DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e177296

Authors: Dmytro Kasiyanchuk, Yaroslava Atamaniuk, Mykola Deputat, Svitlana Gavdey, Pavlo Horishevskyi

Abstract: The objective of the present study is to undertake a quantitative assessment of the spa-tial impact of tourism on natural complexes in the Carpathian region. This is achieved by employing geostatistical modelling methods. The present study deviates from con-ventional buffer methodologies insofar as it employs an integrated algorithm founded upon Kernel Density Estimation (KDE), thereby amalgamating multivariate analysis with detailed land use classification (LULC). In the analysis, each of the seven factors ̶ hydro-graphic network, relief, transport accessibility, hotels, tourist routes, land use types and nature conservation areas ̶ is standardised on a scale of 1–10 and synthesised into a single model of the vulnerability of natural landscapes to tourist pressure. The spatial integration of the factors demonstrates that areas exhibiting high and very high vul-nerability encompassed a total area of more than 310 km², constituting approximately 34% of the total area under consideration. These areas are predominantly concentrated within mountain valleys and along major transport axes. The findings demonstrate the substantial analytical superiority of KDE in comparison to buffer models, owing to its capacity to accommodate continuous impact gradients and its strong alignment with actual urbanisation patterns. The proposed approach can be applied to spatial planning for sustainable tourism and environmental monitoring in mountain regions.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e144897

Authors: Altyn Zhanguzhina, Zhanar Ozgeldinova, Zhandos Mukayev, Meruert Ulykpanova, Perizat Zhanuzakova

Abstract: The article presents the results of an analysis of natural forest regeneration after a wildfire in the Amankaragay Forest Massif, Kostanay Region, Republic of Kazakhstan, during the post-fire period. The forest landscapes of the Kostanay Region are subject to pyrogenic impacts of both natural and anthropogenic origin, leading to changes in the phytocenosis of ecosystems. The study integrates field research findings with remote sensing data and methods (dNBR, NBR, NDVI) to assess post-fire conditions and forest regeneration in the Kostanay Region through the comparison of three sample plots. Changes in summer dNBR values indicate the severity of the fire, while annual and seasonal variations in NDVI values, particularly during the summer, reflect the intensity and level of post-fire forest recovery. The analysis of natural forest regeneration after the wildfire in the Amankaragay Forest Massif was conducted using field research methods, ArcGIS 10.8 software, and spectral index analysis of multi-temporal high- and medium-resolution satellite imagery. Based on the research objectives and the specific characteristics of the study area, necessary calculations and analyses were conducted for each sample plot. As a result, the natural regeneration of forest landscapes was assessed, and relevant findings were obtained. Fire intensity and type determine the rate of forest recovery. dNBR and NDVI indices confirm the effectiveness of remote sensing for monitoring post-fire forest recovery. Remote sensing data and field assessments enable not only the evaluation of current forest conditions but also predictions of future development. The changes in the structure of dominant tree species in the Amankaragay massif, detected through satellite monitoring after exposure to the pyrogenic factor, were verified using field research methods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e143846

Authors: Kulyash Kaimuldinova, Shakhislam Laiskhanov, Duman Aliaskarov, Rakhat Tobajanov, Zhulduz Nizamatdinova

Abstract: This article considers the nature of climate changes in the Middle Ages of Central Asia and the influence of these changes on the toponymy in the region. The aim of the study is to analyze the manifestation of climate changes in the names of natural objects described in historical data of Central Asia and to study whether the semantic load of toponyms corresponds to the current geographical reality. The spatial identification of toponyms found in medieval historical sources, their etymological and semantic analysis, determination of the correspondence between toponyms and the present geographical nature of objects are carried out in accordance with the aim of the research. Climate changes will lead to changes in soil, vegetation and fauna. The presence of information describing the natural conditions in the period of their appearance in toponyms makes it possible to use them as indicators of landscape changes in historical geography. It was found that toponyms reflect climate changes in Central Asia, and thus they can be used as a source of information in the reconstruction of landscapes of past periods as a result of the research. It was found that the meaning of historical names preserved in the region from the period called “medieval pluvial” or “medieval climate anomaly” (between 900–1300 AD) does not correspond to the nature of the present landscape as a result of climate changes. The research methodology and results can be used in the future on a wider scale for other regions or in historical-geographical studies related to certain time periods.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e142535

