Agricultural terraces are the predominant landscape element in the Goriška brda region. These were once made by hand, but started being built mechanically after the Second World War. Reshaping slopes ...into terraces increases the amount of arable farmland. Farming, especially cultivation of vineyards and orchards, is still the most important industry in this region. The development of winegrowing has indelibly marked the image of the cultural landscape here.Terraces are mostly being abandoned in regions with market-oriented mechanized farming. Much of the formerly terraced land in upper Goriška brda is now completely overgrown or deteriorated. The former extent of these agricultural terraces cannot even be precisely determined using the land cadastre carried out under Emperor Franz I. In contrast, the agricultural terraces in lower Goriška brda are being constantly renovated.Maintenance of terraces prevents water loss and reduces soil erosion. When the shape of hillsides is changed, large quantities of soil are moved, and steep slopes are altered, this can cause land slippage and large areas can become unstable. Detailed study indicates that Goriška brda is exposed to a high risk of landslides.This study was carried out as part of Interreg project IIIB Alpine Space, titled “The Terraced Landscapes of the Alpine Arc” (ALPTER).
The book brings a thorough review of landslide susceptibility in Slovenia. In the introductory chapter the most significant geographical and other Slovenian literature on slope processes is listed, ...and then the basic characteristics of landslides are explained. The landslide susceptibility in Slovenia is presented on the example of twelve large landslides, followed by the chapter on legislation on natural disasters in Slovenia.The most important part of the book is the detailed description of methods for elaboration landslide susceptibility maps with different methods. The deterministic, statistical and probabilistic methods and corresponding maps are described into detail. Such maps have been elaborated with the geographical information system using the digital elevation model 25 x 25 m. Landslide susceptibility is finally presented in the framework of the regionalization of Slovenia that had been elaborated by the Anton Melik Geographical Institute SRC SASA and for all Slovenian municipalities. The last chapter of the book is important for geomorphology, describing the role of the landslides for the formation of relief.The book is intended to be used in spatial planning, physical geography, geography of natural hazards and other branches of geography as well as in related sciences.
The book brings a thorough review of slope processes, their causes and consequences. Both, prehistoric and recent slope processes in Slovenia are described into deatil. Authors investigated the main ...characteristics of slope processes according to the type of movement (flow, slide, fall), their extent and effects. As geographers, they are interested mainly in the links between natural processes and man. More than sixty different slope processes in Slovenia are described into detail, based upon field work and examination of numerous sources. In this way all types of slope processes are included and described.Review of circumstances if followed by a discussion about the importance of slope processes for spatial planning as well as methodological and practical instructions for hazarad maps elaboration with different methods. Two deterministic methods and a one probabilistic are presented.The documentary value of the book is also increased by the fact that it brings a chapter about a memory of inhabitants on slope processes, as it has been preserved in sacred literature and aitiological narratives.The book can be used for thorough studies of physical geography and related sciences. Plentiful documentary material makes it useful for everyone who would like to explore nature in Slovenia.
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