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B GEOLOGICAL HERITAGE

B.1 Geological conditions of the area

Regional geological characteristics of the Iron Mountains National Geopark The Iron Mountains National area an exceptional phenomenon within Geopark (IMNG) lies around the contact the whole of Europe (see the practical of several regional geological units. sample of the geological excursion ˮ, freely The Bohemian Massif is the most “History of the Earth in two days available also at website extensive relict of the Variscan Orogen http://www.geovedy.cz/cs/files/Geovedy_ in Europe. As such, it often attracts visitors Brozura_ZS_A5_web.pdf). Scientists and for its varied geological composition. renowned geologists of the past were Geological variety of the Iron Mountains aware of this fact and studied the Iron over a relatively small area can be Mountains region. Historical line of their presented within one or two days, which activities is shown in Fig. 9. makes this

Fig. 9. Early times of geology and history of research in the Iron Mountains. Source: IMNG Archive.

General geological characteristics Based on current knowledge, the western of the IMNG area are based on the regional part of the IMNG area is ranked within geological pertinence of its separate parts the Teplá-Barrandian Zone – the so-called (Fig. 10). Much like the whole Bohemian Bohemicum. This includes the so-called Massif, the Iron Mountains represent Iron Mountains Proterozoic and the Iron a component of the Variscan Orogen. Mountains (or ) Paleozoic. Central

17 18 part of the IMNG area is formed of the Permo-Carboniferous Jihlava by plutonic rocks of the Iron Mountains Graben near Kraskov. Cretaceous plutonic complex (Iron Mountains sediments are of wide areal distribution, or pluton) and the Oheb located along the western, northern and Crystalline Complex. This complex eastern limits of the IMNG. They belongs, in terms of the regional geological concentrate to the „Long Furrow“ area and subdivision, to the Kutná Hora–Svratka the Chrudim area. Tertiary rocks are region which is, in turn, ranked dominated by volcanics at the Košumberk to the Moldanubicum s. l . Castle near Luže (Fig. 11). The eastern part of the area is formed Quaternary rocks have a wider by rocks of the so-called Zone distribution in the area of Rosice and (Rhenohercynicum) and rocks Chrtníky. They have the character of loess of the Poli čka Crystalline Complex rich in molluscan fauna. Quaternary (Moldanubicum). The area is also reached processes (mostly weathering and erosion) by rocks of the Kutná Hora Crystalline are prominent at a number of sites, taking Complex (Chot ěbo ř area) and the Svratka their share in the geomorphic character Crystalline Complex (area of Otradov and of the whole area. As such, they pose Prose č). a vital aspect of the Geopark geology. These pre-Variscan and Variscan Below, you can find the descriptions units are overlain by post-orogenic rocks of the individual regional geological units of the “platform ˮ units. The oldest of these lying in the Geopark territory. rocks are represented by a relict

Fig. 10. Geological subdivision of the territory of the Iron Mountains National Geopark with designated regional units.

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Fig. 11. Ruins of the Košumberk Castle built on Tertiary basalt (a painting from the 19th century).

Iron Mountains in different periods these days. In spite of this, there are many of geological history sites displaying clear evidence – often very peculiar – of volcanic activity. Proterozoic Another phenomenon is linked with Proterozoic is the oldest geological the presence of the Iron Mountains Fault. unit represented in the Geopark territory. This major structure is now well visible It is generally constrained by ages 2.5 because it was associated with the uplift billion years to 542 million years. of the Iron Mountains by 600 m or more The oldest rocks within the Geopark have (Fig. 12). This uplift did not take place been dated to less than 700 million years. within a single day, of course: it lasted During their long history in the Iron several million years. The presence Mountains, the Proterozoic rocks were of major deep-reaching ruptures allows subjected to several major pressure and the ascent of hot fluids. Such process along temperature changes. As a result, most the Iron Mountains Fault resulted rocks of this age have been markedly in the origin of ores and other minerals. metamorphosed. Large accumulations of minerals represent The Proterozoic era in the Iron deposits which can be – in ideal case – Mountains is connected with two important exploited. The high number of mineral phenomena. One of them is volcanic deposits along the Iron Mountains Fault activity, both subaquatic and subaerial. also gave name to the adjacent mountain Prominent superficial products like range. volcanic cones have not been preserved till

Fig. 12. The range of the Iron Mountains from the southeast (12a) and northwest (12b).

