Acta geographica Slovenica

Morphogenesis and classification of corrosion plains in Slovenia

2023-12-05T09:32:03+01:00

A new study of corrosion plains in Slovenia provides a systematic classification based on their geological settings and morphology. They are grouped into four types: karst plains, dry poljes, marginal plains of contact karst, and marginal plains of fluviokarst. Karst plains are the largest, formed through denudation under stable tectonic and hydrogeological conditions. Dry poljes are closed basins composed of bedrock and scattered sediment. Marginal plains of contact karst are formed at the boundary between non-karst and karst environments, while marginal plains of fluviokarst result from multiphase formation of poljes due to tectonic activity. This study enhances understanding of corrosion plains and can assist in their identification and management in karst areas.

The entropy as a parameter of demographic dynamics: Case study of the population of Serbia

2024-03-21T19:12:41+01:00

The aim of this article is to apply Shannon's entropy model in the study of demographic reproduction dynamics of the population in the Republic of Serbia from the regional aspect (NUTS 3 level) in the period from 1961 to 2021. Based on the values of absolute and relative entropy, the tendencies of demographic dynamics are determined, which is one of the most important parameters for building an optimal scheme of territorial organization and population distribution. In this context, explanations and conclusions were given about the homogeneity (or heterogeneity) of demographic dynamics and regional differentiation of demographic space in Serbia.

Precipitation variation and water balance evaluation using different indices

2024-03-21T19:12:43+01:00

The study evaluates the variability of water balance using different indices for the period 1961–2018 in Cotnari and surroundings, in the middle part of the Moldavian Plateau (MP), Romania. With the aid of statistical analysis and remote sensing, we discovered that the Cotnari's SPEI (Standardized Precipitation and Evapotranspiration Index) variability is characterized by severe values that alternate between significant excess and significant deficits. According to SPEI, between 57.2 and 61.4% of the months were near normal in terms of water balance. There were between 19.3 and 25.1% months with water excess and between 17.1 and 20.8% with water deficit. The links between NDVI and SPEI become stronger as SPEI reaches extreme values (above 1.5 units or below −1.5 units). The water balance indicates a decrease in available water resources.

Research work and contribution of Andrej Kranjc to geography and karstology

2023-05-19T13:51:33+02:00

Andrej Kranjc was one of the leading geographers of his generation at the national and international level. His research covers a wide range of topics related to karst geomorphology, speleology, and hydrology, as well as the history of karstology and karst terminology. This article presents his fruitful and active research activities, his contribution to geography, and his role and importance to karstology. His research and publications were honoured by his appointment as a member of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts. Through his scientific, professional, and educational work, Kranjc has had a lasting impact on Slovenian geography and has contributed significantly to the establishment of karstology in the professional community and among the general public. In addition, his work led to many important initiatives, such as the International Karstological School and the Doctoral study programme Karstology. It is also thanks to him that Slovenia is recognised as a karst country and is among the world leaders in karstology.

Culinary tourism in natural protected areas: The case of the Cuxtal Ecological Reserve in Yucatan, Mexico

2023-08-01T14:49:18+02:00

The Cuxtal Ecological Reserve is located in the urban periphery of Merida. This reserve represents an element of tourist interest due to the diversity of tourist resources, although these have not been recognized yet. In addition, most of the local population has traditional culinary knowledge, which is little explored from a tourist perspective. This article proposes to identify the culinary resources of the reserve to elaborate a culinary map. The study is based on in-depth interviews with residents to assess their culinary knowledge, visitor surveys, and the field´s traditional food and agricultural product mapping. The results show that it has the potential to develop culinary tourism. Gastronomy can play an important role in boosting the local economy and conserving culinary identity among the inhabitants under the pressure of ultra-processed food from Merida.

Economic growth in the Balkan area: An analysis of economic β-convergence

2023-12-08T08:02:25+01:00

The Balkan countries undergoing the transition must advance their economies to be more competitive. The aim of this paper is to analyse economic growth with a primary focus on the analysis of economic convergence in the Balkan region in the period of 1997–2020. The research analyses the following Balkan economies: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia. This study applies Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a measure of economic growth and is based on the neoclassical economic growth model: the Solow's convergence concept. The results show that the Balkan countries experienced economic convergence with a speed of 1.82% in the cross-sectional model and 7.87% in the panel data model. It means that the initially less developed economies noted higher economic growth than those richer.

Determining the lengths of miles and numerical map scales for Volume VII of the graphic collection Iconotheca Valvasoriana

2023-05-05T13:10:48+02:00

This article presents the procedure for determining numerical scales based on the graphic scales drawn to process the graphic material in Volume VII of the Valvasor collection. To calculate the numerical scales, the miles drawn on the maps and their lengths in relation to one degree of the meridian were studied. A total of 22 different miles were drawn on the maps studied, of which the German mile was the most common. After calculating the numerical scales, it was found that the largest scale of the maps examined was 1:220,000 and the smallest was 1:11,200,000.