Asymmetry of valley systems of the northern and southern slopes of the Flysch Carpathians in the light of geomorphometric analyses

The asymmetry of slope of the opposing inclinations of the Eastern Carpathians is a regularity that was recognised over 100 years ago (after Jahn 1992). It is particularly well visible in the Bieszczady Mountains, where the southern slope is steeper than the northern slope and the erosion base of the southern slope is 100 m lower than the erosion base of the northern slope. Previous studies have not exhausted the possibilities of characterising this asymmetry, and contemporary analyses make it possible to refine and verify the theses put forward by previous researchers.  The research is supported by the availability of relatively new sources of data from laser scanning of the Earth's surface, with much greater accuracy than ever before. These data are available for both the N-Polish and S-Slovakian slopes. Their analysis is enabled by modern tools and methods of Geographical Information Systems (GIS). The execution of all measurements and calculations will be automated and much more accurate compared to previous measurements on topographic maps.

The paper will present selected morphometric parameters to determine differences in relief under the influence of asymmetry in the erosion base. The selection of surface units for the analysis of asymmetry will be addressed. Preliminary results of morphometric analysis for mesoregions will be shown: Beskid Niski, Nízke Beskydy, Bieszczady, Poloniny.