Progressive evolution of the Bodva drainage basin (SE West Carpathians, Slovakia)

Abstract

This contribution presents the results of a detailed study of the Bodva drainage basin (SE Slovakia) situated in the SE periphery of the West Carpathian dome-like mega-morphostructure. Its relative short distance from the asymmetrical top of this dome (in the Tatra Mts.) accelerates more dynamic geomorphic processes in the studied area. It can be used as a good example of the progressively developing drainage basin. The Bodva drainage basin has extended its area at the expense of neighbouring Slaná and Hnilec drainage basins. A potential piracy activity has been determined by a strong watershed barrier effect, with the exception of the Slovenský kras karst, where we assume a possible underground type of piracy inside of the karst plateaus. We have identified a short watershed segment bordering the Bodva and Hornád drainage basin in the eastern part of the studied area with regressive evolution. The upper segment of Ida valley could be captured into the Hornád drainage basin. There is a very specific geomorphological network in the studied area. A very rare or missing valley network has developed in the Slovenský kras karst. It is substituted by underground karstic (cave) network. The Bodva drainage basin consists of‘ two relatively equivalent valley systems of the Bodva and Ida rivers. Both are characterized by a specific crescent ground plane. It is a result of local morphotectonics - the Slovenský kras horst uplifting and the Turnianska partial graben subsiding. We can predict capturing of the Čremošné brook (left tributary of the Slaná river) into the Bodva River through the Zádielska dolina valley controlled by this very active local morphostructural evolution