Hydric Significance of Landscape in a Mountain River Basin

The aim of this contribution is to determine the hydric significance of the mountain river basin of Poprad, with focus on its land use, and to estimate the impact of the current landscape structure on the hydric functions. To follow this aim, attributes such as geomorphological, hydrogeological, soil, and climatic conditions, current landscape structure, and the ecological status of the forest were analyzed and evaluated. These attributes have particular range and weight. After an analysis, the hydric significance of the study area was determined and subsequently classified into four categories. Also, hydric significance was determined on the level of river sub-basins. The following categories of hydric significance were set: excellent, good, average, and limited; these express the ability of the landscape to retain water. Such knowledge, hand in hand with optimal management, can contribute to the prevention of floods in the study area.