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Moldanubicum of individuals collected during the whole history of paleontological research in this Moldanubicum is represented area (Fig. 13). Much more abundant fossil by several lower-order units in the territory finds in the Geopark territory include of the IMNG. The largest area is covered cephalopods with straight, conical shells by the Oheb Crystalline Complex (genus Orthoceras or similar), brachiopods in the SW and W parts of the area, a unit (a group similar to bivalves), and crinoids ranked to the Kutná Hora–Svratka Region which belong to the group of echinoderms. (Moldanubicum s. l. ). Lithologically most The Mrákotín area yielded finds of yet abundant types are red orthogneisses another interesting group: graptolites. intercalated with fine-grained biotite At a first glance, graptolites resemble shiny paragneisses and amphibolites. Quartzitic lines on dark stone; in fact, these are paragneisses and serpentinites are also colonies of tiny organisms ranked among present. Stratigraphic rank of the meta- the group of hemichordates. sedimentary units and the age of pre- Variscan orthogneisses are unknown. Paleozoic rocks in the Geopark territory posed an important source Rocks pertaining to the Kutná Hora of building material, especially in the past. Crystalline Complex are exposed Very hard Ordovician quartzites were used to the south of the Oheb Crystalline for the construction of buildings. Today, Complex, in the E and NE surroundings one of the largest and most attractive of Chot ěbo ř. They are represented quarries in the Geopark – the by reddish orthogneisses, banded Quarry – is opened in the Paleozoic rocks: migmatites and biotitic greywacke Silurian and Devonian limestones (for paragneisses. Two-mica migmatites and Silurian geology in the IMNG. biotitic migmatites are present The importance of this area in the past and in the immediate surroundings present is stressed by the educational of Chot ěbo ř. Rocks in the E part trail “Around the Prachovice Quarry ˮ. of the Geopark area (around Otradov and The trail also provides views of otherwise Prose č) are ranked to the Svratka inaccessible mining area. Occurrences Crystalline Complex. They are dominated of Late Paleozoic (Permo-Carboniferous) by porphyroclastic orthogneisses with rocks in the IMNG area are rare, being frequent intercalated bodies concentrated solely to the area of Kraskov of amphibolites, limestones and skarns. near Se č. Reddish fluvial sandstones to conglomerates locally contain finer- Paleozoic grained tuffitic beds.

Paleozoic is the general term for These fluvial sediments were the era constrained by the ages of 542–251 reported to yield rare finds of fossilized million years. This long stage in the Earth wood (araucarites). The relict near history is subdivided into several periods. Kraskov documents the southern end Each of the periods is represented – at least of the so-called Jihlava Graben, which to a limited degree – in the Geopark developed on the deep-seated P řibyslav territory. The Paleozoic era is linked with Fault. Besides this relict, isolated one of the most typical and most famous occurrences of Permo-Carboniferous rocks fossil representatives: a trilobite. This of the Jihlava Graben have been also ancient arthropod can be found at several described from the SW surroundings sites in the IMNG. Its finds are sporadic of Hradec Králové. and rare, with only several dozens

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Fig. 13. Brloh. A quarry face in quartzite (Paleozoic – Ordovician) and boulders of the surf facies (Mesozoic – Cretaceous). The quartzites contain trilobite fauna.

Mesozoic display effects of ancient sea surf – large, abraded boulders (Fig. 13). In contrast to the Paleozoic record, Mesozoic rocks preserved in the Geopark After moving only a few hundred represent only a relatively short time span metres basinward, the visitor finds himself (ca. 100–85 million years). In spite of this, in an “open ˮ sea full of sharks, fish, the Geopark features sites with unique bivalves and cephalopods. Abundant geology, which are worth our attention. remains of these organisms can be also found in the sedimentary record today The period represented (Fig. 14.). by the preserved Mesozoic sediments was marked by the biggest known flooding The wide variability of land surface in the whole Earth history. in environmental conditions over a small This flooding resulted in the origin area is also documented by the occurrences of a number of shallow, relatively warm of freshwater and swamp environments. seas with flourishing life. Then, most Such sites contain fragments of Cretaceous of the Geopark area was lying under coal together with remains of leaves and the water. Some places, however, were stems of plants inhabiting the Cretaceous lying near the shoreline. Such places now swamps.

Fig. 14. Chrtníky. A quarry in basaltic rocks (Ordovician) and marlstones (Cretaceous) containing marine fauna. Excursion of the secondary grammar school from Chrudim.

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Tertiary formerly subjected to exploitation for brick production. Sporadically developed eolian Tertiary rocks are not too abundant sediments form rather significant in the IMNG area. Notable is the intrusion accumulations in the areas of Sovolusky, of olivine basalt at Košumberk Hill near Litošice and Chvaletice. Luže, which is the easternmost product of Neoidic volcanism in . Besides B.2/B.3 Geosite list and olivine nodules, the rock displays typical descriprion columnar jointing. Among other Tertairy rocks, worth At present, more than 100 sites and mentioning are especially fluvial clayey- geosites are described in detail from silty gravels found in a small relict SW the territory of the IMNG. Besides their of Trhová Kamenice, ca. 13 m above scientific and educational values, they have the present flood plain of the a potential for the development River. Tertiary gravels have been reported of “geological stories ˮ. Their positions are also from the Se č area. shown on a map (Fig. 15). The selection of the geosites is Quaternary based on 40-years ʼ experience of regional geologists († Dr. Vodi čka, † Dr. Hruška, Quaternary sediments in the † Dr. Chlupá č and Dr. Smutek) from territory of the IMNG are represented Charles University in Prague, Czech by relatively monotonous complexes Geological Survey in Prague and from the (loams, eluvial sediments). Accumulations company of Water Resources Chrudim. of colluvial sediments have been mapped Geologically significant sites – on the slopes of the Iron Mountains. geosites, supplemented with general Relatively instructive outcrops are those descriptions in Chapter B.2, are listed in relics of fluvial terrace sediments along in a simplified review (Fig. 15.). The list of the Chrudimka and Novohradka rivers, and geosites also includes significant the accumulations of loess loams geological sites registered by the Czech in the Chrudim area. The latter were Geological Survey ( www.geology.cz ).

Fig. 15. A map of geosites in the Iron Mountains Geopark.

