Influence of joint spacing on weathering and soil formation on a morphologically diverse sandstone cliff (Stołowe Mountains tableland, SW Poland)

Andrzej Kacprzak; Filip Duszyński; Kacper Jancewicz; Kacper Konieczny; Wioleta Porębna; Marta Sadkiewicz; Stanislau Shythsik; Julia Toszek; Jarosław Waroszewski; Małgorzata Wieczorek; Magdalena Woźniak

doi:10.12657/landfana-044-004

.blurhash-client-img { display: none !important; }

Influence of joint spacing on weathering and soil formation on a morphologically diverse sandstone cliff (Stołowe Mountains tableland, SW Poland)

Landform Analysis

Volume 44 (2025): Issue 1 (December 2025)

By: Andrzej Kacprzak, Filip Duszyński, Kacper Jancewicz, Kacper Konieczny, Wioleta Porębna, Marta Sadkiewicz, Stanislau Shythsik, Julia Toszek, Jarosław Waroszewski, Małgorzata Wieczorek and Magdalena Woźniak

Open Access

|Dec 2025

Abstract

The research presented in this paper was conducted in the Stołowe Mts. and addressed litho-structural controls on sandstone decay at Białe Skały. We tested the working hypothesis that densely jointed, disintegrated zones exhibit increased moisture that fosters arenization, resulting in reduced surface strength. Geomorphological mapping, structural measurements, Schmidt-hammer rebound testing, and rock-moisture surveys with three handheld metering devices of differing penetration depths were undertaken. Rebound values confirmed significantly lower surface strength in disintegrated zones. Moisture measurements yielded equivocal results at different depths; only near-surface readings indicated higher values after antecedent rainfall. Together with deeper, organic-rich soils in disintegrated sectors, the evidence supports joint-guided weakening and recessed cliff development. Further depth-resolved moisture monitoring is recommended.

