41. Carboniferous granodiorite

41. Carboniferous granodiorite
Location. 34 T 641581 E, 4809904 N. It is located 6.7 km south of Gorni Lom village.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: outcrop of Carboniferous granodiorites.
Geological setting. The outcrop is located in the Late Carboniferous St. Nikola Pluton, belonging
to the Balkan granite-granodiorite complex. It is intruded between the rocks of the Chernivrah
metamorphic complex and Berkovitsa low-grade metamorphic complex, parts of Berkovitsa
tectonic unit.
Description. The rocks of the St. Nikola Pluton crop out as prolonged in East-West direction
body with width 3-3,5 km and length 16-17 km, continuing on Serbian territory. The pluton is
composed of massive leucocratic to mesocratic coarse-grained rocks of granodiorite-granite
composition, feldspar and quartz porphyry in places. The main rock-forming minerals are
plagioclase, potassium feldspar, quartz and hornblende. Granite texture is plagioclase porphyry,
and granodiorites are uneven-granular. In the rocks of the pluton is observed planar parallelism
with equatorial orientation and inclination to the south from 40 to 85°. In places they show
schistosity due to local tectonic events. In tectonically reworked areas granodiorites have
undergone imposed metasomatic processes. Recent geochronological dating upon zircon
(Carrigan et al., 2005) for St. Nikola Pluton indicate absolute age 311,9 ± 4,1 Ma, which refers to
the Upper Carboniferous.
Surrounding landscape. The area is surrounded by beautiful forests on the northern slopes of
the highest part of the Western Balkan with peak Midzhur and outcrops of igneous and
metamorphic rocks.
Sensitivity and protection measures. Location of the geosite should be marked by dashboard
with data about the Carboniferous magmatism and geology of the area in the center of Gorni Lom
village.
Access. Access to the site is on the road from Gorni Lom village to the Powder factory 4 km
south of the village, and then 2,7 km on the dirt road to Martinovo village.
42. Devonian siltstones
Location. 34 T 630971 E, 4832365N . It is located in the south part of Dabravka village.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: outcrop of Devonian siltstones.
Geological setting. The outcrop is among the Shashka siltstones of the Babin nos siltstonediabase complex, exposed in the north-west part of the Belogradchik tectonic unit. This complex,
including also the Struindol diabases, unites the only Devonian rocks in Geopark area. The unit is
established during the last geological mapping of the area (Angelov et al., 2006a).
Description. Shashka siltstones are established as separate unit on the map sheet Rakovitsa
(Angelov et al., 2006). They are named after Shashka river west of Kireevo village, out of
Geopark area. The unit is composed mainly of siltstones with transitions into sandstones, sandy
shaleс and less limestones. The unit is exposed near Dabravka village where silicites and
quartzites are also established. It is visited by students of the Moscow State University
“Lomonosov” (Pl. 42 a,b).
Surrounding landscape. Geosite is situated on the northern slope of the ridge between Dabravka
and Sbegovete surrounded by beautiful landscape and impressive rock cliff on the ridge, part of
the most western outcrops of the Belogradchik Formation (Pl. 42 c,d).
Sensitivity and protection measures. Location of the geosite should be marked by dashboard
with data about geology of the area in Dabravka village.
Access. Access to the site is from the end of the main street to the flow east of Dabravka village.
a
b
c
d
Plate 42: a,b – The outcrop of the Shashka siltstone near Dabravka village is visited by students and
professors of the Moscow State University “M. I. Lomonosov”; c,d – outcrops of the Shashka siltstones
against the most western outcrops of the Belogradchik Formation, surrounded by low forest vegetation
43. Devonian diabase
Location. 34 T 627256 E, 4836718 N. It is located in Struindol village.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: outcrop of Devonian diabases.
Geological setting. The outcrop is among the Struindol diabases of the Babin nos siltstonediabase complex, exposed in the north-west part of Belogradchik tectonic unit. This complex,
including also the Shashka siltstones, unites the only Devonian rocks in Geopark area. The unit is
established during the last geological mapping of the area (Angelov et al., 2006).
Description. Struindol diabases are established as separate unit on the map sheet Rakovitsa
(Angelov et al., 2006a), named after Struindol village, NW of Belogradchik town. The unit is
composed of diabases, diabase tuffs and phyllitoid schists. These rocks are poorly exposed, so the
outcrop in Struindol village is one of the scarce outcrops, chosen for the purposes of Geopark (Pl.
43 a).
Surrounding landscape. Geosite is disposed in flat terrain with rare woods and predominant
field vegetation. The closest geosites are the outcrops of Carboniferous volcanic rocks (38, 39),
Carboniferous granites (40), Magura Cave (53) and Antique road stop Anishte (65).
Sensitivity and protection measures. Location of the geosite should be marked by signboard on
the cross road in Veshtitsa village, and by information board with data about geology of the area
in Struindol village.
Access. Access to the site is directly from the road in Struindol village (Pl. 43 b).
a
б
Plate 43: a,b – Outcrop of the Struindol diabase near the road in Struindol village is one of the scarce
outcrops chosen for the purposes of Geopark
44. Disconformity between Sredogriv metamorphites and
Bov Formation
Location. 34 T 0634406 E, 4823352 N, into the riverbed of Varbovska river on the road to
Belogradchik town 1 km north of Varbovo village.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: disconformity.
Geological setting. The outcrop is in the southern limb of the Belogradchik anticline in Montana
tectonic unit where sandy marl of the Bov Formation (Middle Jurassic) lies transgressively with a
long hiatus on metasandstones of the Sredogriv metamorphites (Ordovician).
