31 S T U D I A G E O M O R P H O L O G I C A C A R P A T H O - B A L C A N I C A VOL. XLVII, 2013: 31–48 PL ISSN 0081-6434 KATALIN GYÖRGYÖVICS, TÍMEA KISS (SZEGED) DUNE HIERARCHY AND MORPHOMETRIC CLASSES OF THE PARABOLIC SAND DUNE ASSOCIATION OF INNER SOMOGY, HUNGARY Abstract: Inner Somogy in Southwest Hungary is covered by a complex system of parabolic dunes and elongated ridges formed by northerly winds. The aims of the research were to classify the positive aeolian forms based on their morphology, and to describe their spatial distribution. A small scale study area (No. 1) was chosen to classify the forms. By zooming out, the same evaluation was carried out on a larger area (No. 2). Finally, the same methodology was applied to all dunes of the whole region (No. 3). Based on their hierarchy, the forms were divided into four levels. On No. 1 only one mega-form with three superimposed hierarchy levels appears. On No. 2 all four hierarchy levels appear only in the southeast, in an accumulation–transportational zone, while the northwestern part of the study area could be considered as an erosional–transportational zone. The region No. 3 is characterized by a transportational matrix and three accumulation zones. Morphometric measurements were carried out, measuring the area (A), arc length (Larc), chord length (Lchord), average width (A/Larc) and curvature (Larc/Lchord) of each positive, accumulation aeolian forms. Based on the parameters the dunes were grouped into seven classes. At test site No.1 the hierarchy levels and the morphometric classes are in agreement, but in study area No.2 and No.3 this statement is valid only for the accumulation zones where large dunes appear. The transportational zones of study areas No. 2–3 are characterized by medium-size and elongated dunes, but their hierarchy level is not in connection with their morphometry. Key words: aeolian forms, dune morphometry, dune hierarchy, classification, parabolic dunes, Inner Somogy INTRODUCTION Up to date, most of the aeolian research focused on arid zone forms: their clas- sification, development and their response to environmental changes (e.g. wind direction, sand supply, moisture availability); however, there is an increase in the number of investigations carried out in semi-arid and temperate sand areas. Descriptive studies on aeolian dune types were carried out mainly in the deserts of Africa and North America (M c K e e 1979; P y e, T s o a r 1990; C o o k e DOI 10.2478/sgcb-2013-0003 Unauthenticated Download Date | 5/6/15 11:07 AM