Author: analegeo (Page 1 of 6)

ANALYSIS OF DAILY MAXIMUM TEMPERATURES IN OLTENIA: THE SUMMER OF 2024 AS A CASE STUDY

Mihaela LICURICI Alina-Ștefania VLĂDUȚ Mihaela BRÂNCUȘ Cristina-Doina BURADA 10.52846/AUCSG.25.01 10.52846/AUCSG.25.01

Abstract

According to Copernicus climate change service (C3S), the summer of 2024 was the warmest on record for our continent, the average surface air temperature over the European land reaching +1.54°C above the 1991-2020 average. In Romania, extremely high temperatures were recorded in July and August, heatwaves affecting particularly the southern part of the country. However, at their peak, western and eastern extra-Carpathian regions also registered extremely high temperatures. In Oltenia, there were recorded 24 daily maximum temperatures ≥40°C (20 in July and 4 in August), the area located in the proximity of the Danube being the most exposed (15 values above 40°C). In July, in four county municipalities (Drobeta-Turnu Severin, Craiova, Târgu Jiu, and Râmnicu Vâlcea), there were recorded 13 consecutive days with maximum temperatures above 35°C, while at Slatina there were 14 days (July 7/8 – July 20). In August, the interval was shorter, between 7 days at Craiova and 10 days at Drobeta-Turnu Severin (August 10/11 – August 17/18). The persistence of high atmospheric pressure formations intensified local insolation processes, which, together with tropical air advections, contributed to the increase of heating. Even if the previous thermal records (registered on July 24, 2007) were not exceeded, in terms of average temperature, the summer of 2024 was hotter than the summers of 2007 and 2012 (values above 27°C were registered at six meterological stations in July and at five in August), which triggered numerous problems in the region – agricultural losses, wildfires, power shortages, health issues.

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EXCEPTIONAL FLOODS ON THE RAZNIC RIVER (SOUTH- WESTERN ROMANIA)

Oana MITITELU-IONUȘ Daniel SIMULESCU Ioana PĂTRĂȘINCĂ-GEAMBAȘU 10.52846/AUCSG.25.02 10.52846/AUCSG.25.02

Abstract

The paper examines the exceptional floods that appeared within the Raznic river basin, more specifically, their amplitude, causes, and consequences. In order to accomplish the objectives, hydrological data were used to identify the characteristics of flash floods recorded in the years 1972, 2006 and 2023. Finally, the inventory of the socio-economic damages recorded led to the analysis of structural and non-structural measures proposed and implemented by local authorities. The research offers an insight on the dimension of the maximum discharges recorded during exceptional floods (1972 – 190 cm/s; 2006 – 188 cm/s; 2023 – 210 cm/s), their frequency and return period. The importance of the study lies in the fact that it manages to revive both the insufficient scientific and stakeholder concerns on this kind of hydrological risk, issued in a small catchment, considering their recorded effects and the high frequency of occurrence.

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GEOMORPHOLOGICAL RISK AND VULNERABILITY OF THE SUBCARPATHIAN AND PIEDMONT SECTORS OF THE GILORT RIVER BASIN

Emil MARINESCU Sidonia MARINESCU 10.52846/AUCSG.25.03 10.52846/AUCSG.25.03

Abstract

Currently, geomorphological studies have been tasked with investigating a large part of natural hazards, so any study should end with a geomorphological risk map. The geomorphological risk maps take into account the analytical and synthetic integration of as many variables as possible to target both natural and social elements. In approaching the geomorphological risk assessment methodology, it is necessary to correlate each control factor with the map of current geomorphological processes and establish its weight of influence. A layer was created for each variable and the current processes were quantified by means of another layer by using Spatial Analyst – Density (ArcGIS). From the obtained layers, the numerical information was extracted according to a grid network, adopting a convenient size of the grid cell. Considering the dynamics of the current processes in the Subcarpathian and the Piedmont sector of the Gilort hydrographic basin (Romania), the geomorphological risk map was created for this space, highlighting four categories of risk (very low, low, medium and high). The obtained map has an important practical utility and includes the degree of vulnerability of the anthropogenic component to certain types of natural hazards.

