Electronic Library of Scientific Literature - © Academic Electronic Press
Volume 53 / No. 3 / 2001
J. Urbánek: Hypothesis in the Slovak geomorphology. Geografický časopis, 53, 2001, 3, 4 refs.
Certain methodological error often occurs in our geomorphologic texts. Hypotheses are formulated as laws. Many geomorphologic hypotheses are not submitted to processes of falsification or verification. The aim of this paper is to show that this methodological simplification can be removed by means of three steps. First, by explicit formulation of geomorphologic opinion as hypotheses (a). Second, by deduction of conclusions from hypotheses verifiable in terrain (b). Third, submitting hypothesis to the process of verification or falsification (c).
Key words: hypothesis, verification, falsification, hypothetico-deductive system, dissidence
J. Paulov: Towards hypothetico-deductive method in scientific research: some notes on the paper by Urbánek Hypothesis in Slovak geomorphology. Geografický časopis, 53, 2001, 3, 3 refs.
This paper is aimed at clarification of some points associated with the use of hypothetico-deductive method in scientific research, especially in the field of geomorphology. The focus is upon correct interpretation of scientific hypothesis and Popper’s deductionism and falsificationism. The paper has been motivated by Urbánek’s paper published in this issue of Geografický časopis.
Key words: hypothesis, verification, falsification
J. Pravda: Geographic information in terminology of geoinformatics. Geografický časopis, 53, 2001, 3, 1 fig., 27 refs.
Development of the geographic information systems and their applications gave origin to geoinformatics (geomatics), which is understood as a multi-disciplinary field containing geography, informatics, computer graphics, remote sensing, cartographic and other natural and humanistic sciences. The complex relationships existing in geoinformatics are reflected by its terminology, which was taken over from English almost indiscriminately in the last decade. Elimination of this drawback is the aim of the CEN standards. The paper contains terms, use of which often causes confusion and irregularities including the use of slang. It also presents proposals of other terms and their definitions closely connected with geographic information as subject of further discussion.
Key words: geoinformatics (geomatics), geographic information, European standards for geographic information, geographic data, geographic dataset, positioning of geographic information
V. Ira: Time-geography: an approach, basic concepts and applications. Geografický časopis, 53, 2001, 3, 2 figs., 38 refs.
Time-geography constitutes a foundation for a general geographical perspective. It represents a new approach under development, which attempts to unite the spatial and temporal perspectives of different disciplines. This paper is aimed at providing basic idea of development of time-geography. The contents and intents of time-geography are briefly presented. The applications of time-geography are sketched and possible application of the framework to new and traditional themes in human geography are discussed. The challenge posed by the time-space approach is summarised.
Key words: time-geography, time-space approach, applications of time-geography
A. Grešková: Identification of the risk areas and risk factors contributing to the origin of floods in small catchments. Geografický časopis, 53, 2001, 3, 3 tabs., 3 figs., 25 refs.
The paper is dedicated to the question of flash floods in small catchments. Identification of conditions, risk areas and risk factors contributing to the origin flash floods leans on the existing digital network of small catchments of Slovakia and the database of their physical characteristics. Based on retrospective analysis of the flood events in the years 1977-1999, hydroclimatic situation existing during the events, as well as the relevant physical properties of the small catchments stricken by floods were evaluated. Physical properties were classified into four groups containing morphometric relief characteristics, climatic characteristics, characteristics of rocks and soil-weathering mantle and those of land cover. The area of small catchments was also taken into account. High precipitation totals fallen on small, sharply delimited area at high degree of saturation of the particular catchment by previous precipitation, high values of morphometric characteristics (sea level altitude and inclination above all), poor transmissivity of the rocks and the soil-weathering mantle, as well as an overall retention capacity are the decisive factors contributing to the origin of flash floods.
Key words: small catchments, flash floods, storm rainfalls, risk factors, risk areas
J. Lacika: Evolution of geomorphological networks in the Slovak part of the Slaná catchment. Geografický časopis, 53, 2001, 3, 4 figs., 21 refs.
The paper deals with the geomorphological development of the Slovak part of the Slaná catchment. It is based on the analyses of geomorphological networks formed by depressions and elevations, i.e. valley and inter-valley ridge networks. Multiple attributes of the networks such as: texture, hierarchy, density, linearity, and asymmetry were analysed. In case of elevational networks analyses were focused to watersheds, particularly their sea level altitude and relative altitude compared to the local erosional basis. Maps of isobasites were used as well. The territory in question appears as a positively developing one with tendency to widening at the cost of the adjacent catchments. The overall gain of piracy is estimated at 90 to 130 square kilometres.
Key words: Slaná catchment, valley network, morphotectonics, piracy
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