Landscapes and Landforms of Austria

Series Editor’s Preface
Preface
Contents
Editor and Contributors
Introduction to the Physical Geography of Austria
1 Geological and Tectonic Setting of Austria
Abstract
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Palaeogeographic and Plate Tectonic Evolution
1.3 Description of the Major Geologic Units
1.3.1 Units in the Foreland of the Alps
1.3.1.1 Pre-Variscan and Variscan Metamorphosed Basement
1.3.1.2 Carboniferous to Cretaceous Sediments and Autochthonous Molasse
1.3.2 Units in the Alps
1.3.2.1 Allochthonous Molasse and Units Derived from the European Continental Margin
1.3.2.2 Nappes Derived from the Penninic Oceanic Realm
1.3.2.3 Nappes Derived from the Adriatic Terrane
1.3.2.4 Slices Derived from the Neotethys Oceanic Realm
1.3.2.5 Eocene to Miocene Magmatism
1.3.2.6 Oligocene and Neogene Basins Within the Alps
1.4 Mantle Structure Beneath the Eastern Alps
1.5 Evolution of the Landscape
References
2 Geomorphological Landscape Regions of Austria
Abstract
2.1 Introduction: Defining the Geomorphological Landscape Units of Austria
2.1.1 Geological Units of Austria
2.1.2 Relief Types
2.1.3 Geomorphological Landscape Regions
2.2 Bohemian Massif
2.3 Forelands
2.3.1 Northern Alpine and Carpathian Foreland
2.3.2 Southeastern Foreland
2.3.3 Vienna Basin
2.4 Alps
2.4.1 Northern Alps
2.4.1.1 Northern Prealps
2.4.1.2 Northern Calcareous Alps
2.4.2 Central Alps
2.4.2.1 Greywacke Zone (and Similar Units)
2.4.2.2 Crest of the Central Alps
2.4.2.3 Inner-Alpine Basins
2.4.3 Southern Alps
References
3 The Imprint of Quaternary Processes on the Austrian Landscape
Abstract
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Quaternary—Definitions, Subdivision, Stratigraphic Frame and Principles
3.3 Climatic Pacemaker
3.4 Tectonic Influence
3.5 Chronology of the Quaternary Landscape Development in Austria
3.5.1 Early Pleistocene (2.58–0.78 Ma)
3.5.2 Middle Pleistocene (781–130 ka)
3.6 Climatically Controlled Processes from the Last Interglacial-Glacial Cycle to the Present Day
3.6.1 The Last Interglacial and the Early Würm
3.6.2 Middle and Late Würm
3.6.2.1 Mis 4
3.6.2.2 MIS 3 and Transition to the Würm Pleniglacial (LGM)
3.6.2.3 Alpine Lateglacial (MIS 2)
3.6.3 Holocene
3.7 Legacy of Quaternary Processes
References
4 River and Valley Landscapes
Abstract
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Hydrology of Rivers
4.2.1 Brief Hydro-Climatological Characterization of Austria
4.2.2 Hydrology and Runoff Regimes in Austria
4.2.3 Floods and River Engineering Measures
4.3 The River Network
4.3.1 Catchment Areas
4.3.2 Causal Processes for the Development of Austria’s River Pattern
4.3.3 The Course of the Danube River
4.4 Valley Shapes and Valley Sediment Fills
4.4.1 Valley Types and Their Spatial Distribution
4.4.2 Valley Sediment Fills and Their Relevance for Water Supply
References
5 Karst Landscapes in Austria
Abstract
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Surface Karst Features
5.3 Caves
5.4 Karst Landscapes
5.4.1 High Alpine Karst Regions in the Austro-Alpine, South Alpine, and Helvetic Units
5.4.1.1 Northern Calcareous Alps
5.4.1.2 Helvetic Units
5.4.1.3 Southern Calcareous Alps
5.4.2 Central Eastern Alps
5.4.2.1 The Local Occurrence of Karst in High Alpine Penninic Units (Seidlwinkeltrias)
5.4.2.2 Marble Stripe Karst at the Mur Spring
5.4.2.3 Central Styrian Karst
5.4.3 Alpine Forelands and Neogene Basins
5.4.3.1 Vienna Basin
5.4.3.2 Styrian Basin
5.4.4 Bohemian Massif
5.5 Human-Karst Interaction
5.5.1 Water Supply
5.5.2 Destruction of Karst Landscapes
5.5.3 Gypsum Karst
5.5.4 Show Caves
5.5.5 Value of Karst and Cave Research
References
6 Geomorphic Hazards in Austria
Abstract
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Characteristics of Hazards and Their Distribution in Austria