Description. Geosite represents disconformity surface - a type of unconformity when younger
sedimentary rocks cover unconformably older highly deformed crystalline (igneous or
metamorphic) rocks. It is characterized by distinct erosional surface and a clear difference in
composition and appearance of the overlying sedimentary rocks and underlying metamorphic or
igneous rocks due to significant hiatus - hundreds of millions and even billions of years. In this
case metasandstones of the Sredogriv metamorphites are covered transgressively by sandy marls
of the Bov Formation (Pl. 44 a,b). Sredogriv metamorphites have undergone low-temperature
regional metamorphism and are represented by intensively deformed greenschist rocks. These are
characterized by the alternation of parametamorphic rocks - metapelites (sericite, sericite-chlorite
schists and black schists) meta-sandstones, meta-siltstones, polygenic meta-conglomerates and
calcoschists. Mappable bodies of meta-conglomerates and olistoplakes of metagabbro,
metadiabase, metavolcanites and metagranitoids are available among them. They crop out along
Varbovska and Protopopinska rivers right tributaries of Stakevska river and also along Lom river
in the area of Sredogriv village. Haydoutov et al. (1995) accepted Ordovician age of these rocks.
Bov Formation consists mainly of sandy marls and argillaceous limestones of Middle Jurassic
age. Ultimately, these rocks are enriched in fossils of ammonites, belemnites, brachiopods,
bivalves and plant remains that gives the geosite status of fossil field too. Jurassic petrified wood
of this outcrop (Pl. 44 c,d) is one of the most impressive paleontological specimens in the
collection of the new visitor center in Belogradchik town. Disconformity with hiatus of about 350
million years is an excellent example of long interruption of sedimentation, exposed only a few
kilometers south of the outcrops of Devonian, Carboniferous, Permian and Triassic rocks in the
northern limb of the anticline, missing in this geosite. Outcrops of such disconformities are rare,
so this geosite is a great place to demonstrate the geological history of the region.
The surrounding landscape. The outcrop is located in the picturesque valley of Varbovska river
that crosses southern rock cliff formed by the limestone of the West Balkan Carbonate Group,
which define the inverse relief in Belogradchik anticline.
Sensitivity and protection measures. Geosite needs signposting of fork for Varbovo village on
the road to Belogradchik and information board at the fountain near the outcrop. Although
unmarked, it is subject of students practice for the students of Sofia University "St. Kliment
Ohridski”, UMG "St. Ivan Rilski" and the Moscow State University "Lomonossov" (Pl. 44 e,f).
Access. Access is directly from the road to Belogradchik town, from the fountain after the bridge
over Varbovska river.
а
b
c
d
e
f
Plate 44: а, b – Unconformity of the type „disconformity‟ between Ordovician metasandstones of the
Sredogrive metamorphites (below) and Jurassic sandy marls of the Bov Formation (layers above); c, d –
petrified Jurassic tree from the base of the Bov Formation above the disconformity surface; e, f – the
outcrop is subject of students practices (on the photos: students of the Moscow State University
“Lomonosov”)
45. Plastic sharing zone
Location. 34 T 0633687 E; 4828706 N. Located in the riverbed of Stakevska River east of
Chiflitsi village.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: plastic shearig zone.
Geological setting. The site is among the outcrops of the so called “Sredogriv metamorphites”
(Angelov et al., 2006d), part of the Montana tectonic unit. They are represented by various
parametamorphic rocks: metapelites (sericite, chlorite and black schist) metasiltstones,
metasandstones, metaconglomerates and calcschists.
Morphology and genesis. Plastic sharing zone is revealed in the riverbed of Stakevska river (Pl.
45 a,b) and represents a black milonitised zone with quartz bands and lenses (Pl. 45 c,d). It is
formed by slowly moving and slipping the rock along shearing zone in which the rocks in the
area are crushed and turned into a clay matrix that contrasts sharply against the bedrock.
Surrounding landscape. The area is revealed in the picturesque valley of Stakevska river whose
bed is in the Sredogriv metamorphites until it flows into Lom river.
Sensitivity and protection measures. The site is located in a very beautiful area, which can be
used as an attractive background to purely geological interest of this geosite. It is necessary to put
the mediation board with information on metamorphic processes and shearing zones.
Access. Access to the site is by the road through Chiflitsi village in its eastern side.
а
b
c
d
Plate 45: а,b – The surrounding landscape of the geosite is an exceptionally beautiful place in the
riverbed of Stakevska river; c,d – black milonitised zone with quartz bands and lenses
46. Type locality of the Sredogriv metamorphites
Location. 34 Т 0644170 E, 4821611 N. Coordinates are of the outcrop of Q-keratophyre near the
road between Sredogriv and Falcovets villages.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: type locality of a non-layered stratigraphic unit –
Sredogrive metamorphites (Pl. 46 a,b).
Geological setting. Locality is in the Ordovician-Silurian low-grade metamorphic rocks in the
core of the Belogradchik anticline which is part of the Montana tectonic unit.
Description. Initially Sredogriv metamorphites are described as “Sredogriv Formation”
(Moskovski et al., 1963). These rocks have undergone low-temperature regional metamorphism
and are represented by intensively deformed greenschist rocks. Due to the complicated internal
structure of the unit and its impaired stratigraphic sequence, during the last geological mapping of
the area (Angelov et al., 2006d)it has been redefined as non-layered unit under the name
“Sredogriv metamorphites” with type locality along Lom river near Sredogriv village. Sredogriv
metamorphites are represented by an alternation of parametamorphic rocks - metapelites (sericite,
sericite-chlorite schists and black schists) metasandstones, metasiltstones, polygenic
metaconglomerates and calcoschists. Among them are established mappable bodies of metaconglomerates and olistoplates of metagabbro, metadiabase, metavolcanites and metagranitoids.
They crop out along Varbovska and Protopopinska rivers right tributaries of Stakevska river and
also along Lom river in the area of Sredogriv village. The age of these rocks is accepted as
Ordovician of Haydoutov et al. (1995), but recent investigations showed that some parts of the
unit are of Silurian age.
