3. Study Area

Developed as the most extended and contorted sector of the European Alpine System, the Carpathians represent a complex natural environment whose present-day morphology is marked by active human intervention. Their limits and subdivisions were subjected to numerous geomorphic classifications, meant to separate heterogeneous units characterized by common lithological, structural or geomorphic traits. The longest sector of this European mountain range is in Romania, containing up to 40.9 % of the total Carpathian surface and 27.8 % of the country’s territory. In response to a complex process of orogeny, outlined by polycyclic uplift-denudation sequences, the Romanian Carpathians Chain reflects in its morphology, morphometry and morphodynamic patterns, the litho-structural conditioning. The general physiographic disposition of the chain and the local morphometry, imposed by the folded and faulted igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary deposits, are conditioning the hydrological, climatic and biologic characteristics in terms of horizontal and vertical zonation, as well as in the temporal distribution of composing agents, processes and forms.