Authors: Hristina Prodanova, Vanya Stoycheva

Abstract: Ecosystem services research in Bulgaria has been actively studying different aspects of this concept and its implementation. Although it is widely recognizable, the concept has still not been sufficiently implemented in Bulgaria’s decision-making process. Following the European and global initiatives for implementing biodiversity and ecosystem services (BES) into the decision-making process, we have identified the stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the possible initiatives for improving the uptake and the lack of sufficient education program coverage within secondary and higher education. In this short communication, we suggest practical priorities for the future development of BES activities enabling the uptake in Bulgarian education and policy.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e113364

Authors: Meryem Koncak Doğruer, Mustafa Kahraman, Mesut Doğan, Aigul Yeginbayeva

Abstract: Detection of the exchange and distribution of agricultural lands allows many projects and plans to be made and interpreted correctly, such as food safety, planning, and environmental risk analysis. From this point of study in the spatial changes and distribution of agricultural land in time across Turkey were examined. CORINE Land Cover (CLC) data was used to identify agricultural land and examine changes over time. As a result of the study, it was observed that agricultural lands increased slightly from 1990 to 2018, but this increase has not always been in the form of preserving existing agricultural lands and adding existing agricultural lands. While some areas have lost their agricultural land characteristics, some areas have become agricultural land. New agricultural areas are usually realized by the transformation of forests and semi-natural areas while the agricultural areas that disappear are provided from heterogeneous agricultural areas. The Central Anatolia region stands out in the distribution of agricultural areas by region. The region with the highest concentration of agricultural land in terms of both proportion and area is the Central Anatolia region. Also, the Central Anatolia region is the region with the most intensive Non-irrigated agriculture. The area where irrigated agriculture is proportionally most made is the southeast Anatolia region. According to province-based, the provinces with more than 40% of the provincial surface area are Kırıkkale, Kırşehir, Nevşehir, Aksaray in the Central Anatolia region, Gaziantep and Şanlıurfa in the Southeastern Anatolia region, Edirne and Tekirdağ in the Marmara region. The provinces of Artvin, Tunceli, Bingöl, and Hakkari are the provinces where the percentage of agricultural land is below 10%.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e94913

Authors: Petko Bozhkov, Borislav Grigorov, Alexandar Sarafov

Abstract: The following paper represents results from a research focused on the soil associations and their corresponding vegetation communities (soil-plant catenas), located on the northern slopes (N, NW, NE) of the Rila Mountains. Data from eight key sites located between 815 and 2041 m above sea level is discussed. The slope in each site varies from 2° to 25°, and most often the tests and descriptions were carried out on sites with a slope of 10-15°. Vegetation cover is analyzed with plant community plots which provides data on species composition, abundance and coverage. The size of each plot varies from 16 up to 225 m2 depending on the vegetation type. Topsoil horizons were tested in each site in order to diagnose the subspecies diversity of brown forest soils (Cambisols) using ratio of humic acids to fulvic acids. That ratio varies from 0,69 up to 1,61 in all studied sites. Both acids are associated with the dominance of different vegetation types – deciduous, mixed or coniferous forest or herbaceous canopy. The results are interrupted in terms of the diagnosis and classification of Cambisols and Umbrosols in the area of interest. Differences in soil and vegetation cover of Northwest and Eastern Rila Mountain are highlighted and analyzed.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e87816

Authors: Alexandru Marius Tătar

Abstract: This study aims to analyze urban landscapes by assessing the development of built space, one of the most dynamic elements within them. The spatial development of built environments is a phenomenon present in most urban areas. The study looks at the relationship between patterns of built space and urban green spaces. Implications on the connectivity of urban space, the planning of urban functions in their proximity, and the spatial distribution of recreational potential based on the perceived recreational value of the landscape by the local community are investigated. The theme of the paper is a topical issue in the study of urban landscapes, while at the same time it is an ongoing phenomenon - the growth of built space - for which optimal planning solutions are being sought. The analysis and results presented seek to increase understanding and awareness in addressing the dynamics of built space in the urban environment. The data used are collected both from official sources and from the ground. Urban regeneration aims to revitalize distressed urban spaces: The development and beautification of public spaces - squares, squares, parks, street furniture. The links between this category of urban space and the rest of the urban infrastructure are analyzed, as well as the role that urban planning plays in the development of built space in the vicinity of forest areas. The study area comprises territories in the municipality of Bistrita. The socio-economic context of the area has been the basis for understanding the patterns of evolution identified in the urban landscape, as well as being a driver in ongoing urban transformations and processes.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e72500

