Dr. Kubassek János szerk.: A Kárpát-medence természeti értékei (Érd, 2004)

Dr. Kubassek János: Preface

o rocks, mountain structures, tectonics and geomorphology. He achieved great results in the study of the geology of the Carpathian Basin by using his experience gathered in the Alps. It is interesting that both Lajos Lóczy and his student, Jenő Cholnoky studied engineering in the beginning. Their interest, however, turned from engineering to earth sciences, which did not bring them such immediate results that could have been expressed in terms of money. Their works were outstanding achievements of the age. The papers published in the present volume will certainly contribute to understanding their life work. The photographs of the landscapes and landforms of the Carpathian Basin were taken by scientists, first of all by Lajos Lóczy and his students. Their pictures are orientation points for us to understand the responsibility we have for conserving our natural heritage. We are happy to know that several natural parks located in the Carpathian Basin such as the Aggtelek National Park and Hortobágy - have been placed on the World Heritage list by UNESCO, which in itself expresses recognition. The typical world of the Great Hungarian Plain, the wonderful underground drop stone forms in Baradla Cave, the terrific gorge near Turda, the majestic rocks of the High Tatras, the post-volcanic activities in the Harghita Mountains and the famous crater lake there, or the remnants of the volcanic hills in the Balaton Uplands are so attractive places that they will always bring visitors to the heart of Europe. The publication of the present volume was made possible by the ardent cooperation of generous colleagues of several Hungarian institutions such as the Hungarian Geological Institute and the Department of Historical Photographs of the Hungarian National Museum. I especially thank Dr. Gyula Gábris, Professor of the Department of Physical Geography, Eötvös Loránd University, for taking care of the historical-scientific records of geography. I owe special thanks to Dr. Károly Brezsnyánszky, director, Dr. József Hála, senior researcher, and Regina Balázs, assistant, who greatly contributed to presenting the photographs held in the Hungarian Geological Institute and taken by Lajos Lóczy, Jenő Cholnoky and their students to the public.