6.2.1 River Flooding
6.2.2 Torrential Flooding
6.2.3 Gravitational Mass Movements
6.2.4 Snow Avalanches
6.2.5 Soil Erosion
6.2.6 Glacier Hazards
6.2.7 Permafrost
6.2.8 Seismic Hazards
6.3 Consequences of Geomorphic Hazards
References
7 Geoheritage, Geotourism and Landscape Protection in Austria
Abstract
7.1 Introduction
7.1.1 Geotourism and Geoheritage
7.1.2 Nature and Geoheritage Protection in Austria
7.2 Places to Visit in Order to Get to Know Austria’s Geoheritage
7.2.1 National Parks
7.2.2 Nature Parks
7.2.3 Natural Monuments (Geotopes)
7.2.4 Geoparks
7.2.5 Thematic Trails
7.3 Management and Challenges of Geotourism
7.4 Conclusions
References
Geomorphic Hotspots of High Scenic Quality and/or High Scientific Interest
8 Granite Tors of the Waldviertel Region in Lower Austria
Abstract
8.1 Introduction
8.2 Geological and Geomorphological Setting
8.2.1 Basement Geology
8.2.2 General Relief
8.2.3 Two Contrasting Scenarios of Long-Term Geomorphic Evolution
8.3 Granite Tors and Boulders
8.3.1 Tor Typology
8.3.2 Castle Koppies
8.3.3 Pedestal and Balanced Rocks
8.3.4 Monoliths and Boulder Clusters
8.3.5 Cliffs
8.4 Minor Surface Features
8.4.1 Flared Slopes
8.4.2 Weathering Pits
8.4.3 Karren and Rills
8.4.4 Pseudobedding
8.5 Kogelsteine—Unique Geosite at the Eastern Margin of the Bohemian Massif
8.6 Cultural Granite Landscape
8.7 Final Remarks
Acknowledgements
References
9 Deeply Incised Valley Meanders of the Bohemian Massif
Abstract
9.1 Introduction
9.2 Geographical and Geological Setting
9.2.1 Location, Climate, Hydrology and Land Use History of the Study Sites
9.2.2 Geology and Geomorphic Evolution
9.3 Deeply Incised Valley Meanders: Hotspot Examples
9.3.1 Deeply Incised Valley Meanders and Related Landforms in the Thaya Valley
9.3.2 Deeply Incised Valley Meanders and Other Landforms in the Kamp and Krems Valleys
9.4 Cultural and Natural Values, Tourism Attractiveness and Environmental Problems of the Thayatal National Park
9.4.1 Conclusions
References
10 Wachau World Heritage Site: A Diverse Riverine Landscape
Abstract
10.1 Introduction
10.2 Geographical Setting
10.2.1 Climatic Conditions
10.2.2 Basement Geology and Rock Landforms
10.2.3 Development of the Wachau Danube Valley
10.2.4 Quaternary Environment
10.3 Cultural Landscape Wachau
10.3.1 Archaeological Heritage
10.3.2 Vines and Apricots: Development of a Picturesque Agricultural Landscape
10.3.3 Protection and Management of the Cultural Heritage
10.4 Natural Hazards in the Wachau
10.4.1 Floods
10.4.2 Rockfalls
10.5 Conclusion
References
11 Sunken Roads and Palaeosols in Loess Areas in Lower Austria: Landform Development and Cultural Importance
Abstract
11.1 Loess and Loess Landscapes in Lower Austria
11.1.1 Origin, Characteristics and Distribution
11.1.2 Loess Landscapes and Their Morphology
11.2 Sunken Roads
11.2.1 Landform Development
11.2.2 Characteristics of Sunken Roads in Lower Austria (Weinviertel)
11.2.3 Cultural Importance of Sunken Roads
11.3 Palaeosols in the Wagram Area Between Krems and Stockerau
11.4 Summary
References
12 The Danube Floodplain National Park: A Fluvial Landscape with Expiration Date?
Abstract
12.1 Geographical and Geological Setting
12.2 Fluvial Morphology Prior to Channelization
12.3 Human Modifications of the River Landscape
12.4 Current Situation and River Restoration
12.5 Conclusion
References
13 Lake Neusiedl Area: A Particular Lakescape at the Boundary Between Alps and Pannonian Basin
Abstract
13.1 Introduction
13.2 Geodynamical Setting
13.3 Geomorphological Units
13.3.1 Leitha Mountains
13.3.2 Rust Hills
13.3.3 Parndorf Plateau
13.3.4 Hanság/Waasen (Former) Wetlands