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Determination of significant geological sites, geosites, and their descriptions

The table below gives a full list of geosites in the Iron Mountains Geopark, consistent with the database of significant geological sites registered by the Czech Geological Survey in Prague (www.geology.cz ).

Identification Identification Site name Site name No. No. Chvaletice 1 Křemenice 56 Podho řany 2 Ševcova skalka near Obora 57 Běstvina-Javorka 3 Koukalky 58 Licom ěř ice 4 Chot ěbo ř B82 59 Oheb 5 Libice nad Doubravou – skarn 60 Skalka u Sovolusk 6 Hradišt ě – sand pit 61 Litošice 7 Podolská jeskyn ě Cave 62 Lichnice-Ka ňkovy hory 8 Páterova jeskyn ě Cave 63 Brloh 9 Haví řské jámy 64 Lipoltice 10 Žďárec u Se če 65 Chrtníky 11 Semt ěš-Vl čí skála 66 Žumberk 12 Semt ěš – lime kiln 67 Deblov 13 Bošov 68 Rabštejn 14 Hlína 69 Raškovice 15 Meziho ří 70 Na Skalách 16 Ob ří postele 71 Prachovice 17 Morašice – quarry 72 Vápenný Podol 18 Morašice – waste dump 73 Mrákotín u Skut če 19 Hude č 74 Ct ětín 20 Obora – calc-silicate rocks 75 Prosetín 21 Studená Voda – quarry 76 Srní 22 Kamenné stádo 77 Lukavice 23 Libkov – quarry 78 Nasavrky 24 Polánka – limestone 79 Kraskov 25 Malhoš ť 80 Škrovád 26 Jeskyn ě u tyrolského domku Cave 81 Bítovany-Fará ř 27 Podh ůra – quarry 82 Novohradka River valley Skutí čko 28 83 downstream of Košumberk Vrbat ův Kostelec-Fará ř 29 Geofond area 84 Přibylov 30 Humperky 85 Št ěpánov u Skut če 31 Horní Sokolovec – sand pit 86 Luže-Košumberk 32 Jenišovice 87 Podlažice 33 St řemošická strá ň 88 Vestec 34 Švih ůvek 89 Horní Studenec 35 Ležáky 90 Blatnice 36 Prose č – quarry 91 Kladruby u Libice 37 Kapalice 92 Sloupno – quarry 38 Bílý K ůň – spring 93 Doubrava River valley 39 Křižanovice 94 Kostelec u He řmanova M ěstce – Leštinka area quarries 41 95 quarry Rychmburk – Šilink Mine 42 Skalky u Lhotky 96 Doly near Luže 43 Březinka 97 Maštale 44 Seník 98 Pivnice 44 Horní Studenec – quarry 99 Nákle 46 Bezlejov 104

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Roudná 47 Studená Voda – field 105 Nasavrky – quarry 48 Hranice u Mal če 106 Hrobka 49 Křížovka 107 Strádovské peklo 50 Týnec nad Labem 108 Krkanka 51 Blansko 109 Mrákotín u Skut če 52 Čečkovice 110 Otradov 53 Skute č-Sv. Anna 111 Horní Lhotka 54 Chvaletice – granite quarry 112 Nehodovka 55

Selected geosites: of the regional geological unit of the Oheb Crystalline Complex. • (01) Chvaletice: an abandoned quarry, The whole site is an exemplary case where Fe-Mn mineralization was of the role of geological structure exploited in rocks of the Iron Mountains and fluvial erosion in relief shaping and Proterozoic (Chvaletice Group). their significance in dam construction. The quarry is now used as a repository • (06) Skalka u Sovolusk: an example of communal waste and ash from of Proterozoic volcanic activity with the near Chvaletice power plant. It is a preserved outcrop of pillow lavas. an instructive example of a possible use A nearby site displays banded schists of old quarry workings in compliance and stromatolitic buildups. to environmental knowledge (problems • (07) Litošice: outcrops of Proterozoic of mine waters and subsequent volcanics and Litošice conglomerates. pollution; possible collection Phosphate and sulphide minerals can be of secondary minerals on adjacent spoil found on local spoil tips; they are tips; a transgression of Cretaceous of European significance and can be sediments over Proterozoic rocks is collected with no restrictions. visible to the north of the quarry edge). • (08) Lichnice-Ka ňkovy: forested • (02) Podho řany: an abandoned, freely western crest of the Iron Mountains accessible quarry, where Proterozoic around the Lichnice Castle. The area is garnet-bearing gneisses were exploited. formed by gneisses of the Oheb These are the oldest rocks in the Crystalline Complex, and by rocks Geopark territory and can be collected of the Podho řany Crystalline Complex with no restrictions. in the NW. It features extensive rocky • (03) Běstvina – Javorka community: outcrops, talus fields and gorges a former fluorite and barite mine; (Lov ětínská and Hedvikovská gorges). an example of post-mining reclamation. A ruin of the Lichnice Castle is located The site displays negative impacts in the northern part of the area. of wet conservation of the mine • (09) Brloh: A quarry, now abandoned, on groundwater quality, necessitating and a series of rocky outcrops along remediation measures (Fig. 16). a stream. At this sites, Cambrian rocks • (04) Licom ěř ice: One of the sites where pass into Ordovician rocks, whose age uranium mineralization was exploited is documented by the presence in the Iron Mountains. An instructive of fossils. The quarry displays example of a mining area reclamation a transgression of Cretaceous littoral and mine-water remediation. gravel facies over Ordovician quartzites • (05) Oheb: A rocky spur with the ruins with ichnofossils. Free collection of the Oheb Castle functions as one of samples is permitted. (Fig. 13). of the “abutments ˮ of the dam • (11) Chrtníky: an active quarry of the Se č Reservoir. It is formed by the in Ordovician diabases (basaltic rocks) Oheb orthogneiss as a representative displaying transgression of Cretaceous

