Landscapes and Landforms of Bulgaria

This book presents a range of Bulgaria’s landscapes and landforms — some well-known, others less familiar — to show the variety of the country’s relief. The chapters highlight key geological and geomorphological characteristics and emphasize their importance for understanding and promoting geotourism. The content reflects the full range of country’s relief – from its northern lowlands to its southern mountain ridges — shaped by variations in geological structure and climate. Among the landscapes featured are: the Danube plain with its asymmetric and canyon-like river valleys; the inverted relief of the Fore-Balkan; the remarkable phenomenon of Belogradchik Rocks; the erosional, karstic and structurally controlled landscapes of the Stara Planina Mountains, including landforms influenced by tectonic activity; the picturesque glacial and perigacial landscapes of Rila and Pirin Mountains; and the karstic and volcanic terrains of the Rhodopes. An impressive set of costal landforms carved in sedimentary and volcanic rocks along the Bulgarian Black Sea coast and distinctive dune landscapes is also presented. The scientific texts are complemented by color maps and photographs, making them accessible not only to specialists in geology, geomorphology, physical geography and geoheritage but also to a broader audience interested in the environment and geotourism. We hope this work will serve as a useful reference for researchers and students, and also contribute to informed appreciation and study of Bulgaria’s diverse landforms.