13.3.5 Seewinkel
13.4 Lake Neusiedl
13.4.1 Origin of Lake Neusiedl
13.4.2 Age of Lake Neusiedl
13.4.3 Palaeohydrology of Lake Neusiedl
13.4.4 Geomorphological Features Related to Lake Neusiedl
13.5 Seewinkel Lakescape
13.5.1 Formation of the Shallow Lakes and Enclosed Depressions
13.6 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
14 Quaternary Landforms and Sediments in the Northern Alpine Foreland of Salzburg and Upper Austria
Abstract
14.1 Introduction
14.2 A Brief Review of Quaternary Research in the Alpine Foreland
14.3 Palaeorelief of the Miocene-Pliocene Landscape of Salzburg and Upper Austria
14.4 Glacial and Glaciofluvial Sediments Along the Salzach Foreland Glacier
14.5 Glacial and Glaciofluvial Sediments Along the Traun Glacier
14.5.1 The Western Branches of the Traun Glacier
14.5.2 The Eastern Branch of the Traun Glacier
14.6 Glaciofluvial and Alluvial River Terraces North of the Terminal Moraines of the Quaternary Foreland Glaciers
14.6.1 The Terrace System of the “Traun-Enns-Platte”
14.6.2 Terrace Systems Near the Salzach-Inn-Confluence
14.7 Glacial Heritage and Human Activity
References
15 The Walgau: A Landscape Shaped by Landslides
Abstract
15.1 Introduction
15.2 Environmental Setting
15.2.1 Geology
15.2.2 Land Cover and Socio-Economic Setting
15.2.3 Climatic Conditions
15.3 Landscape Development and the Role of Landslides in the Walgau
15.4 Historic and Recent Landslide Processes
15.4.1 Large Scale Landslides
15.4.2 Recent Shallow Landslides at the Walserkamm
15.4.3 Landslides Within a Multi-dimensional Perspective
15.5 Future Challenges
15.5.1 Climate and Environmental Changes
15.5.2 Human Impact and Socio-Economic Developments
References
16 Fluvial Geomorphology and River Restoration: Tiroler Lech Nature Park
Abstract
16.1 Introduction
16.2 River Management: From Regulation to Restoration
16.3 The Lech River and Its History
16.3.1 General Characteristics
16.3.2 Flood Disasters and River Regulation
16.4 Restoration of the Lech River and Associated Challenges
16.5 Conclusions
References
17 The World Heritage Site Hallstatt-Dachstein/Salzkammergut: A Fascinating Geomorphological Field Laboratory
Abstract
17.1 Introduction
17.2 The Inner Salzkammergut—A Favorite Destination for Geoscientists
17.3 The Dachstein Massif
17.3.1 The Oldest Landscape of the Eastern Alps on Top of a Mountain
17.3.2 Karst Geomorphology and Hydrology—Large Ice Caves and an Impressive Karst Spring
17.3.3 The Dachstein massif—A Cradle of Research in Glacial Geomorphology
17.4 The Gosau Valley
17.4.1 A Fossil Coral Reef and a Magnificent View
17.4.2 The Gosau Formation: The Cretaceous–Paleogene Boundary, a Giant Sackung, and Debris Flows
17.5 Around Lake Hallstatt to Bad Goisern and Bad Aussee
17.5.1 Glacial Imprint in the Root Zone of the Former Traun Glacier
17.5.2 The Geomechanical System “Hard on Soft Rocks” and Its Regional Geomorphological Relevance
17.5.3 The Koppenschlucht Bottleneck
17.6 Tourism in the Inner Salzkammergut—Difficulties and Future Perspectives
References
18 Gesäuse: River Gorge, Limestone Massifs and Sediment Cascades
Abstract
18.1 Introduction
18.2 Geographical and Geological Setting
18.2.1 Lithology, Stratigraphy and Relief
18.2.2 Quaternary Glaciation
18.3 Morphogenesis of the Macrorelief Structures
18.3.1 Remnants of Ancient Relief
18.3.2 Hypotheses on the Development of the Enns Gorge
18.4 Research on Current Geomorphological Processes
18.5 Geomorphology and Socio-economic Activities
18.6 Conclusions
References
19 The Rax Karst massif: A Typical Plateau of the Northern Calcareous Alps?
Abstract
19.1 Study Area