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ALIEN FLORA FROM DOLJ COUNTY, ROMANIA

Daniel RĂDUȚOIU Ioana SIMION Violeta BORUZ 10.52846/AUCSG.25.04 10.52846/AUCSG.25.04

Abstract

The areas covered by alien plants in Europe have expanded during recent years. Romania ranks 17th out of all European countries, with 740 allochthonous species. Most of these plants are classified as neophytes (703), the rest being archaeophytes (23), or archaeophyte-neophytes (14). The analysis of alien plants on the territory of Dolj County led to the identification of 160 taxa that belong to 49 botanical families. The best represented family is Asteraceae, with 30 taxa. There is a significant gap between the family holding the first position and the following two, i.e., Amaranthaceae, with 11 taxa and Fabaceae, with 10 taxa. Even though almost half of the families with identified alien plant species have only one representative, the reality in the field shows a completely different image, as the populations of the respective taxon are abundant (e.g., Phytolacca americana, Ailanthus altissima, Acer negundo, Asclepias syriaca, etc.). The analysis of the plant inventory revealed the presence of certain invasive taxa (Ambrosia artemisiifolia, Erigeron canadensis, Vallisneria spiralis, Erigeron annuus, Robinia pseudacacia), which found good development conditions on the territory of Dolj County. Some of them are of interest to the European Union (Asclepias syriaca, Ailanthus altissima, Elodea nuttallii). Climate changes occurred during recent years, associated with human activities in all domains, have led to obvious transformations in the chorology of some alien species on the territory of Dolj County. Xerophilous, thermophilic, heliophilous, and anthropophilic species (e.g., Abutilon theophrasti) are favoured.

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A BRIEF HISTORY OF EUROPEAN CHRISTMAS MARKETS. CASE STUDY: THE CITY OF CRAIOVA (2020-2024)

Alexandra-Lucia ZAHARIA Claudia-Daniela ALBĂ 10.52846/AUCSG.25.05 10.52846/AUCSG.25.05

Abstract

The study «A brief history of European Christmas Markets. Case Study: The City of Craiova (2020-2024)» aims to present a brief history of Christmas markets in Europe and to identify how these seasonal events have become, in recent years, a real entertainment industrie, with application on the Craiova Christmas Market. The Christmas markets began to appear in the early Middle Ages for economic reasons: in winter, the food merchants recorded modest sales and began to sell their products near churches, where residents met for Christmas services. The meat sellers were joined by the pastry shops, the confectioners, the toy manufacturers, the ornaments producers, etc. The authorities encouraged and regulated these markets, established the venues, the period, the objects that can be sold. The locals were joined by visitors from other localities, which contributed to the increase in income from these events. At the end of the 19th century, in the Germanic space, the cradle of Christmas markets and the promoter of the decorated tree, the Christmas markets were increasingly numerous and the period of their holding was extended. In the following century, also in Germany, the use of luminous decorations, the specific music, the aromas of mulled wine and gingerbread was imposed, which contributed to the creation of the “Christmas atmosphere”, much exploited commercially today. The Craiova Christmas Market began to become a symbol of the city every winter season. The organizers aim every year to exceed their limits in terms of elements of novelty and uniqueness, to bring to the attention of the public varied themes that would attract tourists of all ages, from all social categories and even from abroad. The visibility of the event has increased year by year thanks to intense promotion on radio and television, the written press, but also on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok platforms.

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WATER SUPPLY AND SEWAGE SYSTEM WITHIN BĂILEȘTI PLAIN

Lavinia CRIȘU Andreea-Gabriela ZAMFIR Daniel-Alin SIMULESCU 10.52846/AUCSG.25.06 10.52846/AUCSG.25.06

Abstract

This article evaluates the implementation status of water supply and sewer systems in Băilești Plain, as a response to the alignment with the objectives of the National Sustainable Development Strategy 2030. The length of the water supply network and the sewer system was analyzed at the administrative-territorial unit (ATU) level and their correlation with the population in each ATU was assessed. The potable water distribution network is approximately 900 km, which is insufficient for the population in the region. Furthermore, the sewer network has a low level of implementation in rural areas, not yet reaching the objectives set by the strategies and Oltenia Water Company (OWC), namely providing access to essential utilities for the population.

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IN MEMORIAM PROFESSOR CONSTANTIN ENACHE – LIFE AND ACTIVITY

Oana MITITELU-IONUȘ –

Abstract

Constantin Enache was born in Scăioși commune (Făget today), Prahova county. He attended the first three grades at the Primary School in Blejoiu commune and the fourth grade at School no. 4 from Ploiești. In 1950, he graduated St. Peter and Paul Highschool in the same urban settlement. During the period 1950-1954, he attended the courses of the Faculty of Geology-Geography, Department of Geology, the graduation thesis having the theme: The use of the hydraulic energy of the Teleajen river, depending on the geological structure of the region crossed by this river. After finishing the university studies in 1954, he was assigned to the Filipeştii de Pădure Mining Company as Chief Geologist. From that first mine, he was promoted to the Muntenia Mining Trust as a senior geologist.

