Landform modelling of a research area in the Upper Palatinate, Germany, with the SARA software package (System for Automatical Relief Analysis).

Landform modelling of a research area ill thc Upper Palatinate, Germany wit h the SARA software package ((S) under bar ystem for (A) under bar utomatic al (R) under bar elief (A) under bar nalysis). - Many hydrogeological probl ems necessitate an analysis of geomorphological data. Especially in crystal line zones with old peneplains and deep reaching weathering processes it is helpful to define and limit geomorphological elements. The software SARA ( (s) under bar ystem for (a) under bar utomatical (r) under bar elief (a) un der bar nalysis) permits the graphical interpretation of digital elevation data. Morphologic relief elements can be seen clearly and interpreted well. Geomorphographic relief elements that are significant for the hydrological goal (investigation of peneplains and areas with deep reaching weathering zones) were established. For the research area assumed geomorphologic eleme nts and zones could be confirmed. particularly with slope gradient maps it was possible to localize flat and plane areas. These are mostly relicts of old peneplains along with deep weathering processes. For the peneplain of T irschenreuth-Windischeschenbach-Neustadt a. d. W. a morphology with a very small scaled, undulating and rolling relief was found. The Steinwald area s hows a strong dividing into terraces in the south-west and north-east. Ther efore in these two areas unfavourable hydrological conditions can be assume d.