Anthropogenic geomorphological and after-use problems of quarrying: case studies from the UK and Hungary

Abstract

The study intends to give an introduction to the significance of quarrying from the point of view of anthropogenic geomorphology, indicating the level of surface forming taken place due to the mining of these raw materials. The significance of this topic is supported by the presence of the so-called «mining landscapes» emerged since to the 19th century. Authors focus on the geomorphic impact of quarrying with special emphasis on factors influencing its spatial distribution, as well as on the characteristics and classification of surface features produced by quarrying, providing an overview of the most important excavated and accumulated forms and form components on the macro, meso and micro scales. Finally, international and Hungarian case studies illustrate some aspects of the opening and after-use of mining sites in order to observe how abandoned quarries can be turned into «environmental values», and used as possible sites for exhibitions or for regional and tourism development projects.