Morphological development of the Beskid Niski Mts and Quaternary palaeogeograhy of the Polish Flysch Carpathians

Abstract

The paper discusses main stages of geomorphic development of the eastern Beskid Niski Mts. in Quaternary times, with special attention being paid to palaeogeographic changes in the whole of the Polish Flysch Carpathians. A unique position of the Beskid Niski Mts. in the Carpathian chain is documented by a prolonged formation of the riverside level lasting up to the Nidanian (Elsterian I) Stage, as well as by rapid reactivation of neotectonic movements along the southern boundary of the Jasło-Sanok Depression during the Last Glacial and Holocene. The number and height of the preserved terrace steps depend largely upon the size and intensity of tectonic uplift and not solely on climatic changes.