19.2 Palaeosurfaces and Augenstein Formation
19.3 Karst Features
19.3.1 Dolines
19.3.2 Karren
19.3.3 Caves and Subsurface Drainage
19.4 Anthropogenic Modifications
19.5 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
20 Montafon: Geodiversity and Human Impact
Abstract
20.1 Geographical Setting
20.2 Geology
20.2.1 General Setting
20.2.2 Geological Thematic Trail
20.3 Geomorphology
20.4 Concluding Remarks
References
21 Giant “Bergsturz” Landscapes in the Tyrol
Abstract
21.1 Introduction
21.2 Geological Setting and Geomorphological Features
21.3 Temporal Patterns and Possible Triggers
21.4 Ecological Implications
21.5 Implications for the Cultural Landscape and Society
21.6 Conclusions
References
22 The Upper Ötz Valley: High Mountain Landscape Diversity and Long Research Tradition
Abstract
22.1 Introduction
22.2 Geographical Setting
22.3 Long Research Tradition and Test Site for New Monitoring Approaches
22.4 Key Sites
22.4.1 Gurgl and Rotmoos Valley—Glacier History and Glacier Forefields
22.4.2 Gurgl Valley—Hochebenkar Rock Glacier
22.4.3 Rofen Valley—Large Glaciers and Natural Disasters in the Past
22.5 Additional Aspects High Alpine Landscape and Human Interaction
22.6 Outlook
References
23 The Moraine at Trins and the Alpine Lateglacial
Abstract
23.1 Introduction
23.2 The Stadials
23.3 The Moraine Landscape at Trins
23.4 The Age of the Gschnitz Stadial
23.5 Glaciological and Climatological Characteristics
23.6 Gschnitz Moraines Elsewhere
23.7 Conclusions
References
24 The Krimml Waterfalls in the Hohe Tauern National Park
Abstract
24.1 Introduction
24.2 Geographical and Geological Setting
24.3 Waterfalls: Introduction and Peculiarities in the Krimml Area
24.3.1 The Krimml Waterfalls
24.3.2 The Sulzbach and Gamseck Fall in the Adjacent Tauern Valleys
24.4 Initiation and Development of the Waterfalls in the Northern Hohe Tauern
24.5 The Economic and Cultural Values of the Krimml Waterfalls—The Waterfall Areas as Geomorphosites
24.6 Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
25 Großglockner and Pasterze Glacier: Landscape Evolution at Austria’s Highest Summit and Its Neighbouring Glacier System
Abstract
25.1 Introduction
25.2 Großglockner and Pasterze Glacier as Part of the Hohe Tauern Range
25.2.1 Overview of Geology, Relief and Climate
25.2.2 Pasterze Glacier
25.3 Glacial History
25.3.1 Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and Lateglacial Advances
25.3.2 Holocene Glacial History Prior to the Little Ice Age Maximum
25.3.3 Monitoring of Glacier Retreat Since 1879
25.4 Paraglacial Processes
25.5 The Future of the Pasterze Glacier
25.5.1 Increasing Debris Cover of the Glacier Tongue
25.5.2 From a Valley Glacier to Several Cirque Glaciers
25.5.3 The Importance of Future Changes for Tourism and Hazards
25.6 Conclusions
References
26 Gorges and Slots in Western Carinthia: Their Development and Importance as Geomorphosites
Abstract
26.1 Introduction
26.2 Geographical and Geological Setting
26.3 Gorges and Slots—Their Characteristics in the Alpine Area of Western Carinthia
26.3.1 Preamble: The Difficulties of a Confounded Terminology
26.3.2 The Ragga Slot, Kreuzeck Mountains
26.3.3 The Gaisloch Gorge, Gailtal Alps
26.3.4 The Garnitzen Gorge, Carnic Alps
26.4 Initiation and Development
26.5 Gorges as Natural Monuments and Geosites
26.6 Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
27 Rock Glaciers in the Austrian Alps: A General Overview with a Special Focus on Dösen Rock Glacier, Hohe Tauern Range
Abstract
27.1 Introduction
27.2 Density and Distribution of Rock Glaciers in the Austrian Alps
27.3 Dösen Rock Glacier
