Frequency Distribution Curves as an Indicator of Evolutionary Trends in Geomorphological Systems: A Case Study from the Northwestern Part of Hrvatsko Zagorje (Croatia)

• Main Author: Zoran Peh
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Croatian Geological Survey 2010-11-01
• Series: Geologia Croatica
• Subjects: Geomorphological systems; Thermodynamics of nonequilibrium systems; Frequency distribution curves; Horizontal dissection; Vertical dissection; Hypsometric integYPsoll1ctric iJ1lcgral, Drainage densit y, Slope, Erosional levels, Hrva tsko Zagorje, Croat ia
• Online Access: http://www.geologia-croatica.hr/ojs/index.php/GC/article/view/339

<div>Frequency distribution curves can be indicative of the dynamics</div><div>and evolutionary development of geomorphological systems. Normally</div><div>distributed geomorphological data are a reliable indicator of the</div><div>equilibrium fluctuations prevalent within such systems. This occurs,</div><div>for example, when a delicate balance is established between various</div><div>types of landforms and geomorphological processes. Landforms that</div><div>exist in this geomorphological steady state can be properly called</div><div>"equilibrium" structures. They show no permanent trends of either</div><div>growth or destruction. On the contrary, a positively skewed frequency</div><div>distribution curve indicates a type of non-equilibrium conditions and</div><div>non -linear relationships within geomorphological systems, which</div><div>may be the result of major external energy inputs (particularly from</div><div>tectonic uplift ). This in turn gives rise to new and more complex</div><div>higher-order landforms. These represent structures of growth or evolution. Alternatively, a negatively skewed frequency distribution curve, also being a consequence of non-equilibrium conditions, indicates</div><div>a lack of free energy in the system, which induces destruction of</div><div>the existing landforms. Such landforms represent strucres of degeneration.</div><div>The fluvial landscape in the northwestern part of Hrvatsko Zagorje, portrayed in terms of an open system, has been used as the</div><div>geomorphological framework for this study, the primary purpose of</div><div>which was to apply frequency distribution curves in the interpretation of the processes influencing the creation and destruction of the landscape. Horizontal and vertical dissection, slope and other morphometric</div><div>characterictics reflect the specific dynamics of the geomorphological processes, which relate a variety of landforms to their geologic framework and climate in the study area.</div>