15. Krkonoše Mountains: A Case Study of Polygenetic Relief

The Krkonoše Mts—the most elevated terrain in the Czech Republic—have been studied by German, Czech and Polish geomorphologists since the second half of the nineteenth century and in terms of geomorphology belong to the best investigated mountain ranges in Europe. The studies have focused on glacial and periglacial landforms and brought new findings, also in connection with the representation of landforms so far known only from subarctic locations. However, the main features of the range are genetically connected with protracted planation, neotectonic uplift and structural control exerted on the course of weathering, erosion and slope development. Therefore, the most characteristic landforms are extensive water divide planation surfaces, granite tors, deeply incised valleys, pointed ridges and peaks built of resistant hornfels of contact zone. The history of relief development goes back to at least the Late Cretaceous, with neotectonic uplift affecting the area in the Neogene and Quaternary. During the Pleistocene more than 10 glaciers existed in the summit parts, up to 5 km in length. Geomorphic legacy of glaciation includes cirques, U-shaped valleys, lateral and frontal moraines. Steep slopes of cirques and valleys are frequently modelled by debris flows, triggered by heavy rainfall. In the most recent times multiple human activities, mainly mining and agriculture, have modified geomorphology of the area.