Carpathian Journal of Earth and Environmental Sciences

For the investigated area, located in the Novohradské hory Mts. (South Bohemia), cryogenic forms built by granite are characterize and are forming a unique relief in the Czech Republic. Study site Mt. Kamenec (1 072 m a.s.l.) is distinguished by high density of manifold cryogenic forms. Detailed geomorphological mapping with using GPS instrument was utilized for research and geomorphological inventory, the geomorphological map of the study locality was elaborated. Within cryogenic forms, basic destructive and accumulative forms were mapped - tors (9), frost cliffs (10), peak castle coppies, rock wall, block field, debris heap and small weathering forms (rock ledges, rock basins ). Main destructive granite forms are conditioned by activities of cryogenic weathering and structural-tectonic character (jointing and foliation) of granite. One hundred sixty-six joint measurements were performed in the interested area. It was found, that prevailing orientations of joints are ENE-WSW and NW-SE, this found directions correspond to the main tectonic directions in the Bohemian Massif and at the same time determine the basic shaping of the destructive granite forms. The observed quantity, quality and representativeness of cryogenic forms led to the declaration of the site Mt. Kamenec as the geologically important site within the system of geologically important sites registered by the Czech Geological Survey. A proposal of declaration of the site Mt. Kamenec as a natural monument was also submitted to the Ministry of the Environment of the Czech Republic. The using of geomorphological inventory has led to new findings in landscape micro- and mezo- landforms at localities that have been prior to 1989 for obvious reasons inaccessible to any form of scientific research.