Authors: Mladen Silvestriev, Bilyana Borisova, Radenka Mitova

Abstract: Nature-based tourism and recreation are attracting attention today as the most favourable form of direct connection between people and nature, and as a very successful tool to motivate people to protect their natural heritage. This study aims to develop and test a methodology to assess the potential of an acknowledged natural heritage site in Bulgaria - Malyovitsa Range and Urdini Cirque in ‘Rila’ National Park to provide cultural ecosystem services. A holistic approach is applied, using landscapes as the main territorial unit, and source of information. For the purpose of practicing representative types of mountain tourism: ‘mountain hiking’, ‘nature education’ tourism, ‘ski touring’ and ‘mountaineering’ a total of 15 ecosystem services were assessed based on 25 biophysical and social indicators. ‘Primary forest landscapes on moraine materials’ and ‘Primary landscapes with mugo pine on igneous rocks’ receive the highest score. Based on the results obtained, an assessment of the mainstream activity - access to mountain hiking provided by the landscapes was carried out and two touristic routes with very high potential to deliver this service were identified. The results of the study are directed towards the responsible parties in support of the natural heritage conservation in Rila National Park through sustainable management the potential to provide cultural (recreational) ecosystem services. The research was conducted within the scientific programme of the project “Conceptualization, Flexible Methodology, and a Pilot Geospatial Platform for Access of the Bulgarian Natural Heritage to the European Digital Single Market of Knowledge and Information Services” within the project BG05M2OP001-1.001-0001 Establishment and Development of “Heritage BG” Centre of Excellence (Operational Program “Science and Education for Intelligent Growth”, priority Axis 1 “Research and technological development”).

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e78692

Authors: Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: The importance of the landscapes for the development of recreation and ecotourism is significant but very little studied. Usually, scientists use spatial units to map and assess the ecosystem services CORINE land cover or similar classifications. Traditional multi-level landscape classifications, very well-known and developed in the XXth century in Bulgaria, Russia, and other Eastern and Central European countries, could give valuable information for various indicators for ecosystem services assessment. From another hand, these classical landscape ecological maps are very little- known for the international scientific audience. We decided to conduct an experimental mapping and assessment of ecosystem services based on multi-level landscape classification. For this, we have chosen a case study area with hilly karst relief, which is part of the inner Predbalkan Region, located in North-Central Bulgaria. The site represents a scientific interest in terms of its transitional position between the Stara Planina Mountain and the Danube Plain and the presence of various anthropogenic changes. The study aimed to develop and test an original methodology for mapping and assessment of the capacity of the contemporary landscapes in the Strazhata syncline upland and Melovete hills to provide cultural ecosystem services – recreation and ecotourism. The results showed that 70% of the territory has medium or higher capacity, dominated mainly by karst areas with natural vegetation in protected sites.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.e68981

Authors: Stoyan Nedkov, John Pickles, Kliment Naydenov, Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: The Journal of Bulgarian Geographical Society was the first scientific geographical journal in the country established in 1933. During the long period of its development, it became a leading journal for publishing scientific results in geography and related interdisciplinary fields in Bulgaria. Geography of the 21st century is expected to contribute to the development of human capital and the knowledge society, to offer place-specific solutions for sustainable regional development and use of the planet’s natural and human capital. One of the main goals of the Bulgarian Geographical Society is to stimulate the geographic community to search for smart spatial solutions which can contribute to meet the challenges of modern society. The Journal of the Bulgarian Geographical Society will contribute to the achievement of this goal by providing a platform for scientists in the main fields of geography and the interrelated sciences as well as decision-makers, and the interested public to share their knowledge in an efficient and open manner. In these days of continuous speeding up of paces of work and life, the idea of facilitating the sharing of existing knowledge in order to create synergies, new knowledge, and innovation is more than timely and our journal can join the efforts to achieve these goals.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.4

Authors: Rumen Penin, Dimitar Zhelev

Abstract: The article depicts the biogeochemical properties of the landscapes in the area of the Ada Tepe gold mine (Krumovitsa River Catchment, Eastern Rhodopes) before its launching as an active ore-extraction site. The research is conducted by examination of heavy metals content in particular samples of representative native plant species in the local landscapes. The conducted research surveyed the content of 7 chemical elements (heavy metals) in the tissues of native plants from the landscapes in the Eastern Rhodopes. These microelements are generally prioritized in terms of environmental protection. The interpretation of the obtain results was made by applying the Coefficient of Biological Absorption (Ax). It is as a result of the proportions between the chemical content in the plant tissue (lx) and the chemical content in the local soil/bedrock (nx). By default, this coefficient represents the absorption (and accumulation) intensity of chemical elements in the plants.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.3