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sediments over these Paleozoic rocks. conglomerates evidencing high-energy Cretaceous sediments are deposited surf action (Fig. 17). in narrow depressions and have • (17) Prachovice: an extensive quarry, the character of surf sediments. partly still in operation (owner: Abundant fossil finds. Loess with CEMEX Cement, k. s.). Silurian and molluscan fauna is exposed Devonian limestones are being in the eastern part of the quarry. exploited, containing fossil organisms • (12) Žumberk: an active quarry with and numerous minerals. Stratotype an example of extraction of abyssal of Prachovice Formation has been magmatites (Žumberk granite, defined in the eastern part. The upper porphyroids of the Lukavice Series). levels of the quarry show frequent Significant pyrite mineralization. pseudokarst features including • (13) Deblov: an outcrop of bedding the occurrence of soils of Terra Rossa planes of Ordovician quartzites with type. A display of mining and examples of ichnofossils. The area has reclamation methods (Fig. 23). the size of a few hundred square metres. • (18) Vápenný Podol: The accessible It is a type locality of European cliff near the church is the last relict significance to show and describe after limestone mining in this village. paleoichnological methods. Not far from the cliff, an old lime kiln • (14) Rabštejn: a transition from has been proclaimed a techical compact quartzite cliffs to boulder monument. Relicts after the former fields displaying the features of frost service railway (cuts, bridges, weathering. The near outcrops show embankments) which served extremely large individuals stonemason purposes can be observed of the ichnogenus Skolithos . in the village and its vicinity. • (15) Raškovice: a number of quartzite • (19) Mrákotín u Skut če: a site located quarries at Horní Raškovice and in the Hlinsko Zone (Paleozoic – in the surrounding forests. The extracted Mrákotín Formation). It is renowned for material was used, among others, for the presence of rich graptolite fauna the production of millstones. The site is with the possibility of unrestricted now accessible through an educational sample collection on the fields and trail and contains the Barborka lookout in the forests. tower providing a good view • (20) Ct ětín: an active granodiorite of the Bohemian Cretaceous Basin (the quarry near the village with instructive region around Pardubice, Kolín, Hradec examples of spherical weathering Králové). The village of Horní of granites. The quarry includes a space Raškovice is a typical example of an old for the processing of extracted material: stonemason community. its working into paving stones, kerbs • (16) Na Skalách: a geological protected and other products. The site thus poses site (nature monument) with a system a display of pit mining and subsequent of abandoned quarries after sandstone processing. extraction. A transgressive boundary • (21) Prosetín: a typical stonemason between the marine Cretaceous village, surrounded by several active sediments and the underlying and abandoned granodiorite quarries. Ordovician quartzites of the Iron Numerous stonemasonry products can Mountains Paleozoic has been exposed be viewed in their making. The site also at several places for demonstrative displays many examples of weathering purposes. The site also features thick of Be-mineralized granites. accumulations of boulder • (22) Srní: the active Matula Quarry and the neighbouring abandoned quarry

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were opened as a granodiorite deposit. • (29) Vrbat ův Kostelec-Podskála: Granodiorite is being extracted Several geological phenomena are by typical pit mining with the use displayed in the valley of the Žejbro of a cableway. The area offers displays Stream. Outcrops of basic abyssal of granodiorite processing into magmatites banded with acidic stonemasonry products. The site is magmatites lie closer to Vrbat ův incorporated in the MAGMA Kostelec. The stream channel contains educational bicycle trail. varied pebble material mixing rocks • (23) Lukavice: The village was from the marginal part of the Nasavrky affected by underground mining pluton. North of Vrbat ův Kostelec, of pyrite for the production of sulphuric laterites are visible in outcrops, passing acid. An old school and an extensive across rooted paleosols into spoil tip are located in the village Cenomanian fossiliferous calcareous centre. A good example of adverse sandstones and beach sands. effects of mining on the environment. The Podskála site features a large The site is incorporated in the MAGMA outcrop series of calcareous siltstone. educational bicycle trail. Siltstones are underlain by glauconitic • (25) Kraskov: an area with sandstones with rich fauna and flora, the so-called Kraskov relict of Permian and storm sediments. The community rocks. The rocks are represented of Podskála (originally a spa) was by conglomerate containing rare finds renowned for its spring issues, which of fossilized wood. Mining pits after can be still observed today. Calcareous gold mining have been preserved tufa accumulations, locally containing in the valley of the Zlatý potok Stream. imprints of fossil flora, are developed • (26) Škrovád: exposures of Cretaceous in the neighbourhood. sediments in a series of quarries. • (30) Přibylov: a partly active quarry Quartzose, kaolinite-containing and exploiting Lower Turonian spiculitic glauconitic sandstones are marlstones (“opukas ˮ) of the Bílá hora of Cenomanian age. Formation. It is one of the last quarries • (27) Bítovany-Fará ř: an exposure in Bohemia where high-quality opukas in the right bank of a stream. for the purposes of historical-monument A significant geological site of clayey restoration can be extracted. Rare and quartzose sandstones evidencing the specimens of fossil fauna and flora can phenomenon of Cretaceous be collected. Problems of opuka transgression. Beds of conglomerate exploitation in combination with and claystone with coal seamlets are the preservation of groundwater locally visible. The Cretaceous resources can be demonstrated in the sediments are underlain by strongly nearby Skute č-Sv. Anna withdrawal weathered granite of the Žumberk type. area. • (28) Skutí čko: a village with • (32) Luže-Košumberk: the Košumberk documented past exploitation Castle, partly ruined, lying of Cretaceous coal with finds of fossil on the southernmost relict of Tertiary plants and amber. volcanic products in the Czech • (29) Skála: The site is contained in this Republic. Columnar jointing of basalt list for its high outcrop series and the associated pyroclastics can be in the valley of the Žejbro Stream. observed. Important groundwater The outcrops are formed by Cretaceous withdrawal areas are located spiculitic marlstones with abundant in the Novohradka River valley. fossils. The alluvial plain of the river also demonstrates the geological and

