientific and cognitive value. The attractiveness of the Yamelnytskyi region is 4.0 points. There are many different morphological types of rocks here, but the tourist infrastructure is poorly developed. On the basis of the performed estimation of attractiveness, new geo-tourist hiking, bus and motor-cycle routes, including the described geological and geomorphological attractions of the above-mentioned geo-cultural regions of the Beskids, were proposed.

Spatial diversity of tourist facilities in the Silesian Beskid mountains in Poland

This article proposes a method of the assessment of distribution of tourist facilities. The main aim of presented study is to assess a spatial density of tourist elements. The evaluation of the distribution of tourist facilities in the landscape allows to indicate overloaded areas. The second purpose is the proposition of an indicator measuring the landscape saturation of tourist facilities, i.e. density index developed by the authors. The index, referred to river basin, is based on the ratio of the area of the tourist facilities to the total area of the unit. For the purposes of calculation, the authors developed a framework for the classification of tourist facilities based on its spatial character. The method was examined in the Silesian Beskid mountain range and can be applied in similar mountain areas.

Long-Term Changes in Dwarf Pine (Pinus mugo Turra) Cover and Growth in the Orava Beskid Mountains, Slovakia

Dwarf pine (Pinus mugo Turra) thickets are a substantial land cover in high-elevation mountain ecosystems in Europe, where they fulfill important functions in soil conservation and as wildlife habitat. In many areas across Europe these thickets have rapidly expanded over the past decades because of changing climate and land use, highlighting the need to better understand how species spread relates to growth traits and changing environmental conditions. We quantified changes in dwarf pine cover by elevation on 2 mountains in the Western Carpathians (Central Europe) over 64 years (Babia hora) and 40 years (Pilsko), and we linked them to species growth responses to climate using archival photogrammetry and stem length measurements. We correlated mean growth chronologies with mean monthly temperature and precipitation to assess the main climatic factors driving growth. The total expansion of dwarf pine cover was substantial (28.6% in Babia hora and 57.1% in Pilsko), but the rate of expansion varied with elevation, site, and intra- and interspecific competition. The largest expansion occurred in the open stands of the high elevations (1550–1650 m). Statistically significant positive correlations between growth and temperature were recorded for the most recent growing season and for the preceding growing season. However, despite rising temperatures over time, mean species growth during the last 20 years decreased slightly. The correlation of growth with precipitation was mostly positive but not statistically significant. Thus, the impact of changing climate appeared too weak to overcome other influential factors (eg decline in grazing and intra- and interspecific competition).

Łemkowie — tylko „inni” czy aż „obcy”?

The Lemkos — just others or no less than strangersThe Lemkos are a group of Ruthenian population, whose history is closely linked with that of Poland. Historically, they emerged as a fully distinct ethnographic entity in the Polish Carpathians, that is within the Polish state. The article is an attempt to answer the question: how are the Lemkos perceived by the Poles, who for centuries have constituted their natural social and national milieu? There is no doubt that the Lemkos differ from the Poles in their customs, language and religion. But are they strangers? In the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth the Polish gentry regarded the Ruthenians living in the Commonwealth as part of the Polish community. In the Second Polish Republic they enjoyed all the rights of Polish citizens. Shortly after the war, in 1944–1947, they were forcibly moved by the communist authorities from their little homeland in the Beskid Mountains. Today, as surveys conducted among the Poles show, the Lemkos are a group practically unknown to ordinary Poles.

РЕЛЬЄФ І ПРОСТОРОВА СТРУКТУРА ҐРУНТОВОГО ПОКРИВУ ЛЬВІВСЬКОЇ ОБЛАСТІ

The problem of influence of meso- and macrorelief on the spatial structure of the cover was studied based on the example of Lviv Region. Analysis of relief and correlation was considered at the level of catenae and spatial-structural (soil combinations, associations, variations, varieties). Geomorphological component of Lviv Region was analyzed at the level of below taxa: area, subarea. The study detailed morphogenetic description of the key areas of the plain (Male Polissia, Volyno-Podillia, Roztochchia and Precarpathians) and mountainous (Skybovyi (Outer) and Vododilno-Verkhovynski (Water Divide-Ьountainous) Carpathians) parts of Lviv Region. Accordingly, potential spatial structure of the cover of the region has been analyzed on the basis of medium-scale mapping. As a result of comparison of the meso- and microrelief of the main areas with the cover, its potential spatial structures and dependence on the relief have been substantiated. It was established that for the group of plane-undulating accumulative central Male Polissia regions, pit relief is favorable for the formation of spots and complexes of types. Peripheral denudation-accumulative undulating plains cause formation of catenae of eroded soils, variations of the range-dendrite type of structure combinations. For еру structurally-denuded undulating hills of Volyno-Podillia and Roztochchia, the mesorelief causes the development of the range and range-dendrite forms of combinations of the structure, as well as mosaic combinations expressed in the form of slope catenae. Formation of altitudinal arrangement of combinations is associated with the relief stratification of the Carpathian regions. On the other hand, the disjointed nature of these uplands is favorable for the formation of dendrite variety of the spatial structure of the cover. Mesorelief represented by the residual hills, offshoots, mountain depressions are typical for the mountains of Beskydy (Beskid Mountains) and Vododilno-Verkhovynski geomorphological regions where rocks of varying resistance are widespread. This mesorelief involves the formation of spotted, striped and dendritic forms of mosaics, combinations of varieties of spatial structure of soils. In general, ratio of soil-geographic and zoning at the regional level indicates certain correspondence between the units geomorphological subregion, geomorphological area and taxa soil region, soil district. This correspondence can be illustrated by the example of the map of and zoning of Lviv Region. Key words: relief, soil, zoning, spatial structure, Lviv Region.