Surrounding landscape. The site is located in a very beautiful area on the left riverbank of Lom
river flowing through the outcrops of the Sredogriv metamorphites between Dolni Lom and
Falcovets villages.
Sensitivity and protection measures. It is necessary to put the mediation board at the new
pavilion near the road between Sredogriv and Falcovets villages with information about the lowgrade metamorphic processes and rocks in the area.
Access. There is direct access from the road between Sredogriv and Falcovets villages.
а
b
Plate 46: а – Outcrops of the Sredogriv metamorphites along the road between Sredogriv and Falcovets
villages; b – quartz-keratophyre in the riverbed of Lom river near the new pavilion along the road
47. Metamorphosed igneous rocks
Location. 34 Т 0637356 E, 4826463 N. It is located near the road east of Izvos village..
Category. Geosite of scientific value: outcrop of granodiorite olistoplate.
Geological setting. The site is in metagranodiorite olistoplate characteristic for the Sredogriv
metamorphites, part of Montana tectonic unit.
Description. Sredogriv metamorphites are composed of parametamorphic rocks – metapelites,
metasandstones, metasiltstones, polygenic metaconglomerates and calcoschists. Among them are
established mappable olistoplates of metagabbro, metadiabase, metavolcanites and
metagranitoids. Geosite is a representative outcrop of granodiorite olistoplate, composed mainly
of feldspars, quartz and mafic minerals (amphibole, biotite) altered into chlorite, muscovite and
sericite. Diorite is metamorphosed with well expressed metamorphic foliation(Pl. 47 а,б).
Surrounding landscape. The site is located in a beautiful area on the left riverbank of Stakevska
river flowing through the outcrops of the Sredogriv metamorphites. The closest geosites are
Markashnitsa, Lepenitsa, Sabubin stone, Jabba and plastic sharing zone near Chiflitsi village.
Sensitivity and protection measures. It is necessary to put the mediation board at the crossroad
to Warbovi village with information on magmatism, low-grade metamorphic processes, and
formation of olistostromes.
Access. The access is from the road between Izvos and Borovitsa villages, just before the fork to
Varbovo village.
а
b
Plate 47: а – Outcrops of metamorphosed diorite olistoplate in the Sredogriv metamorphites near the road
between Izvis village and the fork to Varbowo village; b – metamorphosed diorite with well expressed
metamorphic foliation
48. Neoproterizoic ophiolite complex – pillow lavas
Location. 34 Т 639796 E; 4811801 N. It is located 4,4 km SW of Gorni Lom village.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: outcrop of Neoproterozoic pillow lavas.
Geological setting. The site is in the Ruptsi pillow lavas, part of the Cherni vrach metabasic
complex in Berkovitsa tectonic unit.
Description. Haydoutov (1983) determined the rocks of this unit as the upper zone of ophiolitic
association of the "Berkovitsa group" and then separated them as "unit of pillow lavas (Ruptsi)"
of the "Chernivrah Group" (Haydoutov, 1984). The unit is composed of mafic volcanic flows:
pillow lavas, massive metabasalt flows and a small amount of sedimentary rocks - purple shales
(umbrias). Metabasalts are crystallized fine-grained dolerites. Plagioclase porphyries are
preserved in the porphyry varieties, while dark minerals are completely removed. Hyaloclastites
are dark green with angular fragments, cemented by light gray solid matrix. Volcanic glass is
transformed into a dense fine-flake chlorite aggregates. The shales are gray-black and the chlorite
schists (umbrias) are with abundant iron hydroxide mineralization with typical violet color.
Characteristic of the unit is the alternation of massive lavas, pillow lavas and hyaloclastites. The
age of the Ruptsi pillow lavas is considered Neoproterozoic (Haydoutov, 1991).
Surrounding landscape. The site is located in a beautiful mountain area on the northern slope of
the West Balkan ridge. The closest geosites are Midzhur peak and the outcrop of cumulative
gabbro of the Neoprotrrozoic ophiolitic complex.
Sensitivity and protection measures. It is necessary to put the mediation board in Gorni Lom
village with information about the formation of ophiolitic complexes.
Access. Access to the site is on the road from Gorni Lom village to the Powder factory 4 km
south of the village and then 500 m on left dirt road to Martinovo village.
a
b
Plate 48: а,b – Outcrops of the Neoproterozoic Ruptsi pillow lavas south of the Powder factory near
Gorni Lom village
49. Neoproterizoic ophiolite complex – cumulative gabbro
Location. 34 Т 639684 E, 4811697 N.
Category. Geosite of scientific value: outcrop of Neoproterozoic cumulative gabbro.
Geological setting. The site is in the Kopilovtsi metagabbro and ultrabasites, part of the Cherni
vrach metabasic complex in Berkovitsa tectonic unit.
Description. Kopilovtsi metagabbro and ultrabasites is the oldest unit in Geopark area,
introduced as "the unit of the banded cumulatives" (Haydoutov, 1984). It is composed of
alternating cumulative metagabgro (pyroxene-plagioclase) and ultramafic (pyroxenites) between
observed transient relationships by amending the quantitative relationships of plagioclase and
mafic minerals. These rocks are regionally metamorphosed in greenschist facies. In tectonised
sections they are cataclased and milonitised. Due to these transformations they have turned into
green gabbro and amphibole schists. A characteristic feature of this unit is cumulative banding in
rhythmic sections dominated by pyroxene gabbro lenses of labradorite and pegmatoid gabbro
rarely clinopyroxene and lherzolite. The age of these rocks by U-Pb zircon dating method after
Quadt et al. (1998) is 563 ± 5 Ma (Late Proterozoic).
Surrounding landscape. The site is located in a beautiful mountain area on the northern slope of
the West Balkan ridge. The closest geosites are Midzhur peak and the outcrop of pillow lavas of
the Cherni vrach metabasic complex.