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tectonic controls on modelling outcrop of Cretaceous coal containing of the river channel. fossil plants and gypsum. The whole • (33) Podlažice: a significant exposed section features the basement hydrogeological site in the scale (Rychmburk greywackes) and a great of the – a withdrawal facies variability of Cenomanian area supplying the population of 80,000. sediments. • (35) Horní Studenec: a significant • (44) Maštale: sandstone rock hydrogeological site with unique formations and canyon-like examples of utilization of groundwater valleys (Cenomanian) proclaimed issues (adits, galleries) (Fig. 18). as a geological nature reserve. • (36) Blatnice: a significant The basement rock is mostly hydrogeological site with historical the so-called Zderaz granite. Cretaceous consequences. sediments form various geomorphic • (37) Kladruby u Libice: a significant elements due to erosion. The boundary hydrogeological site with an example between the Cenomanian and Turonian of a ponor stream. is exposed near Zderaz. • (38) Sloupno – quarry: An active • (44) Pivnice: a canyon-like valley quarry near the village of Štikov, of the Pivnický potok Stream between exploiting rocks of the Iron Mountains Zderaz and Dolany incised pluton – metadiorites and in Cretaceous sediments (Cenomanian). metagranitoids, amphibolites, Numerous geomorphic elements and metagabbros. pseudokarst features were formed due • (39) Doubrava River valley: a canyon- to erosion: gorges, slot canyons, like valley of the Doubrava River with potholes, rock shelters, niches etc. multiple rocky outcrops. It provides • (45) Nové Hrady: a significant a perfectly exposed section, showing hydrogeological site is located structural elements and mutual relations in the valley of the Hradecký potok among rocks. The numerous Stream – the Nadyma č spring. geomorphic elements displayed include • (46) Nákle: exposed volcanic diabase many examples of frost weathering and body. Depressions on the pre- effects of fluvial erosion Cretaceous surface are filled with Upper on Moldanubian migmatites and Cretaceous sediments with very rich orthogneisses. fossil fauna. The site is protected • (41) Leštinka area quarries: as a nature monument, and is abandoned but accessible granodiorite incorporated in the geological quarries, now mostly flooded. educational trail “He řman ův M ěstec – The whole area features numerous the town of two seas.” artefacts after quarrying activities (relics • (47) Roudná: a type section of buildings, railway siding, mining of the transgression of Cretaceous technologies and others). sediments over rocks of the Poli čka • (42) Rychmburk – the Šilink Mine: Crystalline Complex. active quarries and a rocky outcrop • (48) Quarry near Nasavrky: series along the Krounka River. Mining an abandoned but accessible quarry of the Rychmburk greywackes with a steep face. Various lithotypes of the Hlinsko Zone. The Rychmburk within the Iron Mountains plutonic Castle lies atop a rocky spur complex can be observed, and samples in the village of P ředhradí. can be taken at no restrictions. The site • (43) Doly near Luže: analogous with is incorporated in the MAGMA the site of Skutí čko. The valley educational bicycle trail. of the Krounka River exposes a large

