Seasonal and spatial variability of morphodynamic of slopes within snow avalanche starting zones in the Tatra Mountains

Abstract

Abstract. The paper aims to examine morphodynamic of slopes within the snow avalanche starting zones in the Tatras. The analysis of mophodynamic is based on results of four years monitoring of slope surface changes at 8 study sites. It is focused on comparison of slopes activity in the winter and summer seasons. The results of the study were examined taking in the consideration meteorological conditions during the study period and the relief. It was found that relief in the Tatras favours snow avalanche occurring. In the period without snow avalanches secular morphogenetic processes modified slopes within the snow avalanche starting zones. As a result, the material of the slope covers were triggered and moved in a chaotic and random manner, as well as accumulated. The sites of erosion and accumulation of material are varied in time and space within the snow avalanche starting zones. Generally, erosion is the main effect of secular morphogenetic processes.

Keywords

• avalanche starting zone, slope morphodynamic, seasonal differentiation, spatial differentiation, Tatra Mountains