Physical geography of mountain landscapes

Mountain landscapes are among the most vulnerable ecosystems on earth. They are very sensitive to changes in climate and hydrological conditions, vegetation, soil, and geomorphic processes. Changes show most clearly and earliest in higher mountain landscapes. After a short delay, their consequences also appear at lower locations where they frequently influence human activity. Here they can sometimes have an abrupt character or greater dimensions. Changes in mountain landscapes can be direct or indirect. The latter are more interesting for scientific study. Because they are slower and long-term, they fundamentally change processes in the landscape. It is therefore extremely important that we not only study smaller areas in the framework of mountain ranges but also that we compare our results with the findings of our colleagues who work in other mountainous regions. From the viewpoint of comparing results, we must study neighbouring mountain landscapes at similar geographical latitudes. We are particularly interested in comparing the Alps (Slovenia) with the Carpathians, the Balkan and Rhodope mountain ranges, and the Dinaric mountain range (Serbia).