Sensitivity and protection measures. It is necessary to put the mediation board in Gorni Lom
village with information about the formation of ophiolitic complexes and cumulative gabbro.
Access. Access to the site is on the road from Gorni Lom village to the Powder factory 4 km
south of the village and then 500 m on the dirt road to Martinovo village.
50. Midzhur Peak (2168 m)
Location. 34 T 636233 E, 4805944 N. It is located 10 km SW of the village of Gorni Lom.
Category. Geosite of geographic value: the highest peak in the Western Balkans (2168 m).
Geological setting. The peak is in Lower Permian siltstones of the Midzhur Formation in
Berkovska tectonic unit.
Description. Midzhur is located on the Bulgarian-Serbian border and is the highest peak of
Serbia (Pl. 50 a). Morphologically it is the highest part of extended in the east-west ridge crest
with a length greater than 5 km (Pl. 50 b,c). It is situated among the rocks of Midzhur Formation
composed of purple to brick-red clayey and sandy siltstones with layers and lenses of sandstones,
gravelites and matrix-supported conglomerates and breccia-conglomerates.
Surrounding landscape. Midzhur is above the vegetation belt and is surrounded by a typical
alpine landscape. Closest geosites are the outcrops of cumulative gabbro and pillow lavas of
Chernivrah metabasic complex, but serves as a background of all geological phenomena in the
Romantic valley (Pl. 50 d).
Sensitivity and protection measures. Geosite is well marked on both sides of the border and
only needs a dashboard in Gorni Lom village.
Access. Access is from Gorni Lom village on the tourist route № 5.
a
b
c
d
Plate 50: а – Midzhur Peak is on the Serbian-Bulgarian border; b,c - the approach to the peak from Gorni
Lom village; d - Schoolgirl amid Midzhur Peak
51. Vedernik
Location. 34 T 627412 E, 4830311 N, the highest point of the ridge Vedernik. It is located 8 km
west of Belogradchik town and 2 km NW of Prauzhda village.
Category. Vedernik is of aesthetic and geographic value. This is the highest peak of the rock arc
(1124,2 m) in the southern limb of Belogradchik anticline.
Geological setting. The elevation is formed by Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous limestones of
the West Balkan Carbonate Group whose thickness in the area is significantly enlarged by
submarine slumps (Pl. 51 a,b).
Morphology and genesis. Southern rock arc is an impressive sequence of rock cliffs due to the
strong Jurassic limestones (Pl. 51 c-h). Although they are intensively fractured and karstified,
they built a remarkable rock cliff, higher even than Belogradchik Arc in the northern limb of the
Belogradchik anticline. Vedernik represents emblematic geographical benchmark for the local
population, often shrouded in fog during the colder seasons. It is the highest point among the
other elevations formed by the arc as Cold peak (1021 m) south of Prolaznitsa village, Kleputs
(830,7 m) between Prauzhda and Stakevtsi, Beak (908,9 m) between Varbovo and Targovishte,
Bolvan (804.5) between Targovishte and Replyana, Bolvan (923,6 m) between Replyana and
Dolni Lom.
Surrounding landscape. The area around Vedernik is a typical karst landscape with low and
sparse vegetation and highly uneven relief. Closest geotopes are remarkable rock composition
Sbegove 4 km to the east, and karst spring "Vreloto" at Krachimir village, 3,6 km south of the
elevation.
Sensitivity and protection measures. The arc does not need special protection measures except
ban on quarrying and other mining activities.
Access. The access is on the south slope from Prauzhda, Krachimir and Salash villages.
а
b
Plate 51: а – View to Vedernik from the east; b – folds of sinsedimentation submarine slumps on the east slope; c,d
– outcrops of the limestones of the West Balkan Carbonate Group on the southern slope of Stakevtsi river, east of the
crossroad to Krachimir village; e,f – outcrops of the south arc between Replyana and Varbovo villages; g – the south
limb of the Belogradchik anticline east of Varbovo village; h – view of the south arc from the east at Dolni Lom
village
c
d
e
f
g
h
52. Belogradchik Arc
Location. 34T 0637732 E; 4831984 N - coordinates are at elevation 903.6 Venice (Karnev
meadow), located north of the city. Belogradchik to TV tower.
Category. Geosite of aesthetic and geomorphological value: rock cliff outlining the northern
limb of the Belogradchik anticline in an inverse relief.
Geological setting. The rock arc is in the Belogradchik unit among Upper Jurassic clastic and
calcareous micritic limestones belonging to the West Balkan Carbonate Group. The lower part of
the unit contains pink limestone level with ammonite nodules belonging to the world famous
facies “ammonitico rosso” (see Geosite 31).
Morphology and genesis. Belogradchik anticline whose axis is oriented in east-west direction,
forms well expressed inversed relief. In its eroded core are exposed the Lower Triassic red
sandstones forming Belogradchik rocks and their Paleozoic basement, and limbs are outlined by
the limestones of the West Balkan Carbonate Group (Pl. 52 a).
Belogradchik arc is a vertical cliff with a height of 60-70 m in the northern leg of
Belogradchik anticline (Pl. 52 b,c). It is revealed in the form of 10 km long strip between
Sokolov Peak and the road to Ruzhintsi village north of Falcovets. It is built of micritic and
intraclastic, thin to medium bedded, gray to beige limestones of the West Balkan Carbonate
Group in places with black, gray or brown flint concretions. Most impressive rock cliffs are at the
elevation 903.6 Venetsa, and west of the TV tower (Pl. 52 b-e), where the thickness of the group
was increased due to submarine landslides with sinsedimentary folds.
Although Belogradchik arc is identified by the revelations in the northern leg of the
anticline, it is not less imposing in the southern limb of the fold where is located the highest
elevation - Vedernik (1124 m), described as a separate geosite.
