NIVATION IN THE HIGH TATRAS, POLAND

The aim of the paper is to show the geomorphological role of processes operating around snow patches on the alpine slopes of the High Tatras , using the quantitative data. There are different aspects of nivation which influence on its geomorphological effects, for example topograp hy, snow patches distribution, meteorological conditions in particular years, etc. The geomorphological effects of snow patches on debris ma ntled slopes and on debris slopes were analyzed. Type of weathering co vers, aspect, lithology, vegetation cover were taken into consideratio n. On the debris mantled slopes the erosional effects could be noticed on these fragments which are devoid of vegetation cover. This is due mainly to frost action and rill erosion. On debris slopes ''accumulati on niches'' are developing in places occupied by snow patches, most of ten in the apex part of the slope. This is the most important impact o f snow patches on the present day development of the slopes of the Hig h Tatras. The rates of accretion in various niches vary from 0.004 to 0.64 cm/year. At present, the role of nivation is limited to reshaping the forms occupied by snow patches. These forms are often produced by high energy geomorphological processes.