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Emmanuel de Martonne’s glacial geomorphology research in Parâng massif (the Southern Carpathians)

Emil MARINESCU Sidonia MARINESCU 10.52846/AUCSG.24.01 10.52846/AUCSG.24.01

Abstract

We are publishing this article in 2023, the year when the 150th anniversary of the birth of the French geographer is celebrated, the article being a tribute to Emmanuel de Martonne’s work in Romania, especially for his contribution to the research of the Transylvanian Alps (the Southern Carpathians). Of the two doctoral theses that the French geographer elaborated on the territory of Romania, the last one, defended in 1905 and published in 1907 at the Sorbonne University in Paris, was dedicated to the geomorphological evolution of the Transylvanian Alps (the Southern Carpathians). Of the 14 field campaigns that Emmanuel de Martonne carried out in Romania, eight were carried out in the Southern Carpathians (Banat Massif, Transylvanian Massif) and in the neighboring regions closely related in their paleogeographical evolution to the Transylvanian Alps (the Subcarpathian area of Oltenia, the Subcarpathian area of Muntenia, and Mehedinți Plateau). For the French geographer, the transverse valleys of the Southern Carpathians were examples indicating the extensive tectonic movements that affected the territory of Romania in the Paleogene and Neogene. Glacial influences and relief forms in the high part of the Southern Carpathians became the main concern of the French geographer for at least a decade of research in Romania. More obviously, in some parts of the Southern Carpathians, the action of glaciation cut out specific shapes within the platform of the high peaks (Borăscu planation platform). In the research in Parâng Mountains, Emmanuel de Martonne aimed to identify some key evidence of glaciation: glacial cirques, lakes, valleys, thresholds, glacial grooves, glaciated knobs, and moraines. Above all, the French geographer believed that the general topography of the valleys and cirques is the fundamental element that certifies glaciation and the presence of lateral cirques justifies the succession of glacial periods.

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The influence of topography on the subsidence processes of loess-like deposits from Sălcuța plain (South-western Romania)

George TĂNASE Sandu BOENGIU Oana MITITELU-IONUȘ Daniel SIMULESCU 10.52846/AUCSG.24.02 10.52846/AUCSG.24.02
Abstract

This paper aims to establish the role of the local topography of Sălcuța Plain (subdivision of the Oltenia Plain) in the subsidence process of loess-like deposits. The relevant features of the topography, especially the slope, were generated using SAGA GIS v.7.8.0 and QGIS v.3.22 software based on an altimetric terrain model. The results obtained highlight the fact that 303 microdepressions were formed following the chemical and mechanical subsidence of the loess deposits. The most important characteristic, which conditions the genesis of the subsidence process and implicitly the formation of microdepressions, is the slope; in this case, the subsidence process occurs in areas where the slope has values lower than 2 degrees. The research advanced by generating the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI) in order to identify areas with moisture excess, the moistening of loess-like deposits being one of the basic conditions in the genesis of the subsidence process. The highest values of the Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), over 10, were recorded in the areas with microdepressions.

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Avoiding plagiarism in higher education: legal interpretation and controversies

Hristina DOBREVA 10.52846/AUCSG.24.03 10.52846/AUCSG.24.03

Abstract

Plagiarism and copyright infringement are intrinsically connected. The paper examines EU law in this area, depicts different types of plagiarism and copyright offences as well as different types of penalties. The focus is on higher education plagiarism and the use of several types of anti-plagiarism software to tackle that problem. Several controversies have been examined and recommendations offered on avoiding some of the common problems.

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Mapping the dimension of soil sealing in Craiova City (Romania) using GIS and remote sensing techniques

Cristiana VÎLCEA Adelina NENIU 10.52846/AUCSG.24.04 10.52846/AUCSG.24.04
Abstract

The rapid growth of urban areas and the increase in sealed surfaces have significant implications for environmental management and urban planning. Monitoring and quantifying sealed surfaces are crucial for understanding urbanization processes and their impacts. This article deals with the issues of mapping the dimension of soil sealing in Craiova city, during the last two decades using GIS and remote sensing techniques. As the Normalized Difference Builtup Index (NDBI) has emerged as a valuable tool for assessing sealed surfaces and evaluating urban expansion, it was selected as preferred method selected to determine the dimension of soil sealing.