Ssurrounding landscape. The rock arc crowned the relief and overlooks the green forests on the
southern slope of Venetsa ridge, where are also elevations Sokolov venets (719.4), Smedov peak
(860.9), and Golash (574.1).
Sensitivity and protection measures. The elevation does not need special protection measures
except ban on quarrying and other mining activities.
Access. Access to the site is on the road to the TV tower. Western parts are accessible by the road
to Oreshets village which intersects the arc and the eastern part is accessible from Yanyovets
village.
Plate 52: а – Cross section of the Belogradchik anticline, whose limbs outlined by the Belogradchik Arc, emphasize
the inverse relief: 1 – Lower Cretaceous (Salash Formation); 2 – Jurassic (Kichera, Bov, Polaten Formations and
West Balkan Carbonate Group); 3 – Triassic: а – Petrohan Terrigenous Group, Lower Triassic (Belogradchik,
Slivovnik and Kaluger Formations), б – Iskar Carbonate group, Middle Triassic (Edivetar, Babino and Toshkovdol
Formations); 4 – Geological phenomena in the Belogradchik Formation; 5 – coal bearing Carboniferous-Permian
deposits (Zelenigrad and Karlovitsa Formations); 6 – Paleozoic granite (Belogradchik Pluton); 7 – Sredogriv
metamorphites (Ordovician); 8 - faults
b
d
c
e
f
Plate 52: b – Belogradchik Arc – view to the east of the elevation; c – view to the west of the elevation; d-f – TV
tower and elevation Venetsa (903,6); g,h - Belogradchik Arc – view from the south; i – Smedov Peack (860,9) –
view from the east; j – limestones with brown cherty concretions of the West Balkan Carbonate Group
g
h
i
j
53. Magura Cave
Location. 34 T 0627481 E; 4842837 N. It is located 18 km north of Belogradchik town and 2 km
west of Rabisha village in the eminence Rabisha Mound.
Category. Geosite of aesthetic, historic and cultural value of national importance, included in the
Indicative List of UNESCO.
Geological setting. The cave is formed in the Belogradchik unit among Upper Jurassic – Lower
Cretaceous limestones of the Cherepish Formation, building the Rabisha Mound with height 461
m (Pl. 53 a). Therefore the type section of the later erected Magura Formation (junior subjective
synonym introduced by Nikolov, Tzankov, 1996) starts from the entrance of the cave on the
southern slope (Pl. 53 b) and ends at its exit at the base of the northern slope (Pl. 53 c). It is built
from light gray to beige bioclastic limestones with layers of cream micritic limestones. Individual
levels contain remains of bivalves, gastropods, corals and colonial corals and bryozoa. It lies with
sharp lithological boundary on intraclastic and micrite limestones of undivided West Balkan
Carbonate Group. The thickness of the unit is about 250-300 m, but it is probably more due to the
absence of the normal upper boundary. Its chronostratigraphic range is defined as Upper
Tithonian - Berriasian on the basis of calpionellids, foraminifera and calcareous algae.
Morphology and genesis. Magura Cave is a large karst formation in the hill Rabisha Mound
representing a narrow and elongated hill with a length of 5 km, a width 1 km and a height of
460,9 m. The mound is an elongated in west-east direction and coincides with the orientation of
the layers deeping steeply to the north with inclination of 60 to 85°. It is supposed that intensive
karstification of the area began in the Miocene about 15 million years ago, when begins the
formation of the cave (Angelov et al., 2006). Its formation has undergone three stages. Firstly are
formed the side cave caverns in SW part where supposedly is infiltrated water, under whose
influence was shaped the cave. Then narrow karst passages are formed extended for millions of
years until the actual cave halls with their modern dimensions. The third stage involves the
modeling of cave formations that give unique contemporary color of the cave. It is characterized
by various speleothems: stalactites, stalagmites, sinter pockets, cave pearls and "cave milk". The
temperature in the cave is 12° throughout the year.
Magura was declared a natural landmark by Ordinence № 666/05.03.1960. It is one of the
largest caves in Bulgaria with a total length of galleries over 2500 m. It consists of one main
gallery with three side branches. There are 10 different sized rooms, the largest of which is of
colossal dimensions - length of 200 m, a width of 50 m and a height of over 20 m (Pl. 35 e,f). In
addition to the size of its halls, cave strikes visitors with its huge cave formations: stalactites,
stalagmites, cave milk and others (Pl. 53 g-l). The Big Stalactone (Pl. 53 k) is of height 20 m and
a diameter of 4 m, and the Fallen Pine is the biggest stalagmite in Bulgarian caves with length
11,6 m and diameter at the base 6 m.
Besides being unique geological phenomenon in its class, Magura has exceptional
archaeological value. In one of the halls were discovered cave paintings of bat guano, dating back
to the late Paleolithic to the early Bronze Age. Wall paintings depict dancing women, hunting
men, disguised men, different animals, suns, stars, tools, plants (Pl. 53 m,n).
Surrounding landscape. Magura Cave is located in a small area with karst forest vegetation
formed within Rabisha Mound. North of its outlet is located Rabisha Dam, often called "Rabisha
lake". The nearest geosite is the Lower-Upper Cretaceous boundary in the marls of the Rabisha
Formation 2 km west of the cave exit. 7 km east of it in Gypsy valley near Kladorub village is the
Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary, and after another 5 km to the SE is the Stronghold near Granitovo
village with the type section of the Granitovo member of Kichera Formation.
Sensitivity and protection measures. The cave is developed from the sixties of the 20th century.
It has a good infrastructure and enjoys a high attendance. At the exit of the cave is the shop of the
wine cellar "Magura", where visitors can buy its products at preferential prices. It is desirable to
place additional information boards with information about the age and composition of the rocks
and the genesis of the cave, which provide the texts used by the guides. Besides the geological
and archeological significance, this place is of great importance for the local and national vine
industry. This is the only place in Bulgaria where naturally sparkling wine Magura is produced,
aging inside the cave. It is necessary to put information boards with data about the age and
composition of the rocks and geologic processes that formed the cave.
