Structure of the headwater valley segment in the Western Tatras

The aim of this paper is to determine the detailed structure of the headwater valley segment in the Western Tatra Mountains. Seven sub-catchments were chosen in Chochołowski Stream catchment for a detailed geomorphological analysis of the headwater valley segments. Selected sub-catchments represent both the crystalline and the sedimentary environment of the study area. Geomorphological mapping was used to study the structure of headwater valleys which strictly depends on the conditions of the natural environment and can be varied even in such a small area as the catchment of Chochołowski Stream. Statistical analysis showed that headwater valleys in the crystalline part differ in terms of morphometric parameters from these in the sedimentary part and are characterized by greater gradients but smaller channel widths and roughness. However, the structure of headwater valley segment in the longitudinal profile shows a similar pattern in both parts of the study area and follows a sequence of valley types: unchanneled valley – colluvial channel (channel without steps) – cascade channel.