abandoned mines, slate mines, processes, forms, 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 dimensions. These mines may present future geohazards for urban residences and grounds located above them. Thus, it is increasingly important to investigate them. The aim of recent research is to locate the individual mines and describe them from a geomorphic point of view. In the individual mines, it is possible to observe various hazardous phenomena, such as breaking off or gapping of the rock walls, ceiling subsidence and rockfalls. Geodiversity development (various forms of speleorelief, secondary mineralization, karstification) and the evolution of a specific microclimate is accompanied by the occurrence of atypical flora and fauna. The main factors underlying the above-mentioned development are as follows: (i) historical mining techniques, (ii) tectonic forces influence, (iii) weathering, (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 stopes etc