Access. Road to Magura is marked with signs in all settlements in the area.
а
b
c
d
Plate 53: а – Rabisha Mound; b – the entrance to the cave; c – the outcome of the cave; d – limestones of the
Cherepish Formation
e
f
g
h
i
j
Plate 53: e,f – The Big Hall; g,h – big stalagmites; i – „cave milk” j – cave formations
k
l
m
n
Plate 53: k – The Big Stalacton; l – big stalagmite; m,n – Late Paleolithic wall paintings
54. Kozarnika Cave
Location. 34 T 0637290 E; 4834650 N. It is located above the road to Oreshets village.
Category. Geosite of geomorphological and archaeological value.
Geological setting. The cave is in the Belogradchik unit among Upper Jurassic cyclic nodular
limestones with brown flint concretions of the West Balkan Carbonate Group.
Morphology and genesis. It is a medium large cave with 10/5 m opening, tapering inward.
Layers are grouped in 0,5-1m thick bundles representing climatic Milankovich cycles (Pl. 54 a,b).
Over the past five years the cave was the subject of intense archaeological research of Bulgarian,
French and American archaeologists. Kozarnika Cave is archaeological phenomenon, with
evidence for the first human settlements in Europe In cultural layers are discovered necklaces of
Miocene gastropods and bivalves, cropping out in the northern part of the area, close to the
Danube. Archaeologists believe that the cave was not just a home to primitive people, but it was a
manufactory for ornaments of fossils collected tens of kilometers away from it. Recently the cave
is subject of students practice for Bulgarian and foreign students (Pl. 54 c,d)
Surrounding landscape. The area consists of Upper Jurassic limestones and Middle Jurassic
sandstones. The slopes are wooded, and the relief is crowned by Belogradchik Arc. 450 m east of
the cave is the outcrop of the world-famous facies “ammonitico rosso”.
Sensitivity and protection measures. The cave needs to be protected as monument of the
geological and cultural-historical heritage of Bulgaria and Europe.
Access. The cave is along a dirt road about 100 m away from the road to Oreshets village.
а
б
в
г
Plate 34: а,b – thythmyc limestones of the West Balkan Carbonate Group near the entrance of Kozarnika; c –
students of the Moscow State University „М. I. Lomonosov” listen with interest the explanations for Milankovich
climatic cycles; d – entrance of the cave
55. Lepenitsa cave
Location. 34 T 0637042 E; 4829248 N. It is located 3 km southeast of Belogradchik.
Category. Geosite of aesthetic and historical value: a rock niche with a length of 50 m and a
width of the opening 15 m.
Geological setting. Geosite is in the third packet of the Belogradchik Formation in Belogradchik
unit, built of red sandstones and gravelites with large-scale cross bedding and lenses of matrix
supported conglomerates.
Morphology and genesis. The cave is a rock niche that gradually tapers inward and ends about
50 m from the opening, which is almost round with a width of 15 m and a height of 18-20 m. In
the cultural layers of the cave floor were found ancient pottery and tools. The cave has two levels
separated by an intermediate floor with a thickness of 2-3 m (Pl. 24 a, b), composed of
sandstones with cross bedding and various structures (Pl. 24 and, k). The ceiling of the lower
floor is collapsing along the cross bedding planes (Table. 24 c, d) and the bottom accumulate
pieces of different sizes. Inwards the cave becomes narrower and ends as elongated horizontal
niche (Pl. 24 e,f). The opening to the east overlooking the beautiful rocky landscape of red
sandstones sunk in green forest (Pl. 24 g,h).
Surrounding landscape. The cave is located on the eastern slope of the rock in the Markashnitsa
area in a magnificent landscapes of rocks and forests. The outcome is a wonderful view of the
opposite slope of the valley. Southwest of the cave is the sequel of the rock arc, and 500 m east of
it is Sabubin stone. Other nearby geotopes are Jabba (1,7 km west), Latin fortress in
Markashnitsa (800 m west) and Borovitsa Stone (3 km to the east).
Sensitivity and protection measures. The rocks are stable and there is no reason for further
strengthening. The cave is accessible by tourist route № 5 from the center of Belogradchik. It is
necessary to install signboards and information boards from the road to Izvos village.
Access. Access to the cave from Belogradchik is on well maintained and signaling geotrsail
designated as tourist route № 5. It is only 1,8 km away from the road to Izvos village on the dirt
road to Markashnitsa deviating from the road to the north 1,2 km east of Izvos.
а
b
Plate 24: а,b – two-storeyed rock niche known as Lepenitsa cave on the eastern rock arc in Markashnitsa
area; c,d – the ceiling of the lower floor is collapsing along the cross bedding planes; e,f – lower and
upper openings; g,h – bottom of the niche; i,j – sedimentary textures and structures
cв
dг
e
f
g
h
i
j
56. Karst spring Vreloto
Location. 34 T 0627252 E; 4826915 N. It is located 2 km east of Krachimir village..
Category. Geosite of scientific value, class geomorphological: karst spring.
Geological setting. Geosite is in the Montana unit among the Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous
limestones of the West Balkan Carbonate Group.
Morphology and genesis. Geosite is part of the karst complex formed in the limestones of the
West Balkan Carbonate Group, which forms the wonderful inverse relief, outlining the southern
limb of the Belogradchik anticline and crops out widely between Prauzhda, Krachimir, Varbovo,
Targovishte and Dolni Lom villages. In the area between Prauzhda and Krachimir this
remarkable carbonate complex is of quite large thickness due to submarine slumping. It is
intensively karstified and from this perspective itself represents geological interest. Karst spring
"Vreloto" is part of this karst system that drains the area between Praujda and Krachimir villages.