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• (49) Hrobka: an outcrop in Cretaceous exploited as material for glass sediments, now covered with production. Fragments of quartz veins vegetation. It is important mostly for its now found in the vicinity come from entomological and botanical values. the neighbourhood of serpentinite • (50) Strádovské peklo: a deeply bodies. Documented finds of amethyst. incised valley of the Chrudimka River The body is enclosed in rocks with numerous rock outcrops. It of the Oheb Crystalline Complex. exemplifies various rocks of the Iron • (57) Ševcova skalka near Obora: Mountains pluton. a notable outcrop of orthogneiss, • (51) Krkanka: see Strádovské peklo. showing numerous examples of frost • (52) Mrákotín near Skute č: a complex weathering. of abandoned and flooded granodiorite • (58) Koukalky: cliffs in the rocks quarries with examples of spherical of the Kutná Hora Crystalline Complex, weathering of granite. represented by orthogneisses and • (53) Otradov: old quarries, boulders migmatites. and blocks of rocks of the Poli čka • (59) Chot ěbo ř B82: a complex Crystalline Complex. Examples of abandoned quarries exploiting of spherical weathering of granodiorite. orthogneiss and metabasalt. A body • (54) Horní Lhotka: a vegetated of metatrachyandesite is present. abandoned quarry featuring a contact • (60) Libice nad Doubravou – skarn: of amphibolite with the ambient An outcrop of a skarn body on the river migmatite. Both rock types are ranked bank in rocks of the Kutná Hora within the Oheb Crystalline Complex. Crystalline Complex. • (55) Nehodovka: a disintegrated • (61) Hradišt ě – a sand pit: a sand pit outcrop on an elevation in the middle of in limited operation, exploiting a field, utilized as a source of building sandstones of Cenomanian age. stone, and a small quarry. These • (62) Podolská jeskyn ě Cave: represent exposures of a serpentinized a limestone cave and an important ultrabasic rock, forming a body wintering refuge of bats (cave code in paragneisses of the Oheb Crystalline JESO-K123 40 10 J00002). Complex. Abundant finds of secondary • (63) Páterova jeskyn ě Cave: minerals. a limestone cave and an important • (56) K řemenice: a land-filled pit wintering refuge of bats (cave code quarry, in which a quartz vein was JESO-K123 40 10 J00001).

16a 16b 16c Fig. 16 – Minerals of the Iron Mountains. Quartz (16a) and fluorite (16b from B ěstvina and calcite (16c) from Prachovice.

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Fig. 17. Rabštejnská Lhota – Na Skalách. Transgression of Cretaceous sandstones over Ordovician quartzite. Fig. 18. Horní Studenec. Groundwater source – an adit near the church.

B.4 Other tourist attractions • Observation towers in the Iron Mountains Geopark Also places of distant views and a lookout towers are tourist • Castles, chateaus, ruins destinations. There is a beautiful view In the Geopark there are a number from the castle ruins Lichnice of historically significant objects - and Oheb, from the tower in Slati ňany castles, chateaus and ruins. chateau and also the magic The castle ruins Lichnice (Fig. 27.) of St řemošice hillsides is quite and also a large castle ruins unique. The lookout towers include Košumberk near Luž are important some year-round open such as Jah ůdka monuments and landmarks at Luž, the lookout tower Na Kope čku of the Iron Mountains. Other at Licom ěř ice and Bára in Podh ůra significant castle ruins recreational forests (Fig. 20.) in the Geopark include for example as well as Boika at Nasavrky. Oheb over Se č dam, Rabštejn, The lookout tower at Zuberský hill Strádov or Žumberk – they are freely near Trhová Kamenice and accessible. In the Geopark there Vojt ěchovská lookout tower can only is a total of six chateaus be visited during the tourist (Nasavrky, Choltice, Nové Hrady, season. Viewpoin Slati ňany, , Chot ěbo ř). t and observation towers that are freely accessible can be viewed as goals of activities aimed to promote the off-season tourism.

Fig. 19. Chateu in Nové Hrady - aerial photo.

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• He řman ův M ěstec – the skylight • Chrudim Architectural Reserve - of He řman ův M ěstec is dominated a valuable history of the town with by the baroque church of the a number of important monuments St. Bartholomew in the Nám ěstí and museums - Museum Míru as well as the chateau with of Baroque statues, Regional the adjacent park, which belongs Museum with an exhibition to the NATURA 2000 sites. Also of Alfons Mucha and Puppet the Jewish part of the town with Museum (museum unique a synagogue and Jewish cemetery in Europe Museum) (Fig. 21.). is important. • Pious place Ležáky - The village • Veselý Kopec and Hlinsko of Ležáky was burned by the Nazis Christmas Crib - a set of folk in response to the assassination architecture and architectural of Reinhard Heydrich. Originally reserve, museum in nature, recently it was a stonecutter village (there they placed within the top 5 visited are numerous quarries sights in the , in the area). After the World War II carnival masks and beats monuments have been at Bethlehem are registered erected on the site of the burned on the UNESCO list. buildings. It is an important pious area (Fig. 22).

Fig. 21. Chrudim Architectural Reserve. Fig. 22. Ležáky.

• Podlažice Monastery In the Geopark territory many The Benedictine monastery from cultural, social and sporting events, the 12 th century, is renowned for both of regional and nationwide archaeological finds and finding character are organized. Below see of the so called Devil's Bible the list of the most significant (Codex Gigas). The exhibition events of this type. Apart from of findings of this monastery is them, numerous concerts, fairs, located in a nearby chateau sports tournaments and other in Chrast near Chrudim. activities focused mainly on the inhabitants of the region are • Selected cultural, social and organized there: sports events:

• Nasavrky Grand Prix - Nasavrky and surroundings - April,

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• Chrudimská rally - Chrudim and surroundings - April, • Tomáškova and Novákova musical Skute č - Skute č - May, • International dance festival - Skute č - May, • Brass band festival - Chrudim - June, • Puppeteer Chrudim - Chrudim - July, • MTB Marathon Manitou the Iron Mountains - Chrudim and surroundings - July, • Lughnasad - Nasavrky - July, • ,,Košumberk Summer festival"- Luže - July-August, • Salvator pilgrimage - Chrudim - August, • Hlinsko folk sausage - Hlinsko - August, • Bartholomew Fair - He řman ův M ěstec - August, • Slati ňany Grand Prix - Slati ňany and surroundings - August, • Memorial of Michael Denk - Hlinsko - September • The Chrudim puppet - Chrudim - October.