27.3.1 Geographical Setting of the Rock Glacier
27.3.2 Geomorphology of the Rock Glacier
27.3.3 Climate and Ground Temperature Conditions at the Rock Glacier
27.3.4 Kinematics of the Rock Glacier
27.3.5 Estimation of Rock Glacier Age
27.3.6 Experiencing the Dösen Rock Glacier
27.4 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
28 The Ore of the Alps UNESCO Global Geopark (Salzburg) Geosites and Geotourism
Abstract
28.1 Introduction
28.2 Geographical Setting
28.2.1 Geology
28.2.2 Quaternary History
28.2.3 Climatic Conditions
28.3 Features of the Geopark: Valuable Ores, Mining History and Landscape Experience
28.3.1 Geology of the Ore Mineralization
28.3.2 Mining, Use of Regional Resources Since the Bronze Age
28.3.3 Geomorphological Key Sites in the Geopark
28.4 Goals and Challenges of the Geopark
28.4.1 Geotourism in the Alps—A New Quality
28.4.2 Recent Landscape Degradation
28.5 Conclusions
References
29 The Variability and Uniqueness of Cirque Landscapes in the Schladminger Tauern
Abstract
29.1 Geographical Setting
29.2 Review of Ideas on Cirque Formation
29.3 A Survey of the Schladminger Tauern Cirques: Methods
29.3.1 Geomorphometry and Allometry
29.3.2 Data Sources and Definition of Morphometric Variables
29.4 A Survey of the Schladminger Tauern Cirques: Results
29.4.1 Comparison with Other Cirque Landscapes
29.4.2 Size-Shape Interrelations, or Allometric Versus Isometric Cirque Development
29.4.3 The Influence of Aspect or Asymmetry Versus Symmetry in Cirque Distribution
29.5 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
30 The Erzberg Area: A Mining Landscape in Styria
Abstract
30.1 Introduction
30.2 Geographical Setting
30.3 The Impact of Mining on Forests
30.3.1 Forest Exploitation for Charcoal Production
30.3.2 Log Transportation Structures Enabling Large-Scale Clear-Cutting
30.3.3 Forest Inspections and the Forest Volumes
30.3.4 Geomorphic Effects of Deforestation
30.4 Man-Made Landforms
30.5 Conclusions
30.6 Recommendations for Visiting the Mining Landscape of the Erzberg Area
References
31 Dobratsch: Landslides and Karst in Austria’s Southernmost Nature Park
Abstract
31.1 Introduction
31.2 Tectonic and Geological Setting
31.3 The Landslides
31.3.1 History of Research
31.3.2 Landslide Susceptibility of the Dobratsch Massif
31.3.3 Landslide Chronology
31.3.4 Effects of the Landslides
31.4 Karst Features
31.5 Dobratsch Massif and Humans
31.6 Conclusions
Acknowledgements
References
32 Klagenfurt Basin: A Large Basin in the Alps
Abstract
32.1 Introduction
32.2 Geographical and Geological Setting
32.2.1 Topographical Overview and Subdivision
32.2.2 Tectonic Processes and Geomorphological Development
32.2.3 Glaciation During the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)
32.3 Diversity of Landforms
32.3.1 Overview
32.3.2 Evolution and Distribution of Lakes
32.3.3 Drainage Pattern at the Northern Edge of the Basin
32.3.4 The Sattnitz Plateau
32.3.5 Example of a Subbasin: Krappfeld
32.4 Conclusions
References
33 Geomorphological Evidence of Past Volcanic Activity in the Southeast of Austria
Abstract
33.1 Introduction
33.2 Study Region
33.3 Geological History
33.3.1 Basin Development Since the Miocene
33.3.2 Miocene Volcanic Period
33.3.3 Late Miocene to Pleistocene Volcanic Period
33.4 The Visual Legacy of the Volcanic and Erosional History
33.4.1 The Role of Erosion and Denudation
33.4.2 The Anthropogenic Influence on Volcanic Landforms
33.4.3 Visible and Obscured Volcanic Remnants
33.4.3.1 General Conditions
33.4.3.2 Morphometric Analysis of Selected Volcanic Remnants
33.5 Conclusions
References
Index