In the spring the source is quite high flow, but in the end of summer it is drastically reduced (Pl.
40 a,b). In the riverbed to Stakevtsi river grow rare wetland plants, some of which are protected
species as inhabitants of Ramsar sites (Pl. 40 in-f).
Sensitivity and protection measures. Karst spring serves as a source of water for the
neighboring settlements and is protected as a water catchment area. In the development plan of
the Geopark should be established activities related to the study of karst in the area and to make
information panels in which to emphasize their importance as natural sources of water. The Vrelo
is one of two active karst springs in geopark (along with "Tolovishko vrelo"), which can be
promoted in different ways: lectures in primary and secondary schools, school trips, educational
practices for students of Moscow State University "M. I. Lomonosov "(Pl. 40 e,f), University of
Mining and Geology"St. Ivan Rilski"(Pl. 40 g,h), Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski",
international workshops and in the scheduling of international events with Knyazhevats
municipality and neighborhood torlak‟s meetings.
Access. It is accessed from the junction before the bridge over Stakevtsi river on the dirt road to
Salash village.
а
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Plate 40: а,b – karst forms near the spring during the summer; c,d – in the riverbed to Stakevtsi river
grow rare wetland plants, some of which are protected species as inhabitants of Ramsar sites; e,f –
students of the Moskow State University „М. I. Lomonosov” on its summer practice in June, 2013; g,h –
University of Mining and Geology"St. Ivan Rilski" describe geosite „Vreloto” for the needs of Geopark
„Belogradchik Rocks” in July, 2013
57. Karst spring Tolovitsa vrelo
Location. 34 T 0625515 E; 4843741 N. Located 2 km west of Magura Cave.
Category. Geosite of scientific value, geomorphological: karst spring.
Geological setting. The spring is in the Belogradchik unit among the Upper Jurassic-Lower
Cretaceous limestones of the Cherepsh Formation, overthrusted by the Fore-Balkan thrust on the
Albian-Cenomanian marl of the Rabisha Formation (see geosite 30, Pl 30 a).
Morphology and genesis. Karst spring is part of the karst complex formed among thick-bedded
limestones of the Cherepish Formation, part of which is the Magura Cave (Pl. 57 a,b). Limestone
layers are vertical to overturned (Pl. 57 c,d). Intensive karstfication has proceeded over the past
15 million. Initially surface caverns have formed that provide the penetration of water inside the
limestone massif. Tolovitsa vrelo is the main water source for the surrounding villages and is
protected as a water catchment area. Its water flow into Karnovska river.
Surrounding landscape. The spring is in the western part of the karst area around Rabishka
mound, surrounded by wooded vegetation. East is the Rabisha dam known as "Rabisha lake."
The nearest geotopes are the Lower-Upper Cretaceous boundary in the marl of Rabisha
Formation and Magura Cave. 7 km east of it in the Gypsy valley near Kladorub village is the
Cretaceous/Tertiary boundary.
Sensitivity and protection measures. It is necessary to put the information board at the exit of
Magura cave about karst processes and the location of geotope.
Access. The proximity of Magura Cave, marked with signs in all the surrounding villages,
provide easy access to the karst spring, which is 2 km west of the exit of the cave on the dirt road.
а
b
c
d
Plate 57: а,b – Karst forms near “Tolovitsa vrelo” spring; c,d – overturned limestone beds of the
Cherepish Formation in the hanging wall of the Fore-Balkan thrust
58. Franz Toula’s outcrop
Location. 34 T 0636417 E, 4832762 N, 800 m north of Belogradchik town, on the old road to
Vidin.
Category. Geosite of historical value for the Bulgarian geology: the outcrop where Franz Tula
determined first Bulgarian fossils in 1877 (Toula, 1877).
Geological setting. The outcrop is located among the limestones of the Babino Formation
(Middle Triassic).
Description. Geosite is a fossil deposit of Triassic crinoids, brachiopods and bivalves, which are
among the first described Bulgarian fossils. In 1875 the Austrian professor Franz Toula (18451920) take route geological studies in the Western Balkan. At the beginning of the first of these
routes near Belogradchik town on the road to Vidin he discovered Triassic fossils, on the bases of
which for the first time in Bulgaria was proven the Triassic System. These fossils are published
and illustrated in 1877 (Pl. 49 a) in scientific journals of the Austrian Academy of Sciences
(Toula, 1877).
Due to the exceptional historical value for the Bulgarian geology, the outcrop is
investigated by Tronkov in 1998, who described it layer by layer and gathered again Triassic
fossils, which are referred to with the same names as they were reported for the first time by
Toula (1877) (Pl. 49 b,c).
Described section includes 12 packets with total thickness...... meters (Pl. 49 d). The
newly formed collection for the Geological Museum includes examples of Tronkov from 1998
and new samples collected specifically for the purposes of Geopark (Pl. 49 e-h).
In the provided collection of the Geological Museum of the Geopark arranged in the new
visitor center near the Belogradchik Fortress, Tronkov includes fossil samples of packet 4 from
which no samples are taken by Toula, because these layers were on the side of the road and were
not available to the Viennese researcher. The layers of this deposit were later identified by Toula
(1877) as "dolomitic limestone krinoidi" in which he gives a correlative value as a benchmark
level in Triassic and used for stratigraphic correlation with other Triassic deposits in Bulgaria and
abroad.
Surrounding landscape. The discovery is located in a picturesque area on the southern slope of
the Belogradchik Arc.
Sensitivity and protection measures. The site needs signposting of the road to Oreshets village
and information board in the place of fossil deposit with information on geological position of the
fossil deposit and data about the fossils, determined by Franz Toula, and their location in the
Geological museum.
