Geomorphological Inventory as a Tool for Proclaiming Geomorphosite (a Case Study of Mt. Myslivna in the Novohradské hory Mts.— Czech Republic)

The study locality of Mt. Myslivna within the Novohradske hory Mts. (Czech Republic) represents an area which had restricted access prior to 1989. Detailed geomorphological inventory carried out in years 2002–2010 revealed prominent rock landforms developed within late Variscan, Weinsberg-type granite. Destructive as well as accumulative rock landforms were mapped with the use of GPS and include two cryoplanation platform, three frost-riven cliffs, three tors, two low exfoliation domes, two castle koppies, two blockfields, one relic of tor and smaller forms, such as rock ledges and laths. A distinct fissure system that shapes the rock relief consists of two sets of fissures: The primary set is formed by dominant fissures with NE-SW orientation accompanied by fissures with NW-SE orientation; the secondary set comprises of fissures oriented in ENE-WSW and NNW-SSE directions. The north-western slopes of Mt. Myslivna were declared a natural monument in 1992 due to natural beech woodland vegetation. However, the extent of the protected area does not include qualitatively as well as quantitatively the unique rock landforms on the southern slopes of Mt. Myslivna. Therefore, this research led to declaration of this site as a ‘Geomorphologically Significant Locality’ (Geomorphosite) in 2010. In addition, a proposal for extension of the natural monument boundary has been submitted.