Rila Monastery Nature Park Management Plan - part - usaid

February 2004
Periglacial relief
It extends mostly over the high alpine and sub-alpine zone of RMNP, and is
characterized by cryoclastic forms: summit and valley-side torses, cambered edges,
boulder seas; cryonival stationary forms: cryonival cirques, niches, and coves;
cryoturbational forms: stone wreaths, ‘pavements’ and grass hummocks;
cryosolifluctional forms: stone tongues, stripes, grass terraces, creeping blocks;
cryonival gravitational forms: horseshoes and screes; cryonival-corrasional forms:
avalanche gullies, tracks etc.
The glacial relief of Rila Mountain, including the perimeter of RMNP, was formed
during the Würm; the last remaining glaciers retreated from the area some 10-12
thousand years ago.
2.2.4 Opportunities for demonstration and interpretation of geological processes
and geomorphologic shapes
The geotectonic and geomorphological peculiarities of the territory of RMNP and the
diversity of forms and landscape formations provide ample opportunities for
demonstration and interpretation of individual geological and geomorphological
elements and the very stages of the mountain’s geological and geomorphological
evolution. This can be carried out by means of different information and
interpretation materials (pamphlets, information boards, etc.), as well as through the
direct, immediate demonstration of the peculiarities of the terrain by specially trained
mountain guides. The main processes in the geological evolution of Rila Mountain
(including the territory of the Nature Park) by eras and periods are presented in
Appendix 8.
2.2.5 Avalanche hazards
At many places throughout the Park, the specific terrain and climatic conditions
enable the occurrence of avalanches. The steep slopes with a 1,400-1,500 m gradient
on both sides of the Iliyna and Marinkovitsa River Valleys (especially along their
upper courses), and the steep incline of the southern slope along the main ridge (at
places in excess of 35 0 ), combine to form local avalanche gullies. The same applies to
the central northern sections of the Park, especially along the steep valleys of Ochov
Dol and the narrow gorges lying to the east of it (Beliyat Uley, Siniyat Uley, etc.), as
well as to some areas in the eastern and southeastern Park section (the southern slopes
of Vodniya Rid and Mramorets). The highest avalanche hazard has been registered
along the entire stretch of road between Kirilova Polyana and Hydroto locality (at
Tiha Rila), from Kirilova Polyana to Lake Suhoto and by the tourist trails around
Ribni Ezera Chalet.
Rila Monastery Nature Park
Management Plan -Draft
2004 - 2013
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