The dependence of relief on tectonics in the South -West Escarpment Zone of Tomaszowskie Roztocze (SE Poland)

The relatively undeforrned South-West escarpment zone (SWEZ) of Roztocze, SE Poland, is marginal to the East European Platform, which is covered by a thick succession of Palaeozoic and Mesozoic rocks. Cainozoic sediments, previously much more widely distributed and largely destroyed by erosion, still fill some valleys and also crop out in the hills of the inner and outer escarpments. The escarpment zone comprises several morphological elements: an outer hill zone, inner inselbergs and a median depression zone of tectonic origin. Transverse to the escarpment, these elements are compartmentalised by transverse valleys, many of which are fault-controlled. Morphometric and geomorphological studies show that the SWEZ of Roztocze was repeatedly tectonically activated. Neotectonic redevelopment has resulted from controls in the underlying basement. Hence there are many young faults, a large number of open fault-fissures and a complex system of joints, all of which have influenced landform development in this area to a considerable degree. The main scarps have been developed along the longitudinal fault zones and, along the transverse fault zones, breach valleys. Joint systems have controlled the development of secondary relief forms. The close association of relief and various elements of the geological structure in the SWEZ of Roztocze mean that cartographic methods can reliably be employed in studies of the landforms in this area.