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Could the all-inclusive system increase the appeal of the Romanian seaside?

Claudia Daniela ALBĂ Liliana POPESCU 10.52846/AUCSG.24.05 10.52846/AUCSG.24.05
Abstract

The tourist infrastructure built during the Communist period on the Romanian seaside had a toilsome opening towards all-inclusive services, in 2023 less than 15% of the total number of hotels offering AI or AIL services. For the last 20 years, many Romanian tourists have become loyal to destinations abroad, easily accessible, some of them known to offer predominantly all-inclusive services. Using semi-structured interviews, the study analyzes the perception of a sample of Romanian tourists related to the development of the all-inclusive system on the Romanian seaside. Applying the thematic analysis procedure, 3 main themes emerged regarding the AI system: diversity, benefits for families and quality issues. Based on them, implications for managers and other stakeholders are discussed.

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Graphic organizers method used in the systematisation and recapitulation of knowledge in geography

Ionuț-Adrian DRĂGULEASA Maria Mădălina BĂNUȚ Mirela MAZILU 10.52846/AUCSG.24.06 10.52846/AUCSG.24.06

Abstract

This research analyses whether the use of an effective method/technique, as support in the educational process, can make pupils better understand the concepts learned in Geography classes and be more effective in practical tests. Thus, this research is based on the design and use of the method of graphic organizers in the teaching-learning-evaluation lessons, which allows the fixation and thorough consolidation of pupils’ knowledge in the discipline of Geography, 7th grade. The research method used was the questionnaire, which was applied to an experimental sample (7th grade A) and a control sample (7th grade B), the pupils being from the countryside school in Dolj County, Romania. Statistical data were analyzed using SPSS Statistical Software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) and provided valuable insights in understanding the relationships between the studied variables and the research hypotheses. We consider this technique, being new, attractive and innovative in the Romanian education system, for the development of the spirit of observation in pupils, the increase of attention, imagination and memory, the amplification of investigative capacity, organization in thinking but also in deeds (creativity and thinking free).

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Correlations between the hydrological regime and the morphodynamic processes in the Gilort River basin

Emil MARINESCU Oana MITITELU-IONUȘ 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.01 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.01

Abstract

This study highlights the relationship between the dynamics of the hydrological regime in a river basin and the morphodynamic potential that appears in the context of increasing frequency and intensity of current climatic phenomena. Climate change characterized by the high frequency and intensity of torrential rains and floods, especially in the last decade, with a maximum amplitude in the summer months (June-July), alternating with periods of drought have brought to a series of geomorphological changes in the Gilort river basin. These processes are amplified by the high degree of fragmentation of the relief, by the presence of springs that feed the hydrographic network and by the important rainfall contribution to the formation of river flows. In the high mountainous area of the basin, there are a series of debris flows that have been triggered in the last ten years, during torrential rains and exceptional floods, by major changes in the land cover and by the transport of materials in the drainage section. At the exit of the mountain, the longitudinal profile of the river changes radically with the decrease of the slope, so that most of the coarse alluvium is deposited in the riverbed in the sectors of the contact depressions at the foot of the mountain. At the contact between the mountains and the Subcarpathian Depression, due to a pronounced decrease of the riverbed slope, the phenomenon of bed aggradation occurs. In this study, all these geomorphological processes are explained from the perspective of hydrological and climatic influence combined with changes in land cover.

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Design of groundwater catchments. Case study: the water supply of Adjud

Andreea Aurelia IOJĂ 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.02 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.02

Abstract

The use of groundwater to supply water to citizens is an important component of a country’s security strategy, as groundwater is less vulnerable to pollution and can be used even in difficult climatic conditions. Groundwater catchments involve additional investment in research, compared to surface water catchments, because they use an underground source that must be identified through geological and hydrogeological research: the aquifer. From the geological and hydrogeological studies that were carried out in the area, the conclusion is that these aquifers can appear at depths between 15 and 120 m and there is a possibility that they manifest themselves artesian.

