CALCAREOUS TUFA CHANNELS OF WEST OF UKRAINE – VALUE OBJECTS OF LIVING AND INANIMATE NATURE

Abstract

The geographical distribution of calcareous tufa stone channels within the territory of western Ukraine has been investigated. It has been established that, until recently, only one such channel was officially known in Ukraine, located near the village of Krynytsia (Ternopil region) and one tufa tube situated within the “Monashi Sliozy”" waterfall near the village of Zhyznomyr (Buchach STG, Ternopil region). The authors have identified and described another similar features: the “Zmijka” waterfall, situated on the southern outskirts of the village of Mali Hrybovychi (Lviv STG, Lviv region).The modern morphology of the deposits is the result of human intervention in the natural functioning of the springs: spring tapping at their sources has altered their hydrodynamic regime and, consequently, the morphology of the deposits. It has been determined that, in the pre-anthropogenic period, consolidated tufa deposits of the first generation formed across the slope surfaces at all surveyed locations. The tapping of the springs has led to the inactivation of tufa formation across the slopes. However, this process also triggered the emergence of a new morphotype such the stone channel is resulting from the altered flow dynamics.Photosynthetic organisms apparently facilitate the construction of the channel walls in the following way: bryophytes colonize the lateral, originally flat sections of the watercourse where the water is warmer and the current less turbulent. Over time, their fossilized remains form loose bryolithes, which gradually grow both upwards and outwards. In active bryolithes, the growth of living mosses consistently outpaces the rate of turf calcification, maintaining the continuity of tufa formation.After heavy rainfall, water flows may overflow the edges, promoting the development of lateral “wings” alongside the main channel, which can become quite wide. Additionally, water seeping through fissures and pores of the central channel further contributes to this growth.Despite their anthropogenic origin, tufa stone channels are extremely fragile and highly sensitive to human activity. Damage to their conduits causes the redirection of water flows and disrupts the delicate natural balance of biotic and abiotic processes, potentially leading to the irreversible inactivation of tufa formation in certain areas.These picturesque ridges represent unique geoattractive features and could serve as potential highlights of excursion routes. Considering their morphological distinctiveness and the specific interplay between biotic and abiotic factors, tufa stone channels should be regarded as highly promising candidates for inclusion in Ukraine’s natural reserve fund.