THE IMPACT OF NATURAL HAZARDS OVER TOURISTIC VALORIFICATION OF GEOMORGOLOGICAL SITES FROM BUZĂU SUBCARPATHIANS
I. A. IRIMUŞ, D. N. IRIMIA
Abstract – The geological and geomorphological structure of Buzăului Subcarpathians, a subunit of Curvature Subcarpathians, increases the apparition risk of natural hazards associated with distinct risk phenomena. The intensity, frequency and length result in a rapid modification of existent relief forms (morphography, morphometry and morphology) and the apparition of new ones, but also the accentuation of slope instability, with strong effects on road and touristic infrastructure. There are frequent processes that appear in this region, such as landslides, falls and mudflows that are associated with geomorphologic and hydrologic risks. The high vulnerability of geomorphological sites to geomorphologic and hydrologic hazards has a negative influence over the region’s touristic activity. The decrease of tourist’s number and of transport activities, accommodation and other services are determined by the difficult access to these geomorphological sites: sloppy roads, floods, sites isolation, but also by the absence of promotion programs, partial or total sites destruction, the impossibility of economical exploitation etc.
Key words: relief, geomorphological processes, vulnerability, tourism, risk.