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Upon an un-identified Schmidtea species from SW Romania (Platyhelminthes, Tricladida, Dugesiidae)

Anda Felicia BABALEAN 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.03 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.03

Abstract

This paper presents the general organization of a Dugesiidae population from Dăbuleni locality (SW Romania) with emphasis on the anatomy of the copulatory apparatus. The copulatory apparatus is characterized by intermingled bursal canal musculature and two distinct penis bulbs with two large seminal vesicles. The copulatory apparatus is also characterised by the presence of an atrial fold, feature typical of Schmidtea mediterranea (Benazzi, Baguñà, Ballester, Puccinelli, Del Papa 1975). The characteristics of the copulatory apparatus of the investigated population are comparatively discussed with all the other Schmidtea species. Data on the reproductive biology are also given. The presence of Schmidtea mediterranea in SW Romania is discussed in relation with the paleogeographic evolution of land and aquatic basins of Europe. The possibility that the Schmidtea population from Dăbuleni (SW Romania) be a candidate for a new species is also considered.

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Similarities and differences between the traditional approach and the online approach to the teaching-learning-assessment process for geography during the pandemic

Florentina TOMA Daniel Constantin DIACONU Bogdan OLARU 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.04 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.04

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pre-university education was organized either on a new online model or on a traditional model, carried out on a series of educational learning platforms and using various open educational resources. Taking as a starting point the research published worldwide about the educational process during the pandemic period, we present and discuss the similarities and differences regarding the educational process of learning-assessment at the pre-university level, with reference to the subject of geography. To achieve our goal, we conducted a review of the literature on articles dealing with traditional pre-university education and the online model during the pandemic, taking into account our personal teaching-learning-assessment experience on this topic, as well as the perception of teachers. This study comparatively evaluates the students’ learning about the results obtained in the two teaching-learning-assessment models and the perspective of the teachers through a survey of their reflection on the experiences of the pandemic period, identifying the causes, effects and solutions. The observations of the experiment and the analysis of the questionnaire showed significant similarities and differences between the scores obtained by the students and how the learning platforms can facilitate teaching and learning. This study discusses the implications and proposes suggestions for further research on these findings.

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Assessing visitor experiences at the Iron Gates hydro-electrical power plant (Romania)

Liliana POPESCU Mihaela BĂICUȘI 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.05 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.05

Abstract

Guest books are acknowledged as a means of public dialogue and have been used as a source of information regarding visitor experiences in museums. The current paper focuses on an exploratory case study, namely the experiences visitors have at the Iron Gates Hydro-electrical power plant in Romania. According to the classification of Pekaric et.al. 1999 and using the entries in the visitor books for 12 months, the study highlights the fact that while Object experinces are dominant, there is no doubt that for quite many visitors, there is a feeling of pride and ownership obvious in their short narratives.

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Perception and development of rural tourism in Vâlcea county

Amalia NIȚĂ Ionuț-Adrian DRĂGULEASA 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.06 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.06
Abstract

The research provides an overview of rural tourism current situation in Vâlcea county, focusing on the existing natural and man-made tourism resources and also on the perception of travellers on this type of tourism, as well as a quantitative analysis of tourism in the area. An online survey underlined the benefits of this type of tourism on rural communities and development, such as employment and income growth, social and economic improvement and revitalization of crafts and traditions. Moreover, rural tourism can be an experience in the countryside, encompassing a wide range of attractions and activities that take place in the northern non-urban areas of the county. The rural tourist activities can be very well associated with ecotourism, cultural and heritage tourism and adventure and sport tourism. Thus, rural tourism can have major implications for the economic, social and cultural development of the traditional villages in the studied county.

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Current state in educational system during Covid-19 pandemic situation – case study: Slovakia

Maria HLINKOVA Miroslav GARAJ Martina ZELENAKOVA 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.07 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.07

Abstract

The current pandemic situation has shown many shortcomings in areas that are on the margins of society. The development of education, not only in Slovakia, has a great potential to achieve an increase in knowledge. The present paper summarizes the results of a survey on the situation at the time of the pandemic, when the schools were closed. The survey lasted 21 days, during which it reached the attendance of 1 416 people. Seven of the questions in the survey aimed at finding out the form in which distance learning was carried out at that time, while three questions focused on the preparation of both teachers and students for teaching activities. The questionnaire included a total of 17 questions. The results showed in how many schools distance education was implemented, how teachers and students evaluate the distance and full-time education system. The most valuable part of the survey is the subjective opinions of respondents on the mentioned issues. The overall success rate of the questionnaire was 36,9%, which represents 522 participants.

