Scientific activity at the Division of Physical Geography, Faculty of Science, primarily proceeds through several scientific projects financed by the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports. The project Geomorphological and Geoecological Research of Karst Area in Croatia researches the geologic structure impact on the origin and development of the karst relief forms. It also deals with the connection of the structural relations on the surface with those inside particular speleological phenomena. The emphasis is on elaboration of the existing and new structural-geomorphologic methods in the GIS setting. The second important aim is determination of absolute and relative amount of karst denudation (corrosion) in selected areas. Simultaneously, microclimatic measurements, soil and plant cover analyses are done in the same locations (especially in dolines). Microclimatic measurements also take place in caves and pits. The final purpose is the creation of geomorphologic and geoecological data basis in the GIS setting.
GEOMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING
In the framework of the project Geomorphological Mapping of the Republic of Croatia geomorphological mapping is being done and geomorphological maps of Croatia are made to the scale 1:100 000. All completed geomorphological maps include morphographic, morphometric, morphogenetic and morphocronologic data. Digital analyses of the relief spatial data and making of final maps are carried out by means of the GIS tools. More than half of the Croatian area has been mapped so far, and an easy-to survey geomorphologic map of Croatia to the scope of 1:500 000 is at the final stage of production. On the basis of those researches a detailed geomorphological regionalization of Croatia to the level of subgeomorphological regions has been carried out. A great attention is paid to geoecological evaluation of relief, and also to the protection of valuable relief forms as elements of geo-heritage.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACTS
The project The Climate Change Impact on Socio-Geographical Elements in Croatia deals with the climate changes in instrumental period and the size of those changes significance, especially on the regional level, then in which ways and to what extent they can influence the socio-geographic elements in space. This project also researches whether climate changes have already generated certain modifications of socio-geographic elements. In concordance with the obtained results the project can give recommendations for interventions in space with the purpose of its adequate evaluation.