Authors: Milka Asenova

Abstract: In the present article, there are investigated, analyzed and interpreted opportunities for geoecological education activities in out-of-school environment. Didactic aspect is the principle of homeland studying, which allows realization of associative connections and consideration, evaluation and understanding of the student’s surroundings in order to form personal qualities as responsibility, environmentally friendly behaviour, care for nature and its resources. A generalized variant of geoecological homeland science in non-formal training on environmental protection has been developed as a version of pedagogical technology for formation of basic skills of the teacher for planning, organizing and conducting educational process in integrative environment.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.6

Authors: Lachezar Filchev

Abstract: In the article is made an overview of the application of different satellite remote sensing methods and technologies in detection of the abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes. The review paper is discussing in short the application of different remote sensing technologies such as: satellite multispectral and infrared (thermal), imaging spectrometry and fluorescence imaging. The studied period spans from the onset of the satellite remote sensing in the 1960s until present day. In conclusion, are drawn requirements for the perspective technologies in satellite remote sensing which should address the fast and reliable detection of the manifestation of abiotic stress in coniferous landscapes.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.10

Authors: Alexander Yanakiev

Abstract: Rapid development of remote sensing technologies, including the introduction of new sensors and platforms opened up a whole new field of their application such as monitoring of vulnerable habitats without direct contact, bearing potential harm of the ecosystems within them. The paper explores such opportunities and looks at the conditions of riverine forests along Kamchia river in 2019, using Sentinel-2a, b imagery.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.43.13

Authors: Mariya Petrova

Abstract: The term synergetic is proposed by the german physicist Henry Hacken as the name of a new interdisciplinary scientific field studying the processes of origin and evolution of space-time structures. The main task of synergetics is to reveal the general ideas, methods and patterns of self-organization processes in various fields of science - from nature science to the humanities. Synergetics seeks to reveal the internal mechanisms of self-organization, the general laws of these processes, their synergy. In landscape synergetics, the problem of time is related to the irreversibility of processes, which leads to the idea of instability and chaos. In this regard, the present study is aimed at exploring the possibility of using the synergetic approach in landscape research, and in particular in the study of self-restoration of landscapes after the weakening of anthropogenization.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.2

Authors: Georgi Zhelezov, Mariyana Nikolova

Abstract: This article aims to fill the honorary place, which is laid on the founder of the Bulgarian Geographic Science, Acad. Anastas Ishirkov, in this collection of papers, but also to highlight some lesser known details of his research, socio-political and charitable activities. At the same time, the authors removed some inaccuracies in his biography accumulated over time and added new information about his life and activity. This was made possible by our research in the Archive of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and from the materials for him in the Gipson Archive, as well as by the careful reading of the handwritten autobiography of Acad. Ishirkov.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.7

Authors: Velimira Stoyanova

Abstract: The present paper is dedicated to the life and scientific work of Corresponding Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences Professor Kiril Mishev Ivanov because of the 15th anniversary of his death in 2020. The article focuses on his background and family, his education and professional career. An overview of his renowned and significant scientific publications is made.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.17

Authors: Hristina Prodanova, Mariya Petrova

Abstract: The paper is devoted to Assoc. Prof. PhD Nikola Todorov’s life and professional contributions (1955- 2018) – a prominent Bulgarian geographer, unreservedly dedicated to the science and field researches, who left а rich creative heritage in the field of Physical Geography and Landscape Science. He was the leading author in the development of the second landscape classification system of Bulgaria and in the creation of а landscape map of Bulgaria on a 1:500 000 scale, which is one of his main contributions. An important contribution in his research activity is the developed classification system of anthropogenic changes and landscape disturbances in Bulgaria, which is applicable to the whole country and encompassing the enormous variety of natural-territorial complexes and their changes. He was a scientific mentor for 26 master students and 4 PhD students. Assoc. Prof. Nikola Todorov was a Lecturer who inspired generations of students and many young researchers with his erudition and oratory skills.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.16

