The Moravian Karst: An Interconnection Between Surface and Subsurface Natural Sceneries
The Moravian Karst belongs to the famous and frequently visited area with characteristic karst morphology and the largest cave systems in the Czech Republic. The karst evolution history covers a time span between Early Cretaceous and present. In particular, the Cenozoic processes, driven by climatic oscillations, and tectonic activity at the close contact between the Bohemian Massif and Carpathian orogenic range, have controlled the geomorphological processes and the present morphology of the area. Shallow valleys, and the first horizontal cave passages were formed by streams following a N-S drainage pattern during the latest Oligocene. The Carpathian nappe thrusting over the Bohemian Massif eastern margin occurred during the Early Miocene increased the stream gradients and accelerated fluvial erosion in the whole territory. The Moravian Karst limestone belt was dissected by deep canyon-like valley which was subsequently filled with marine clayey deposits during the Mid Miocene transgression . The present karst valleys and canyons were cut after the sea retreat. The large cave systems, formed by subsurface streams , were developed in relation to the valley and canyon incision.