C GEO-CONSERVATION

C.1 Current or potential threats to be seen in the mining industry and the landscape and geological agricultural production. However, in all heritage cases, these anthropogenic activities only have minor impacts on the own identity The Iron Mountains National and cultural heritage of the Iron Mountains Geopark covers a territory, which is of 90 Geopark. % made up by a landscape with a significantly highland nature and with The risks of negative impacts a high share of forests (36 %) and on the current landscape and geological agriculturally used areas (57 heritage include: %). Urbanized areas represent 5 % of the area (Fig. 1). The total area of the Geopark a) mining activities (777 km 2) includes the protected landscape b) intensive breeding of cattle, sheep and area of the Železné hory (almost 30 %) and goats CHOPAV - Protected areas of natural c) fossil fuel burning water accumulation (over 15 %). d) landfills for municipal solid waste.

The above indicates that Sub a) In the territory of the Geopark more the negative impacts of industrial and than 300 quarries and little quarries agricultural production are marginal have been mapped; currently there in the Geopark territory in comparison are 18 active quarries here. Mining with the surrounding areas. is accompanied by increased levels of dust, noise and freight traffic; Despite certain risks being on the other hand, active quarries perceived, see below, the impact are a major employer and of industrial production is concentrated an important partner for the needs in the periphery of the Geopark of the Geopark (Fig. 23.). (T řemošnice, Chrudim, Hlinsko and Ždírec nad Doubravou); more significant risks can

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Sub b) Agriculture combines crop and in compliance with the legislation livestock production. At higher whereas no negative impacts altitudes after a long time livestock on the environment have been farming on permanent grasslands reported. With other hazardous has developed; the landscape has environmental damages positive not been affected by intensive significant changes occurred during agriculture and thus it preserved the last 25 years; a significant scenic and rugged character (Fig. portion of them have been 24.). remediated and reclaimed (Fig. 26.). Sub c) At the northwestern boundary of the Geopark territory, a former The protection of surface water and open-pit mine of the Chvaletice groundwater has not been a problem due Thermal Power Plant, where fossil to the geomorphological nature fuels are burned, is located. The fly of the territory; the reason is the long-term ash is deposited in the quarry functioning of the legislative in the environmentally friendly measures in the protection of their quantity manner and gaseous pollutants are and quality. The territory of the Iron disposed of using modern Mountains belongs among unique areas technologies (Fig. 25.). within the context of the Czech Republic. This is also the reason Sub d) Three large landfills (Srní, for the inclusion of the hydrogeology topic Nasavrky and Zdechovice) are in the Geopark logo. operated and monitored

Fig. 23. Prachovice. Quarry in limestone (Silurian, Devonian) and nearby cave system.

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Fig. 24. Breeding deer, goats and sheep in the Iron Mountains

Fig. 25. Chvaletice power plant Fig. 26. Rabštejnská Lhota. A reclaimed landfill and

C2 Current status of protection Sites of Community Importance (SCI) of geological and non-geological sites In the Geopark territory there are 13 areas, which are protected under The Czech Republic has a number the Directive 92/43/EEC of legal norms protecting the landscape, on the conservation of natural habitats and natural and cultural heritage. Some of them of wild fauna and flora. These areas are are based on EU directives but a significant a part of the Czech part of the European part of them are the specific Czech laws. network of protected areas NATURA 2000. Geosites are a part of 5 SCI. Caring Below see the summary of acts and for SCI is done by the so-called set the authorities responsible for their of recommended measures, which are administration. approved individually for each SCI.

List of SCI

Name Acreage in ha European code Geosite Slavická obora 744760 CZ0533501 Hubský-Strádovka 762302 CZ0534054 Krkanka-Strádovské peklo (Fig. 27.) 277495 CZ0534053 * Podolská a Páterova jeskyn ě (cave) 003979 CZ0533693 * Boušovka 112970 CZ0533296 Choltická obora 695926 CZ0533302 Rybník Mo ře 226360 CZ0533312 Hluboký rybník (pond) 652290 CZ0533310 Anenské údolí (valley) 393975 CZ0534051 He řman ův M ěstec 625764 CZ0533300 * Lichnice-Ka ňkovy hory 451240 CZ0530500 * Chrudimka 23001 CZ0533303 * Malá Straka 360220 CZ0533002

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Fig. 27. Krkanka. SCI location.

Other protected areas

The Geopark encompasses protection in the 1st zone. The state the whole protected landscape area administration in nature protection for of the Iron Mountains (Železné hory), the Iron Mountains PLA ANCLP is which was declared in 1991 in the territory exercised by the Administration of the Iron of 286.30 km 2. The long-term objective Mountains PLA. of nature and landscape protection in the Iron Mountains PLA is to preserve In the Geopark territory there is the typical character of a harmonious a system of small-scale specially protected landscape (with a mosaic of forests, areas with the graded protection according meadows, pastures, water and agricultural to the category (national nature reserve, areas and small municipalities), nature reserve, nature monument). Caring preservation of landscape and natural and for each protected area is governed semi-natural communities with rare species by the approved plan of care. The table of flora and fauna. Nature and landscape below reviews the small-scale protected protection is graded by the four-grade areas (MCHÚ) which are geosites zoning with the strictest at the same time.

