Morphometric analysis as a tool for interpretation of tectonic activity

neotectonic/young tectonic movements. The analysis consists of
several methods that, in some cases, may yield different results. We
used six morphometric methods to evaluate 42 river/creek catchment
areas comprising the Spišská Magura region and adjacent parts of the
Belianske Tatry Mts. Each method evaluated the possible influence
of tectonics on topography numerically (by parameters). The
integration of the mean parameter values was used to obtain the
relative tectonic activity index (Iat), based on which we determined
the role of the tectonic activity in the evolution of each analyzed
catchment area. A comparison of the integrated map of relative
tectonic activity with the known tectonic lines shows the little match
in the Spišská Magura region. This is especially valid for the areas
along with a striking Subtatric-Ružbachy fault system (SRFS) that is
assumed to be active in the late Pleistocene and where morphometric
criteria only show little tectonic activity. In contrast, the parameters
provided by some individual methods used for the integrated map of
the relative tectonic activity indicate a good match with known
tectonic lines. For example, the basin shape ratio and mountain front
sinuosity suggest high tectonic activity along the border of the
Spišská Magura region and the Pieniny Klippen Belt, which is also
indicated in geological maps. The evaluation of U- versus V-shaped
valleys (Vf index) shows more intensive uplift of the areas of the
Belianske Tatry Mts. compared to the areas within the Spišská
Magura region, which is also expected from the geological maps and
other studies. The evaluation of individual morphometric parameters
and the parameter obtained by their integration implies the necessity
to use several morphometric methods for a more reliable assessment
of the role of tectonics in the evolution of studied areas.