References

Bruthans J., Soukup J., Světlík D., Schweigstillová J., Mayo A., 2012a. Zpevněné povrchy puklin v kvádrovém pískovci a jejich role při vzniku skalních měst. Zprávy o geologických výzkumech v roce 2012, B: 109–115.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Bruthans J., Svetlik D., Soukup J., Schweigstillova J., Valek J., Sedlackova M., Mayo A.L., 2012b. Fast evolving conduits in clay-bonded sandstone: Characterization, erosion processes and significance for the origin of sandstone landforms. Geomorphology 177–178: 178–193. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2012.07.028.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Campbell I.A., 1973. Control of canyon and meander forms by jointing. Area 5(4): 291–296.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Dumanowski B., 1967. Zależność rozwoju stoku od budowy geologicznej. Acta Universitatis Wratislaviensis, Studia Geograficzne 61 (9): 1–134.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Migoń P., 2015. Boulder aprons indicate long--term gradual and non-catastrophic evolution of cliffed escarpments, Stołowe Mts, Poland. Geomorphology 250: 63–77. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2015.08.007.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Migoń P., Kasprzak M., 2016. Underground erosion and sand removal from a sandstone tableland, Stołowe Mountains, SW Poland. Catena 147: 1–15. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2016.06.032.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Jancewicz K., Migoń P., 2018. Evidence for subsurface origin of boulder caves, roofed slots and boulder-filled canyons (Broumov Highland, Czechia). International Journal of Speleology 47(3): 343–359. DOI: 10.5038/1827-806X.47.3.2209
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Sobczyk A., Kacprzak A., Porębna W., 2023. Sesja terenowa B (SOBOTA 14.10.2023 r.) 100 milionów lat ewolucji Gór Stołowych: of morza kredowego do form pseudokrasowych. In: A.Sobczyk, U.Ratajczak-Skrzatek (eds), Materiały 57. Sympozjum Speleologicznego, Lewin Kłodzki, 12–15.10.2023. Sekcja Speleologiczna Polskiego Towarzystwa Przyrodników im. Kopernika, Kraków: 59–76.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., 2024. The Stołowe Mountains – A Unique Sandstone Tableland. In: P.Migoń, K.Jancewicz (eds), Landscapes and Landforms of Poland. Springer, Dordrecht: 191–210. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-45762-3_10
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Waroszewski J., Fenn K., Kacprzak A., Jancewicz K., Egli M., 2024a. Cliff-foot sandy cones: A proxy to study the time frames, patterns and rates of sandstone caprock decay? Catena 247: 1–23. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2024.108529.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Kacprzak A., Bartz W., Jancewicz K., Potysz A., Kasprzak M., Porębna W., Michniewicz A., Woronko B., Raczyk J., Sauro F., 2024b. Structure-controlled and dissolution-facilitated? Towards a more complex understanding of the genesis and environmental controls of sandstone ruiniform relief, Sto-łowe Mountains tableland, SW Poland. Catena 246: 1–22. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2024.108462.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Duszyński F., Kacprzak A., Jancewicz K., Różycka M., Porębna W., Migoń P., 2024c. Towards a better understanding of subsurface processes in the evolution of sandstone tablelands – patterns and controls of contemporary sand removal from sandstone caprock, Stołowe Mountains tableland, SW Poland. Geosciences 14(12): 356. DOI: 10.3390/geosciences14120356.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Flegel K., 1904. Heuscheuer und Adersbach-Weckelsdorf. Eine Studie über die obere Kreide im böhmisch-schlesischen Gebirge. Jahres-Bericht der Schlesischen Gesellschaft für vaterländische Cultur 82: 114–144.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Goudie A.S., 2006. The Schmidt hammer in geomorphological research. Progress in Physical Geography 30(6): 703–718. DOI: 10.1177/0309133306071954.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
IUSS Working Group WRB, 2022. World Reference Base for Soil Resources. International soil classification system for naming soils and creating legends for soil maps. 4th edition. International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), Vienna, Austria.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jancewicz, K., Porębna, W., 2022. Point cloud does matter: Selected issues of using airborne LiDAR elevation data in geomorphometric studies of rugged sandstone terrain under forest – case study from Central Europe. Geomorphology 412: 108316. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2022.108316.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jennings J.N., 1983. Sandstone pseudokarst or karst. In: R.W.Y-oung, G.C.Nanson (eds), Aspects of Australian Sandstone Landscapes. Australian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group Special Publication 1: 21–30.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Jerzykiewicz T., 1966. Środowisko sedymentacyjne piaskowców Szczelińca. Acta Geologica Polonica 16: 413–444. Jerzykiewicz T., 1968. Uwagi o orientacji i genezie ciosu w ska-łach górnokredowych niecki śródsudeckiej. Geologia Sudetica 4: 465–478.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kabała C., Chodak T., Bogacz A., Łabaz B., Jezierski P., Gałka B., Kaszubkiewicz J., Glina B., 2011. Spatial variability of soils and habitats in the Stołowe Mountains. In: T.Chodak, C.Kabała, J.Kaszubkiewicz, P.Migoń, J.Wojewoda (eds), Geo-ecological Conditions of the Stołowe Mountains National Park, Wind, Wrocław: 141–167.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kurczyński Z., Stojek E., Cisło-Lesicka U., 2015. Zadania GUGiK realizowane w ramach projektu ISOK. In: P.Wężyk (ed), Podręcznik dla uczestników szkoleń z wykorzystania produktów LiDAR, 2nd ed. Główny Urząd Geodezji i Kartografii (Informatyczny System Osłony Kraju przed nadzwyczajnymi zagrożeniami), Warszawa: 22–58.