Geochore

Geochores ( Gr. Γῆ gé “the earth” and χώρα chora “space”) are relatively large sections of landscape with similar - but not entirely the same - properties. They represent natural space mosaics of smaller units that can be hierarchically structured or built up:

• Physiotopes or geotopes form the basic unit ( topical dimension, from the Greek τόπος, "place"). These are objects that, with regard to the characteristics considered (or complexes of characteristics including interaction), are assessed as homogeneous to the extent that further subdivision does not appear sensible. The area depends u. a. on the distribution pattern of the characteristics as well as on the aim and purpose of the recording, in general it is in the order of 0.1 to 5 hectares.
• Nanogeochores or also nanochores are the simplest socialization of physiotopes.
  • Example: Ameisenberg near Oybin as part of the Oybiner rock area (microgeochore)
• Microgeochores are small landscapes with an area averaging 12 km². From the point of view of biotopes or similarly managed forest or agricultural sites, they form multi-part mosaics as a network of nanogeochores. The geological roots, the rocks that occur, the altitude or the movement of the landscape are particularly similar. They are a good illustration of the genetic causes for the formation of the structure.
  • Example: high forest ridge or Oybiner rock area
• Mesogeochores are simple associations and societies of microgeochores. Their togetherness is based on common characteristics of the climate, similar structural forms such as mountain, valley and hill countries, or related complexes of forms from the Pleistocene (Ice Age). They are based on the budget and the proportion of the building microgeochores.
  • Example: Zittau Mountains or Zittau Basin
• Macrogeochores or large landscapes - as large natural spatial units - are simple structures of mesogeochores, whose togetherness is e.g. B. from the basic geological structure, climatic conditions or common floristic features (e.g. hpnV ). They are on the border with regional dimensions.
  • Example: Lusatian Mountains or Upper Lusatian Bergland

The determined units can be recorded, described and displayed both individually and typologically. For the latter in particular, it is assumed that the recorded properties are comparable within the dimension level.

literature

• G. Haase , K. Mannsfeld (Hrsg.): Natural space units, landscape functions and models using the example of Saxony (= research on German regional studies 250). Flensburg 2002, ISBN 3-88143-072-5 .