LANDSLIDES AND THE INCORRECT INTERPRETATION OF GEOLOGICAL STRUCTURE – EXAMPLES FROM THE SUDETY MOUNTAINS

Abstract

Despite the relatively large number of individual landslides recognized and described over the last several years from the Sudety (Sudetes) Mountains (Lower Silesia, SW Poland), most of the papers focused on the geomorphological characterisation of these forms. This paper presents the results of geological and geomorphological mapping of individual landslides, recognized within three geological units: the Wleń Graben (Northsudetic Synclinorium), the Łączna Elevation (Intrasudetic Synclinorium) and the Glinno Graben (Sowie Mountains Block). Particular attention has been paid to the role of the geological structure in the initiation and development of mass movements as well as the degree of transformation of the planar, structural elements (bedding planes, joints, faults) of the landslide bedrock. The results of geological mapping and geomorphometric analysis with a basis in Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) show that the structural measurements carried out in the past within previously unrecognized landslides were probably the main reason for incorrect interpretations of the geology of the areas investigated.