deep-seated gravitational slope deformations, hypsometry, morphometric analysis, geology, Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

We examined general morphometric, lithological and tectonic controls on deep-seated gravitational slope deformations (DSGSDs) in the Slovak part of the Tatra Mountains. In the field and on aerial photos, we mapped a total of 304 of linear topographical displays (tension cracks, graben-like troughs, counter-scarps, double-crested ridges) of DSGSDs in the study area. We used standard GIS tools to get statistics of the selected morphometric parameters and geological characteristics for the topographical displays of DSGSDs (analysed lines). Results show, that analysed lines occur mainly in magmatic and metamorphic rocks in the altitudes from 1800 to 1950 m a. s. l. with prevailing height above the nearest valley floor of 300-400 m. Most of the analysed lines occur on the south-west oriented slopes in the areas with mean slope ranging between 27°-31°. They are predominantly placed in convex parts of the relief. We did not find any concordance comparing azimuths of tectonic lines and analysed lines in different distance buffers. Frequency distributions of selected parameters for the analysed lines do not match the frequency distributions for the study area. Considering this, we can assume that there exists a causal relationship between height field distribution and the origin of DSGSDs. It seems that the general tectonical fabric of the study area has no influence on the directing of the analysed DSGSDs topographical displays but they preferably evolve in hard and rigid rocks.