Access. Access is on a dirt road branching right from the road to Oreshets at elevation 545,5 and
300 m after the big turn in the Cold valley.
а
Plate IV.
Mushelkalk from Belogradchik
Fig. 1. Saurichthys sp. (cfr. apicalis Ag.)
,, 2. Pecten discites Schloth.
,, 3. Pecten Alberti Goldf.
,, 4. Ostrea decemcostata Münst.
,, 5. Retzia trigonella Schlth. sp.
,, 6. Spiriferina fragilis v. Schlth. sp.
,, 7. Waldheimia vulgaris Schloth. sp.
Фиг. 7 a. Variety with less convex small
in two views
shell
front and side
Фиг. 7 b. Typical form
Фиг. 7 c. strongly convex variety
Фиг. 8. Cidaris transversa Meyer (fragmented with thorns)
,, 9. Cidaris spec.
,, 10. Entrochus liliiformis Lam.
10 a. Fragment of stem
10 b. Article of uneven parts of the stem
10 с. Article with ten layered halo
,, 11. Entrochus cfr. Schlotheimi (probably new architecture)
,, 12. Entrochus spec. (with pentagonal inner channel)
,, 13. Entrochus cfr. Silesiacus Beir. (apiocrinoid form)
,, 14. Three stems with equal architecture
b
c
Таблица 58: а – The paleontological plate of Franz Toula (1877) with the first Triassic fossils of
the fossil deposit on the old road to Vidin; b – the fossil deposit is investigated and described by
Tronkov in 1965 and 1998; c – for the purposes of Geopark fossils were collected for the Geological
museum in the new visitor centre
d
e
f
g
h
Plate 58: d – section of the fossil deposit on the old road to Vidin made by Tronkov in 1998; e,f - layer
with brachiopods; g – lower part of the section below the road; h – crinoid stem
59. Old mine „Zelenigrad”
Location. 34 T 0635749 E; 4829977 N. Geosite is 1,5 km south of Belogradchik town.
Category. Geosite of historical value for Bulgarian geology.
Geological setting. Geosite is a walled gallery from the mid 19th century part of the medieval
mine "Zelenigrad" (Pl. 59a, b) drawn in coal layer among sandstones, shales, siltstones and coal
shales of the Zelenigrad Formation (Upper Carboniferous) in the core of Belogradshik anticline.
Description. This is one of the oldest coal galleries in the Balkans, documented by Franz Tula in
1877 (Pl. 59 c,d), who determined here first Bulgarian fossils (simultaneously with those of the
outcrop of Babinо Formation north of Belogradchik town in Geosite 58).
Surrounding landscape. Located along the old road to Izvos village at the bottom of the
Romantic valley in which Adam and Eve, Bear Cube, Nefertiti, Schoolgirl, Chinese Wall and
Dinosaurs are situated. 1 km north of the gallery is the legendary Subashi fountain.
Sensitivity and protection measures. Now geosite represents just a sealed gallery. It must be
strengthened and seriously reconstructed to be adapted for tourist purposes.
Access. Access to the geosite from the center of Belogradchik is through the Romantic valley by
the old road to Izvos village (1,5 km) and the new road to Izvos (2 km).
а
c
b
d
Plate 59: а,b – view of the walled coal mine from the mid 19th century where Franz Toula in 1877
determined the first Bulgarian fossils; c,d – sketch of old mine „Zelenigard” made by Franz Toula in
1877; e - Table III – Plant remains of the Valchia sandstone (of the Lower Rotligende) from Belogradchik:
Fig. 1. Piece of shagreen leather of Xenacanthus spec.; Fig. 2,3. Calamites cf. dubius Brongn.; Fi g. 4 –
Calamites infractus var. Durri Gein.; Fig. 5. Annularia sp. indet.; Fig. 6. Odontopteris obtusiloba
Naumann.; Fi g. 7. Cyatheites cf. arborescens Brongn. Fi g. 8. Alethopteris gigas Gutb. spec.; Fig.
9. Walchia piniformis v. Schlotheim, 9a. Leaf apex of Odontopteris obtusiloba Naumann.
60. Antique gold mining (rupees)
Location. 34 Т 0643314 E; 4828000 N. Geosite is located south of Falcon bridge near Falkovets
village.
Category. Geosite of historical value for Bulgarian geology.
Geological setting. Geosite is situated on an old terrace of Stakevska river deposited on the red
Carboniferous sandstones of the Borovitsa Formation in Montana unit.
Description. Geosite includes piles of granitoid and gneiss boulders on an old terrace surface on
the right bank of Stakevska River. These piles are remains of human activity - ancient gold
mining. The extraction of gold from river sediments was widespread in the Bulgarian lands
during the Roman Empire. All rivers in Northwest Bulgaria flowing from the Balkan to the
Danube are gold-bearing. Here are preserved many remains of antique gold mining called
„rupees‟. The best preserved rupees in Bulgaria are along Augusta River and its tributaries (Fig.
60 a) in Montana district, east of Geopark area. The antique settlement Falcovets with well
developed crafts, needed row materials and this was one of the ways to deliver them (Fig. 60 b-d)
(see also Geoaite 1). Stakevska river and its tributaries Varbovo and Chuprene rivers are not the
only sources of gold. Lom river and its upstream tributaries are also gold-bearing which is a good
prerequisite for searching more rupees in the area.
Surrounding landscape. This is the most eastern part of the Belogradchik Rocks. Here begins
18 km long strip of unique fairy rocks, extending west to Sbegovete south of Dubravka village.
Sensitivity and protection measures. In the area should be prohibited all activities leading to
destruction of rocks and change of the natural appearance of the area.
Access. The terrace is accessible from the road south of Falcon bridge.
а
b
c
d
Plate 60: a - well preserved rupees along Dalgi del Augusta River in Montana district; b-d – the modern
terrace of Stakevсka river with rupees near Falcon bridge