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Volume IX |

The Rurality between the Râmnicul Sărat and the Buzau Valleys – Definitive Component of the Subcarpathian Landscapes Dynamics

Abstract: Rural space represents a definite element in the structural and functional transformations of Subcarpathian landscapes, analysed through their geodiversity, biodiversity, and cultural patrimony. The present analyse relieves historical and socio-economic land use changes, process, which determined a restructuring of rural landscapes, allowing a classification of environmental critical areas. Elements defining the rurality of the Subcarpathian landscapes between the Ramnicu Sarat and the Buzau valleys were evidenced and characterised in concordance with the new strategic directions of the European Council regarding rural development in 2007 – 2013 period, and with the national legislation in the field, for establishing protection, rehabilitation and valorization strategies for the Subcarpathian rural landscapes. The case study realised in the villages included in the Subcarpathian sector of the Slanic de Buzau valley relieved a spatial and temporal dynamics for the indices of human pressure through different land-uses, allowing the establishment of artificial degrees of rural Subcarpathian landscapes. The data obtained from the CORINE Land Cover model, 1990 and 2006 editions, corroborated with the data rendered in agricultural registers and statistical data from NIS (National Institute of Statistics) relieve spatial dynamics of land-uses in the analysed area, and at the same time, there were identified the areas which induce important modifications in the landscapes structure and functionality.

Volume IX |

The Analysis of Forest Dynamics within the Carpathians – The Subcarpathians Contact Area by Using the Historical Cartography Approach and Open Source GIS Software. Case Study: The Limpedea Catchment (Romania)

Abstract: The paper is an original contribution based on the diachronic comparison of historical maps from different periods, with the purpose of capturing and mapping the landscape history of the Limpedea catchment (tributary of the Argeş), which stretches almost equally into the strongly man-altered space of the Subcarpathians, as well as into the mountain area. The study highlights the changes undergone by the Arefu – Corbeni Subcarpathian depression and the neighbouring mountain area, paying particular attention to the Carpathian – Subcarpathian interface zone. In order to achieve its goal, the study relied on large scale maps from the 1790-1980 period, which were processed in Open Source GIS (Quantum GIS, GRASS, gvSIG Sextante, MapAnalyst). The interpretation of cartographic information using GIS techniques showed a continuous recession of the forests in the Subcarpathian part of the catchment and their replacement by agricultural lands, which led to a gradual decrease of the naturality degree. In the 1864-1904 period, the extension of pastures and hay fields to the detriment of the forests was prevalent, whereas in the second half of the 20th century larger and larger areas of pastures and hay fields were turned into orchards or built-up areas.

Volume IX |

The Intensification of Antropic Pressure Through the Expansion of the Constructed Area in the Subcarpathian Sector of the Prahova Valley/Romania (1800-2008)

Abstract: The present research focuses on the evolution of anthropic pressure on the environment through the continuous development of the constructed space, in a diachronic comparative analysis of urban-rural environment, detailed on the basis of two characteristic examples: Breaza town and Cornu town. The information resulted from the historical maps was completed by mapping from the ortophotoplans and GPS land surveys. The data base went through statistic differential processes and correlational analysis with the conditions of the physical support, highly important limitations and favorabilities in the assessment of the vulnerability of the Subcarpathian space being revealed.

Volume IX |

Mathematical Models Used for Visual Assessment of the Landscape In Situ – Case Study Sinaia Town

Abstract: The aim of this study is to modify, to adapt, and to apply to the Romanian urban landscape a quantitative method proposed and applied in Spain by Cañas Guerrero (1995). Several specific parameters and variables of a given landscape are analyzed and assessed. Then, using mathematical formulae, one gets a score which indicates the quality of the studied landscape.

Volume IX |

The Landscapes Differentiations in the Prahova Sector of the Bucegi Mountains

Abstract: The physiognomic complexity as the main characteristics of the Bucegi Mountains landscape is the result of lithology, structure, tectonics and high altitude, which led to the vertical zoning of modelling conditions. There can be separated: the landscape of erosion outliers and the structural plateaus from the alpine area, the landscape of Prahova scarp and that of the plains at the Bucegi mountain feet. Up to about 2200 m, the landscape of erosion outliers and structural plateaus was mostly affected by human activities, mainly the tourism and uncontrolled grazing. The landscape of the Prahova scarp of the Bucegi is notable by high touristic anthropization on the slopes of the Vârful cu Dor – Furnica – Piatra Arsă mountains, neighbouring Sinaia, where there are frequent degradations of the roads and paths improperly located and maintained. The Bucegi slope northwards of Piciorul Pietrei Arse still preserves the natural landscapes in dynamic equilibrium (which possess a great tourist and alpinist potential). At the scarp foot, following the modelling of the Cretaceous flysch and sedimentation of large talus material, there resulted a relief with smooth field – plai (Plaiul Fânului,Plaiul Coştila, Munticelu, Plaiul Stânei, Plaiul Peleşului, Plaiul Furnica) – rounded interfluves with a slope below 300, compared to those over 300 (often over 500 within the scarp.