abandoned mines, processes, forms, slate mines, Nízký Jeseník Upland

The Nízký Jeseník Upland is an area known for deep mining and clayey slate processing. In this area, around 100 old and abandoned mines have been preserved until the recent time, which demonstrates quite extensive mining in the past. A frequent problem connected with disused and derelict mines is a lack of information, such as documents, maps or proportions.These mines may present future geohazards for urban residences and grounds located abovethem. Thus, it is increasingly important to investigate them.The aim of recently conducted research is to locate the individual mines and describe them from a geomorphic point of view. The main factors underlying the various phenomena in mines are follows: (i) techniques of historical mining, (ii) influence of tectonic forces, (iii) weathering and (iv) gravitational processes. It is also important to describe superficial processes and geomorphological forms associated with the development of mines, such as dumps, collapsed pits or stope. Conclusions my study are follows. In the individual mines, is possible to observe varioushazardous phenomena, such as breaking off or gapping of the rock walls, ceiling subsidence and rockfalls. Development of geodiversity (various forms of speleorelief, secondary mineralization, karstification) and the evolution of a specific microclimate is accompanied by the occurrence of atypical flora and fauna.