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The efficiency of using the Google Forms tool at the stage of a lesson focusing on directing the teaching-learning process for geography discipline – an online model

Florentina TOMA Daniel Constantin DIACONU 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.08 10.52846/AUCSG.23.1.08
Abstract

The pre-university educational system should be based on an educational approach in which the teaching, learning and evaluation methods aim to turn the student into an active agent in the learning process. This study is an attempt to evaluate the use of a personal learning environment based on the Google application – the Forms tool to support teaching and learning in the teaching-learning direction sequence, identifying the effects by calculating the magnitude of tests. The results showed that students who benefited from the teaching-learning model with the Google Forms tool registered better results in evaluation.

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Observed changes in air temperature, urban – suburban temperature difference in the region of Sofia (Bulgaria)

Nina NIKOLOVA Radoslav EVGENIEV 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.01 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.01

Abstract

Climate change and the impacts of anthropogenic activity on climate in Europe is documented in many scientific publications but the investigations about climate impact and particularly urban climate are relatively few for Bulgaria. The present paper investigates the variability of seasonal and annual air temperature in Sofia city and surrounding areas (towns Bankya and Bozhurishte) for the period 1961-2015 based on the linear regression method. In order to investigate the urban heat island (UHI) intensity, the air temperature difference between the city and its surroundings is calculated. The study shows increase of air temperature difference between the city and suburban territories during the recent years. The linkages between the observed variability of air temperature difference and atmospheric circulation and urbanization are investigated.

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Dealing with economic problems through solving the problem of climate change

Orose LEELAKULTHANIT 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.02 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.02

Abstract

Dealing with a slowdown in economic growth is something that no country wants to be concerned with. Neither do countries want to face the reality of widening gaps in income or the realities that attend changes in the climate that we are experiencing in the world today. This study focuses on these issues and makes an attempt to find solutions to them. First there are discussed the negative impacts that climate change has on economic growth and income inequality. It is the author’s contention that if a solution can be found to the various problems connected to climate change, solutions to these other problems will be found. The paper ends with a discussion of the role that business can play in finding solutions to the problems regarding climate change.

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GIS based quantitative morphometric analysis of the hydrographic network: a regional case study (southwestern romania)

Cristina Georgiana ZANFIR 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.03 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.03

Abstract

GIS (Geographic information System) techniques, characterized by high accuracy of mapping and measurement, prove to be a competent tool in morphometric analysis. The main goal of the study is to analyze the hydrographic network in linear form (vector) by overlaying databases from different periods (vector layer made in 2003 and layer made in 2017) for a regional case study within Southwestern Romania. The database organized in layers aims to reproduce characteristics of the drainage network: the cartographic maps scale 1: 100.000, Geo-referenced in ArcGIS 10.4); the first version of the hydrographic network used in the first River Basin. The results of this analysis will be concentrated on the length of the river network correlated with the two layers and also on the relief based on a DTM (cell size 5×5 m) within the study area. The relevance of the discussions lies in highlighting the differences appeared over time regarding the hydrographic network spatially using GIS based quantitative morphometric analysis.

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Study of seismic risk perception in Craiova municipality

Adelina NENIU 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.04 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.04

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the perception of the population regarding the potential danger generated by earthquakes in Craiova. Although it is located at a significant distance from the main seismic region of Romania (i.e. about 400 km from Vrancea), Craiova Municipality is still in an area with seismic risk according to the National Institute of Research and Development for Earth Physics (NIEP/INFP in Romanian). Regarding the seismic area in Romania, Craiova is classified at an 8 level on the MSK scale (according to Law no. 575/2001); moreover, the strong earthquakes produced in the last half-century had some notable effects on the territory of the municipality. In Craiova, the deficiencies concerning the anti-seismic education, the condition of the old constructions that are still used, the non-conforming structural changes brought to the buildings, etc. may increase the risk of an earthquake of medium and high magnitude. The present paper is based on the random sampling of 120 people from Craiova Municipality regarding their perception of earthquakes. It was found that half of them experienced at least one major earthquake (particularly that of 1977, which caused significant property damage and fatalities). The personal experience of such an earthquake or the participation in the simulative exercises of an earthquake in the city determines some of the respondents consider that they have learned how to behave during an earthquake. On the other hand, some of the respondents (especially the single or retired ones) expressed their lack of trust in the help they could receive during an earthquake.

