THE NATURE OF HIGH-ALTITUDE LAKE-CATCHMENT SYSTEMS OF THE HIGH TATRA MTS. (SLOVAKIA): A DATASET OF CHARACTERISTICS FROM 29 SITES

The paper outlines the character of high-mountain lakes and their catchments in the High Tatra Mountains (Western Carpathians), highlighting the differences between subalpine and alpine zones based on a comprehensive dataset consisting of 29 sites in this area (1490-2195 m a.s.l.). The analysis encompasses 35 attributes categorized into five groups: (1) geographic location and lake characteristics, (2) morphometric characteristics of the lakes, (3) morphometric characteristics of the catchments, (4) land cover of the catchments, and (5) geology and mineralogy of the bedrock in the catchments. The observed characteristics of the study area, as well as the distinctions between subalpine and alpine sites, are shaped by their morphogenesis during the glacial period, subsequent geomorphological activity following deglaciation, and the elevation gradient, which indicates specific bioclimatic and vegetation conditions. The dataset and description of the study area's nature thus update and complement older data regarding lake characteristics and non-detailed catchment data based on modern methods (RS and GIS) coupled with field research. This forms a basis for future limnological studies.