Constantin-Răzvan Oprea

Dr. Constantin-Răzvan Oprea


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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8 January 2024 in Forests
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
OBOvreiu Adriana - Bianca
Ovreiu Adriana - Bianca
COConstantin-Răzvan Oprea
Constantin-Răzvan Oprea
Andreea Denis Andra-ToparceanuAndreea Denis Andra-Toparceanu
Andreea Denis Andra-Toparceanu
Radu-Daniel PintiliiRadu-Daniel Pintilii
Radu-Daniel Pintilii
Determining the spatio-temporal patterns of rockfalls, such as the zonation of hazards and the assessment of associated risks, can be challenging due to poor historical archives. Dendrogeomorphological methods cover this lack of data and provide reliable reconstructions of rockfall activities over several centuries. These methods are based on the signals recorded in the tree rings that are affected by the mechanical impact of falling rock fragments. In this study, we analyzed the spatial and temporal distribution of rockfalls in a 0.19 ha forest area in the Southern Carpathians. We collected 170 samples (100 increment cores and 70 stem discs) from all 40 Picea abies (L.) Karst trees identified in the study area (1 tree/47 m2). This allowed us to date 945 events between 1817 and 2021, which we then compared with available weather records. Our results show the main trajectory of falling rock fragments from the source area, as well as significant temporal variations in process activity. These variations correlate only slightly with fluctuations in meteorological parameters. Despite the expected intensification of natural hazards due to climate warming, our study area shows a general trend towards a slight decrease in rockfall activity at present.