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In search of the last beasts of the animal kingdom. A study based on geography and handmade drawings

Mihai MUSTĂȚEA 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.05 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.05

Abstract

Large and powerful animals represent a source of fear and fascination for humans and influence the evolution of culture, civilization and science. Although the maximum size reached by such beasts has been the subject of intense controversy, little scientific interest has been given to distinguish reality from fiction. Therefore, the goal of our study was to identify the largest specimens of the contemporary mega fauna. In order to do so, we have a) selected the most representative species and identified the largest specimens through a scientific literature synthesis, b) reconstructed their distinctive physical features through detailed handmade drawings, and c) analyzed their location in relation to the distribution of reserves and intact ecosystems. Our results indicate that the maximum size reached by large water predators, such as sharks and crocodiles, has been much more documented compared to large land carnivores and herbivores. Almost all of the exceptionally large specimens identified were located in protected areas. In several cases, such as the Indian elephant (Elephas maximus) and the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), the largest individuals have been identified in the last couple of decades. The results represent a true statement concerning the importance of preserving mega fauna species, and reveal that, despite increasing human population and pressure over the natural environment, the beast of the animal world can still survive in modern times, due to the conservation of large wild habitats through networks of protected areas.

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Sustainable tourism development – an applied model of the Bucegi mountains

Mirela Elena MAZILU Ionuț-Adrian DRĂGULEASA 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.06 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.06

Abstract

The planning and management of the Bucegi Mountains require tools which allow a broad and essential view in order to identify the tendencies and promotion of some balanced projects of development. Based on the connection between the development of tourism, specific activities and touristic destination, the Bucegi Mountains capitalize the presence of some touristic facilities and technical-utility features which may ease the capitalisation, mainly, of the natural potential – support for the practice of various forms of tourism: mountainous tourism, recreation tourism, adventure tourism, cave diving, etc. The most important principles of sustainable tourism can be applied to all forms of tourism, including the niche tourism. Consequently, the way some forms of tourism are practised in natural reserve areas must maintain the essential ecological process, so as the aesthetical values or the cultural authenticity of the host communities to promote the traditional values or the cultural-historical patrimony. Thus, sustainable tourism must contribute to the reduction of the risk of poverty in the local communities.

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Population ageing in rural Romania – regional disparities and social implications

Cristina ȘOȘEA 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.07 10.52846/AUCSG.22.1.07

Abstract

Population ageing is occurring on more extensive areas worldwide, is affecting rural areas with greater intensity and at a faster pace than ever. This study aims to evaluate the main demographic changes and their social consequences in post-communist Romania, highlighting the particularities of rural decline phenomenon and taking into account regional and gender-related patterns and causalities. Unfavourable demographic trends recorded in rural Romania emphasize the urgent necessity to address the complex processes associated with rural depopulation through national, regional or even local solutions and approaches.

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The influence of climatic conditions on the forest vegetation within the Getic Subcarpatians – Oltenia sector

Adelina – Iuliana NENIU Alina Ștefania VLĂDUȚ
Abstract

The present paper aimed to render the correlation between the climatic conditions and forest vegetation within the Subcarpathian area, based on specific bioclimatic indices. In order to emphasize this correlation, there were analysed the spatial distribution and temporal variability of three indices – “De Martonne” aridity index (Ia), Ellenberg Quotient (EQ) and the forestry aridity index (FAI). The average monthly and annual temperature and precipitation data cover a period of 58 years (1961-2018). Based on the average values of the three indices it resulted that the central and eastern parts of the study area, with lower altitudes, is more suitable for the development of thermophilic species (oak, but also other deciduous species), while the western part, as well as at higher altitudes, beech (Fagus silvatica) and even coniferous species find proper conditions. The results indicate a good correlation among different bioclimatic indexes and between bioclimatic indexes and CLC 2018 classes of vegetation cover. In terms of temporal evolution, there Were not identified any statistically significant trends for the analyzed indices, mainly due to the fact that temperature increase in the area was also accompanied by the increase of the precipitation amount.

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Toponyms within the Parâng mountains reflected in cartographic documents over time

Emil MARINESCU
Abstract

The study highlights the significance of the toponyms and their use in time within the Parâng Mountains, their diversity (oiconyms, geomorphonyms, hydronyms, hodonyms, anthroponyms, hileonyms), their preservation or loss over time. An important aspect is the difference between the toponyms on cartographical materials and their location and names assigned by the locals.

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