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Kącki Z., Szymura M., Świerkosz K., Swacha G., Pender K., 2018. Roślinność Parku Narodowego Gór Stołowych. In: C.Kabała, M.Kadej, Z.Kącki, T.Mazur, S.Miścicki (eds), Góry Stołowe – Przyroda i Ludzie. PNGS, Kudowa-Zdrój: 311–328.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Laity J., Malin M.C., 1985. Sapping processes and the development of theatre headed valley networks on the Colorado Plateau. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America 96: 203–217. DOI: 10.1130/0016-7606(1985)96<;203:SPATDO>2.0.CO;2.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Li L., Ji S., 2021. A new interpretation for formation of orthogonal joints in quartz sandstone. Journal of Rock Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering 13: 289–299. DOI: 10.1016/j.jrmge.2020.08.003.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mainguet M., 1972. Les Modélé des grès. Institute Géographique National, Paris.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Migoń P., Zwiernik M., 2006. Strukturalne uwarunkowania rzeźby północno-wschodniego progu Gór Stołowych. Przegląd Geograficzny 78(3): 319–338.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Migoń P., Duszyński F., Goudie A., 2017. Rock cities and ruiniform relief: Forms – processes – terminology. Earth-Science Reviews 171: 78–104. DOI: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2017.05.012.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Migoń P., Duszyński F., 2018. Process–form relationship in the Stołowe Mountains tableland (Central Europe) – an example of strong lithostructural control on geomorphic systems of medium altitude mountains. Studia Geomorphologica Carpatho--Balcanica 51(52): 155–178.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Migoń P., Duszyński F., 2022. Landscapes and landforms in coarse clastic sedimentary tablelands – Is there a unifying theme? Catena 218: 106545. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2022.106545.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Migoń P., Duszyński F., Jancewicz K., Kotowska M., Porębna W., 2023. Surface–subsurface connectivity in the morphological evolution of sandstone-capped tabular hills – how much analogy to karst? Geomorphology 440: 108884. DOI: 10.1016/j. geomorph.2023.108884.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Mol L., Viles H.A., 2010. Geoelectric investigations into sandstone moisture regimes: Implications for rock weathering and the deterioration of San Rock Art in the Golden Gate Reserve, South Africa. Geomorphology 118(3–4): 280–287. DOI: 10.1016/j. geomorph.2010.01.008.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Nicholas R.M., Dixon J.C., 1986. Sandstone scarp form and retreat in the Land of Standing Rocks, Canyonlands National Park, Utah. Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie N.F. 30: 167–187.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Niedzielski T., Migoń P., Placek A., 2009. A minimum sample size required from Schmidt hammer measurements. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms 34: 1713–1725. DOI: 10.1002/esp.1851.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Remisz J., 2007. Strukturalne uwarunkowania rzeźby południowego progu Gór Stołowych. Przyroda Sudetów 10: 253–268.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Remisz J., 2008. Strukturalne uwarunkowania rozwoju progów denudacyjnych Gór Stołowych. Landform Analysis 9: 41–44.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Robinson D.A., Williams R.B.G., 1994. Sandstone weathering and landforms in Britain and Europe. In: D.A.Robinson, R.B.G.Williams (eds), Rock Weathering and Landform Evolution. Wiley, Chichester: 371–391.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Slavík M., Bruthans J., Filippi M., Schweigstillová J., Falteisek L., Řihošek J., 2017. Biologically-initiated rock crust on sandstone: Mechanical and hydraulic properties and resistance to erosion. Geomorphology 278: 298–313. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2016.09.040.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Sobik M., Błaś M., 2018. Klimat Gór Stołowych. In: C.Kabała, M.Kadej, Z.Kącki, T.Mazur, S.Miścicki (eds), Góry Stołowe – Przyroda i Ludzie. PNGS, Kudowa-Zdrój: 107–124.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Synowiec G., 1999. Ocena wytrzymałości mas skalnych dla celów geomorfologicznych i jej zastosowanie dla stoków piaskowcowych Gór Stołowych. Czasopismo Geograficzne 70(3–4): 351–361.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Waroszewski J., Malkiewicz M., Mazurek R., Łabaz B., Jezierski P., Kabała C., 2015. Lithological discontinuities in Podzols developed from sandstone cover beds in the Stołowe Mountains (Poland). Catena 126: 11–19. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2014.10.034.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Wojewoda J., Białek D., Bucha M., Głuszyński A., Gotowała R., Krawczewski J., Schutty B., 2011. Geology of the Góry Stołowe National Park – selected issues. In: T.Chodak, C.Kabała, J.Kaszubkiewicz, P.Migoń, J.Wojewoda (eds), Geo-ecological Conditions of the Stołowe Mountains National Park. Wind, Wrocław: 53–96.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article
Young R.W., Young A.R.M., 1992. Sandstone Landforms. Springer, Berlin.
Search in Google Scholar Back to article

Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12657/landfana-044-004 | Journal eISSN: 1429-799X

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 77 - 88

Submitted on: Nov 5, 2025

Accepted on: Dec 14, 2025

Published on: Dec 14, 2025

Published by: Association of Polish Geomorphologists

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Stołowe Mountains,

sandstone cliffs,

arenization,

joint-controlled weakening,

mechanical strength

Related subjects:

Geosciences,

Geology and mineralogy,

Geography,

Remote sensing,

Geosciences, other

© 2025 Andrzej Kacprzak, Filip Duszyński, Kacper Jancewicz, Kacper Konieczny, Wioleta Porębna, Marta Sadkiewicz, Stanislau Shythsik, Julia Toszek, Jarosław Waroszewski, Małgorzata Wieczorek, Magdalena Woźniak, published by Association of Polish Geomorphologists
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.

Volume 44 (2025): Issue 1 (December 2025)