Relict cryoplanation terraces of central Kopaonik (Serbia)

Abstract

The paper deals with cryoplanation terraces on Kopaonik Mountain (2017m) which had been formed for the first time as a relict relief probably during the last glacial maximum (LGM) of Late Pleistocene. Four sites on the slopes of the southern and eastern exposure of the central part of the mountain range at the altitude between 1390 and 1910 m have been studied. Qualitative geomorphological research has dominated. Quantitative research has not been possible due to the properties of the relict formations and genetic inactivity of this relief, which is also typical for modern periglacial environments. Distinction of cryoplanation terraces on Kopaonik is important for understanding the distribution of this relict morphology both in Serbia and South East Europe. The research presents a contribution to one of the primary goals of the concept of cryoplanation in terms of regional distribution of cryoplanation relief.