Combining Early and Late Succession in Geomorphologically Diverse Habitats

Our site visit with Klára Řehounková opened up new insights into the role of geodiversity and geomorphological diversity in early successional habitats and to the overall biodiversity of the site. We were able to take a much closer look at the biodiversity already developing on the site, and saw more clearly the connections between early and late successional habitats. Rather than focusing on developing large patches of late-succession bosques, we propose a mosaic of habitats in different stages of succession.

The geomorphological heterogeneity of the zones generates more opportunities for biodiversity to develop across the quarry site. This diversity is further enhanced by constant changes and interactions between major zones of disturbance or stasis, as well as between the species inhabiting those sites.

Geomorphological and biological diversity are interlinked. These diagrams show how large-scale dynamics of the site, such as flooding and mining, impact the spatial development of early and late stage habitat zones.

Special thanks to Klára Řehounková, whose guidance on site, book “Near-natural restoration vs. technical reclamation of mining sites in the Czech Republic”, and numerous other articles have helped us draw connections between the concept of geodiversity and geomorphological approaches driven by digital modeling.