Application of Morphometric Indices on Železné Hory Mts. Fault (Central Bohemian Massif; Czechia) to Assess its Neotectonic Activity
| Autoři | |
|---|---|
| Rok publikování | 2026 |
| Druh | Recenzovaný odborný článek |
| Časopis / Zdroj | Acta Geodynamica et Geomaterialia |
| Citace | |
| www | https://www2.irsm.cas.cz/index_en.php?page=acta_detail_doi&id=574 |
| Doi | https://doi.org/10.13168/AGG.2026.0006 |
| Klíčová slova | Asymmetry; Bohemian Massif; Geomorphology; Longitudinal profiles; Morphometric indexes; Mountain front sinuosity; Strahler hypsometric integral; Tectonics; Thrust; Železné Hory Mts |
| Přiložené soubory |
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| Popis | The Železné hory Mountains, a highland region within the central Bohemian Massif in Czechia, are bordered to the southwest by a prominent 70 km-long fault formed through Cenozoic thrust tectonics. Along this fault—known as the Železné hory Fault—the crystalline bedrock has been thrust over Cretaceous sediments, forming a sharp and distinct geological boundary. Despite its pronounced geomorphological expression, the fault has traditionally been considered inactive, largely due to a lack of detailed observations and focused research. To evaluate its potential neotectonic activity during the Late Cenozoic, we applied a range of geomorphometric indices, including the Strahler hypsometric integral, asymmetry factor (AI), mountain-front sinuosity (Smf), and stream-gradient index (SL). High-resolution digital elevation models and topographic maps were used to analyze fault scarp morphology and to assess the drainage network, a commonly sensitive indicator of tectonic deformation. The results suggest spatial variability in tectonic influence, with different indices highlighting distinct areas of potential activity. Through cross-comparison, we identified several locations as promising candidates for further field investigation. Notably, the Počátecký Valley exhibits consistently high values across multiple indices, while the Bumbálka Valley features a pronounced knickpoint along its longitudinal profile within the fault zone. |