Geomorphic evolution of the mountain front of the Sudetes between Dobromierz and Paszowice and adjacent areas, with particular reference to the fluvial systems

Abstract

The morphology of the marginal part of the Sudetes between Dobromierz and Paszowice reflects above all lithological and structural differences within bedrock. Major landforms include watershed surfaces of low relief, monadnocks and intramontane basins. Drainage pattern changes were associated with the decay of the early Saalian (Odranian) ice-sheet, whilst stages of further development of fluvial systems are well documented by multiple terrace levels. The mountain front of the Sudetes, genetically related to the Sudetic Marginal Fault, is only up to 100 m high and overall strongly degraded. In contrast to southern sectors of the Sudetic mountain front, active Quaternary tectonics played minor part in the landscape development.