Geography Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 1 Area of interest—Kenick
´
meander
compensation of flow dynamics across the flooded profile. Substantially weaker
secondary flow occurs close to alluvial banks. Here, the flow energy of the water is
very weak, so the water is not able to transport eroded particles. Therefore, side
alluvial deposits are formed in these locations. Spiral circulation of water in a
meander takes place at the surface towards the gibbous bank and at the bottom
towards the alluvial bank. This forms a circulation cell that is divided into two
sections in the area of the ford; at the bottom, the water flows towards the centre of
the basin, and at the surface it flows towards the banks. The combination of these
two components causes the spiral shape of the flow.
The biological value of this region is demonstrated by its inclusion in the list of
internationally important wetlands in the Ramsar Convention and in the Natura
2000 system as a European Important Locality and Bird Area. The 3rd oakbeech
vegetation degree dominates this region. Hardwood alluvial forests are very well
preserved across the entire area, with high species diversity and characteristic
alternation of herbal aspects. Wood vegetation is stratified into several levels. As
specified by Culek (
1995
), Morava belongs to the grayling to barbel zones and is
characterised by a rich community of fish species and other water animals, such as
the critically endangered Fairy Shrimp (
Eubranchipus grubii
) and Tadpole Shrimp
(
Lepidurus apus
). Litovelsk´ Pomorav´ LPA is also an important migration route
and nesting place for approximately 250 species of birds. The region is home to the
Little Ringed Plover (
Charadrius dubius
) and Common Kingfisher (
Alcedo atthis
),
which are both rare bird species, and rare water animals, such as the European otter
(
Lutra lutra
) and Eurasian Beaver (
Castor fiber
), of which a carcass was found
during the spring surveying of the cross profiles.