Authors: Zornitza Cholakova

Abstract: The article is dedicated to a scientist who has contributed to the establishment and development of landscape science in Bulgaria. Associate Professor PhD Mimoza Konteva worked in the Department of Landscape Ecology and Environmental Protection at the Faculty of Geology and Geography at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” throughout her whole scientific and teaching experience. She created about 70 scientific papers, participated in numerous scientific and educational projects, successfully advised more than 30 graduates and 2 doctoral students, worked for the promotion of geographical science in higher and secondary education in Bulgaria. Leading lecturer in the courses “Physical Geography of Continents”, “Landscape Ecology”, “Physical Geography of the Balkan Peninsula” and others. A long-term member of the editorial board of the Sofia University Yearbook, Faculty of Geology and Geography, vol. 2 - Geography. She was a good leader and an active member of the geographic community at Sofia University and the Bulgarian Geographical Society.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.8

Authors: Angel Velchev

Abstract: Assoc. Prof. Martin Glovnia works on the problems of the relief in high mountainous areas, especially the glaciation and periglacial zones with appearance of cryogen processes. He publishes many learning books for students in the universities and high schools.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2020.42.5

Authors: Velimira Stoyanova, Gergana Metodieva

Abstract: The paper is dedicated to the life and scientific activity of prof. Zheko Radev, in commemoration of the 145th anniversary of his birth. The paper focuses on his background and family, his education and professional career. An overview of his renowned and significant scientific publications has been made. Prof. Zheko Radev is the first Bulgarian scientist in the field of physical geography and one of the most distinguished Bulgarian geographers of the XX century. For the generations to come, Zheko Radev left 29 scientific works, some of them topical even a hundred years after they were published. He worked as a university professor for 25 years, during which he laid the foundations of physio geographical disciplines in Bulgaria. His scientific and pedagogical work is worthy of respect and admiration, and should serve as a bright example today and in the future.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.4

Authors: Alexander Gikov

Abstract: Maps of contemporary landscapes for 1966, 1980, 1997 and 2016 in key area "Bogdaia" have been made by processing and visual interpretation of historical aerial photographs and recent satellite imagery. The identified changes in the study area show that there is a clear trend of increasing the area of forest landscapes and decreasing the area of grass landscapes which are of secondary origin. For the same period, the transitional forest-shrub landscapes show fluctuations without a clear trend. The restoration of natural forest landscapes is explained by the changed land use and the almost complete lack of grazing in recent years. The process of natural forest landscapes restoration is more active in the coniferous landscape belt and on slopes with northern exposure while in the lower deciduous belt and on slopes with southern exposure component it is slower.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.18

Authors: Pelo Mihaylov

Abstract: Prof. Anastas Ishirkov, apart from a remarkable scientist, was also a good writer. Only recently did it become known that he was among the first tourists to have climbed Cherni Vrah in August 1894. The object of the article is Ishirkov's other talent – painting. A small drawing on a postcard is testified to him. An unknown archivist considers Anastas Ishirkov as its creator. Because of this, in the only one account to his authorship the adjective ’unproven’ is used. And his pictorial talent, albeit a little, is already known, as the watercolor have already been seen by a considerable number of people. The drawing is a seal of a lifetime of Bulgarian students in Leipzig. Memorable texts testify that an important part of the student's being was formed by the picnics on Sunday in the vicinity of the city. Among the characters of the painting are the poet Pencho Slaveikov, the lawyer Joseph Fadenhecht, the author of the Bulgarian anthem Tsvetan Radoslavov and Ishirkov himself. Two pictures also show the recipient of the card – Ivan Ivanchev from Lovech. It is possible that unsigned cartoons in the humorous newspaper „Farkat List“ are also the result of the drawing talent of Anastas Ishirkov.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.6

Authors: Veselin Boyadzhiev, Neli Veselinova, Vasil Zarkov

Abstract: The theme of the article is from the historical geography of Bulgaria. It reveals the complex interaction of human society in the past with the nature. The analysis is based on the relationship between natural and humanitarian geography. It helps to compare the past and the present day and, if it is necessary, conclusions to be used for the future. In this case, the mountain Sredna Gora is an environment for the creation and development of the ethnic diversity of the Bulgarian society. The article is oriented to the scientific researches, but also to the authors of textbooks, to the teachers and to all who love the bulgarian nature.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.5

Authors: Kamen Nam, Ilia Tamburadzhiev

Abstract: The present research covers the lowland part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River. This is those part of the catchment area of the river, which is in the range of Pazardzhik-Plovdiv field. Object of research are the contemporary landscapes in the lowland part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River. Subject of research are the processes of differentiating and classifying the anthropogenic landscapes in the considered area and determining the degree of anthropogenization of the landscapes. The differentiation of the landscapes is carried out by the interaction between the landscape-forming factors – the natural components and the types of land use. The classification of the landscapes used in the present research is based on the information in the European Landscape Character Areas. There are differentiated 17 types of landscapes in the studied area. The determining of the degree of anthropogenization is realized by implementing the "Distance to Nature" compiled indicator, which is calculated by the combination of the individual indicators „Degree of Naturalness” and „Distance to Natural Habitat”. A map of the contemporary landscapes in the lowland part of the catchment area of Luda Yana River, representing the degree of naturalness of the types of landscapes, is generated in GIS.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.41.3

