1 Department of Geography, „Ștefan cel Mare” University of Suceava, Romania
DOI:
10.4316/GEOREVIEW.2013.22.1.66
Pages:
18 - 29
Abstract:
Suhard Mts., part of the Northern Carpathians, stretch over an
area of 323 sq km, in the shape of a northwest-oriented ridge. This massif is
composed of crystalline schists (meso- and epimetamorphic), as well as
sedimentary rocks pertaining to the trans-Carpathian flysch deposits (i.e.
various types of sandstone, conglomerates and marls) in the southwestern
sector. Whereas this region is characterized by the occurrence of a wide
range of carbonate rocks, we noted the scarcity of karst forms. Geological
survey maps of the area indicate the occurrence of few folded structures;
moreover, the massif is mostly part of an ample anticline whereby the axis
underlies the valley of Bistrita Aurie river, accompanied by a large syncline
underlying Cosna river valley (tributary of Dorna river). The prevalence of
crystalline rocks within this anticlinorium results in the overall massif shape
of these mountains (hence, the name), which is the foundation for the detail
structural and lithological relief forms. The array of structural relief forms
includes structural plateaus on sedimentary and crystalline carbonate rocks,
and steep slopes in the form of both hogbacks and overthrust scarps. The
lithological relief occurs primarily as a result of the contrasting chemical
composition of various crystalline rocks, whereas sedimentary rocks seldomgenerate such forms and solely when favored by the structure, as well. Consequently, carbonate rocks are rather discrete and only stand out in the
form of clints (lapies) and gorges, or hums. As regards the matter of
denudation surfaces, which has proved rather difficult to solve, we were able
to determine the presence of an erosion surface ranging from 1200-1300 mto 1500-1600 m, wherein neotectonics played a significant role by
fragmenting the original surface, particularly in the northwestern sector,
where its fragments descend in the shape of consecutive steps towards
Rotunda saddle. Periglacial modeling of the relief resulted in a variety of
forms of both erosion (scarps, ridges, hums) and accumulation (scree)
located in the highest areas, particularly along the main ridge (summit).