Small-scale protected areas Name Category IUCN Area (ha) Geosite categories Lichnice-Ka ňkovy hory NPR IV 375,35 * Anenské údolí (valley) PR IV 74,19 Hluboký rybník (pond) PR IV 14,38 Hubský PR IV 12,09 Choltická obora PR IV 69,56 Krkanka PR III 104,93 * Maršálka PR IV 7,67 Maštale PR III 1 080,46 * Mok řadlo PR IV 13,40 Oheb PR IV 24,68 * Polom PR IV 20,24 Spílavá PR IV 28,91 Strádovka PR IV 46,43 Strádovské Peklo PR IV 88,19 * Svatomariánské údolí (valley) PR IV 14,08

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Údolí Doubravy PR III 93,18 * Vápenice PR IV 42,12 Zlatá louka (meadow) PR IV 11,41 Zub ří PR IV 29,16 Boušovka PP IV 1,04 Buchtovka PP IV 5,52 Fará ř PP IV 8,82 * He řman ův M ěstec PP III 63,86 Hrobka PP IV 1,46 * Chuchelská strá ň PP IV 1,83 Kaštanka PP V 1,09 Na Ob ůrce PP IV 1,42 Na Skalách PP III 3,90 * Písník u Sokolovce PP IV 0,51 * Pivnice PP III 33,54 * Podskala PP IV 3,72 * Polánka PP IV 0,31 Rybník Mo ře (pond) PP III 2,69 Skalka u Sovolusk PP III 0,74 * St řítežská rokle PP III 16,44 Upolíny u Kamenice PP IV 1,98 V Koutech PP IV 0,50

Small individual protected areas are The Iron Mountains Geopark mainly acts very close to significant landscape as a consultant, it performs cares for some elements (SLE). Pursuant to the Act No. locations itself within ongoing 114/1992 Coll., SLE are protected against projects. Most frequent measures carried damage and destruction. A part of SLE is out with the geosites is cutting of trees and a type specified directly by law (e.g. raids, refining outcrops. A natural part forests, floodplains) and others are of nature protection is to inform about designed for registrations by both regional the importance of maintaining sites and authorities. Outside the PLA there are nature trails. in total 19 SLE in the Geopark, which The Geopark has understandably include some old quarries and rocky determined and described many other hillside caves. geological locations outside protected areas. Currently, the list includes more The Act also explicitly protects all than 100 geosites (see Sec. B.3). caves against damage, destruction or adjusting. There are about 10 caves In addition to the direct protection registered in the Geopark territory. of the sites, ex situ specimens are also protected in the Czech Republic. Samples Caring for the geosites in the SCI of rocks and minerals, rocks and fossils are and in specifically protected areas is protected under the Act No. 71/1994 carried out according to the approved Coll. on Sales and export of cultural values documents. The care is provided according to the Act No. 122/2000 Coll., by the administration of the Iron on protection of museum collections. Mountains PLA and the two regional If a mineralogical or paleontological site is offices, primarily in cooperation with encountered during construction works, it the owners and tenants of lands and is possible according to § 176 of the with the Iron Mountains National Geopark Building Act No. 183/2006 Coll. to force or as actions taken purely on demand.

35 36 the suspension of works and provide Regulation No. 85/1981 Coll.). Protected the site exploration or rescue collecting. area of natural water accumulation Žďárské vrchy extends into the Geopark The territorial system in the south (Government Regulation no. of environmental stability (ÚSES, § 4 40/1978 Coll.). The whole Geopark is of the Act No. 114/1992 Coll.) is a sensitive area of surface water pursuant a network of environmental corridors and to the Act 254/2001 Coll. on Water centres where the ecological functionality Resources, characterized by the use, takes precedence over other interests current or prospective, of drinking water in land use. Throughout the Geopark sources and by the need for increased the local territorial system of ecological wastewater treatment. stability is defined. The Chrudimka River valley is a supra-regional bio-corridor of ÚSES with two supra-regional bio- centres - Polom and Lichnice; in the south of the Geopark there is another supra- regional centre ÚSES - Doubrava A number of defunct quarries are Valley. In the Geopark territory there are located in the territory of the Geopark. 49 memorial trees and 15 groups Here, stone was quarried for building of protected trees and alleys. needs of local residents. In the period of 1870–1930, fauna (trilobites, crinoids, Virtually all streams in the Geopark brachiopods) was found in quarries territory were evaluated as surface waters in Paleozoic sediments; the results were that are, or become, suitable for sustainable used for the construction of the first life and reproduction of indigenous species geological maps of the Iron Mountains. of fish and other aquatic animals (Government Regulation No. 71/2003 Works on revitalization of quarries Coll., In the sense of Council Directive were performed at 9 locations in the years 78/659/EEC of 1978). 2013–2014–. The reason was to make the type exposures available for The eastern edge of the Geopark educational purposes as well partially merges with the Protected Area as for the needs of newly established of Natural Water Accumulation East natural amphitheaters for the local Bohemian Cretaceous (Government community (Figs. 28., 29.).

Fig. 28. Management of the Brloh quarry - before the intervention and after revitalization (2014). Fig. 29. The quarry is alive! The first year of the Brloh trilobite, 2015, organized by the municipality.

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