Authors: Mariya Petrova

Abstract: Field surveying and mapping of anthropogenic landscapes, their analysis, and modelling of the complex processes and structure that are formed in them are all relevant questions in contemporary landscape studies. Numerous territories can be observed in our country where, after reducing or terminating of the anthropogenic activity, landscapes that were impacted to various degrees by human activity start gradually restoring to their previous state, having, however, a modified structure with specific complexity. The present piece of research deals with some theoretical and methodological aspects of the study of the self-restoration of anthropogenic landscapes in Bulgaria.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.4

Authors: Zornitza Cholakova

Abstract: The essence of karst landscapes is considered. The content of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Cd trace elements in the soils of karst landscapes in the Ponor, Vrachanska and Vlahina Mountains, as well as those in The Western and Middle Fore-Balkan (Arbanassi Plateau), Bulgaria, is analyzed using landscape-geochemical, laboratory, mathematical and statistical methods. The obtained results are compared with the average content in the carbonate rocks of Bulgaria (Kuikin et al., 2001), the rendzina (Rendzic Leptosols, LPk, FAO) and the gray forest soils (Haplic Luvisols, LVh, FAO) in the country (according to Atanassov et al., 2002). The importance of the carbonate rock substrate on the concentration of the chemical elements - heavy metals in the studied zonal and azonal soil types was determined.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.5

Authors: Galin Petrov, Hristina Prodanova

Abstract: The names of geographical objects on a particular area are peculiar store for conservation of historical-geographical information. Typical versatility of the toponymic system gives possibility for usage of different approaches for analysis of it, including spatial analysis. Information for state of natural environments and their changes is coded in the toponymic system. Historical localization of landscapes with coniferous vegetation on the northern slopes of Shipchenska Mountain (Balkan Mountains, Bulgaria) on toponymic basis is presented in the article. Some conclusions about probability for existence of coniferous belt in the past are formulated. The study is an initial attempt to build a link between toponymy and onomastics on the one hand and historical geography of landscapes on the other. The used approach has some weaknesses and could be used successfully in combination with the results of other studies such as paleobotanical, paleoecological, etc.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2019.40.1

Authors: Emil Gachev, Predrag Djurović, Krasimir Stoyanov, Galina Bezinskа, Miroslav Ivanov, Stefan Petrov

Abstract: The article presents the latest views about the origin of Hridsko lake in the mountain range Bogicevica, an eastern part of Prokletije massif (Dinaric range). Previous studies define the lake, which is situated at 1980 m a. s. l., and occupies an area about 3,5 ha, as a cirque lake, formed after the retreat of wuermian glaciers following the classical mechanism of glacial lakes formation. In result of our researches, which started in 2013, a new hypothesis evolved that the lake lies inside a large relict rock glacier, formed in the period after the termination of glaciers, which means that the lake depression has a rather periglacial origin. The new bathymetry mapping of the lake done in 2017 provides a support to this hypothesis.

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DOI: 10.3897/jbgs.2018.39.7

Authors: Rumen Penin, Dimitar Zhelev

Abstract: The mud volcanoes in the valley of the Sazliyka River and its tributaries are a geological phenomenon that has attracted scientific attention for decades. They are a specific element for the local lowland landscapes. This study focuses on the content of heavy metals in mud volcanoes. The total content of the elements: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co) and chromium (Cr) in mg/kg (ppm) has been identified. The obtained contents have been analyzed by the clarke of concentration indicator (KK) - the ratio between the content of a given element in a given natural component (soil horizon, vegetation, surface water, etc.) - Ci, and a clarke of the same element in the lithosphere - K: The researched geochemical nature of the local litho-geochemical and soil-geochemical conditions may have been influenced by the geochemical specifics of the materials entering the earth’s surface upon activation of mud volcanoes in the area of study. They might have an impact on the geochemical structure of the bottom sediments in the local river currents and hence the influence on the main river artery Sazliyka River. The obtained results give to some extent information about the geochemical nature of this rare phenomenon for our country.

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