The structural control of the Mroczna Cave development on the slopes of Mt Kornuty (the Flysch Carpathians, Beskid Niski Mts)

Abstract

: The Mroczna Cave is one of the longest caves in the Beskid Niski Mts., located on the south-western slopes of Mt Kornuty, along the main scarp of the landslide. According to the geomechanical criterion, it is dilation cave, where extension has played a major role. Morphotectonic analysis indicates that the main gravitational movement was of a toppling nature but there were also rotation around the vertical axis as well as a backward rota- tion. The relatively large cave depth (15.5 m) and its shape (cross-section of its passages) indicate that it was formed along a new gravitational cutting surface of the rock massif, associated with joint sets.