MORPHOLOGIC CLASSIFICATION OF THE BESKIDS ROCKS IN THE UKRAINIAN CARPATHIANS

Abstract

The article deals with morphological classification of the sandstone rocks in the Ukrainian Carpathians Beskids. By the methods of field measurements and mathematical computations the rock peaks heights, their shape, basement lengths and strata thickness have been calculated. The highest rock peaks in the Beskids amounts 32–37 m. The classification from the morphological point of view on the base of rock forms studying has been done. All rocks are divided in two classes: the rocks-outliers and the rocks-outcrops. Among the rocks-outliers 4 types are defined: spire-shaped, chain-shaped, arc-shaped and combined. Spire-shaped rocks are divided into subtypes: tower, spoke and needle. Among the chain-shaped rocks 3 subtypes are defined: wall, bloc and slab. The rocks of combined form are divided into subtypes: 1) with defined form – those of the rocks which are similar to certain objects and 2) undefined forms (cliffs). Among the rocks-outcrops three types are defined: cliff-shaped, canyon-shaped and angular ones. The class of rocks-outliers occurs most often. Among the types the rocks-towers occur most often. They dominate in the rock formations of Urych, Yamelnytsia and Bubnyshche. Many bloc-shaped and plate-shaped rocks are located on the Kliuch Ridge, in Bubnys’ki Rocks, Yamelnytsia. There are rocks-walls of 50–60 m in Urych and Yamelnytsia. The longest rock-wall in Danylov tract near Yamelnytsia has been investigated. Its length is 150 m and height is 17 m. Some needle and spoke rocks are situated in Bubnys’ki Rocks (Odinets’ Rock, Golets’ Rock) and Urych (Hostryi Kamin’ (Sharp Stone) Rock. Unique types are very rare. For instance: Bronenosets’ Rock in Bubnys’ki Rocks (this rock has shape of sail), Sokil (Falcon) Rock in the Kliuch Ridge, mushroom-shaped rock in Yamelnytsia. There is also unique arc-rock in the Kliuch Ridge. In the class of rocks-outcrops the types of cliff and canyon occur equally. The angular-shaped rocks are rarer. The cliff-shaped rocks are situated near Sokolova Mountain, Pozhernytsia Mountain and Kniazhi (Princes) Rocks near Tyshivnytsia. Unique rocks-canyons, the effects of tectonic breaking and gravity-erosion processes, occur on the Kliuch Ridge. The worked out morphological classification of rocks can be used by ascertaining features of rock morphogenesis with education and scientific purposes as well as by assessment of safety level and protection possibilities. Morphological types of the rocks can be considered as valuable objects of geomorphologic heritage and attractions for geo-tourism. Key words: rocks; morphology type of the rock; rock shape; Beskids of Ukrainian Carpathians.