Central Bohemian Uplands (České středohoří) is a unique landscape shaped by tens of millions of years of geological evolution. A new publication by a team of authors led by volcanologist Lukáš Krmíček from FCE BUT offers a comprehensive overview of this development – from the geological bedrock and volcanic rocks to mineral deposits, important palaeontological sites, historical and present-day mineral extraction, underground structures and the evolution of the landscape. The Geology of the Central Bohemian Uplands covers approximately 70 million years of the region's geological history.

Volcanologist Lukáš Krmíček works at the Institute of Geotechnics at the Faculty of Civil Engineering, Brno University of Technology (FCE BUT), where his research focuses, among other topics, on geology, the properties of volcanic rocks and their applications in construction.

“Our aim was to create a publication that would provide valuable information for specialists while remaining accessible to general readers, nature enthusiasts and visitors to the Central Bohemian Uplands,” says Krmíček, who led the team of authors behind the book The Geology of the Central Bohemian Uplands.

From Ancient Volcanoes to Modern Construction

The publication connects geological research with topics directly relevant to construction and engineering geology. For example, it examines the extraction of basaltic rocks, which are an important source of construction materials. The monograph also includes sections devoted to slope movements in volcanic rocks.

The geological conditions of the Central Bohemian Uplands can have a major impact on human activities and infrastructure. One well-known example is the extensive landslide near Dobkovičky, which damaged a section of the D8 motorway under construction in 2013.

The book also addresses the increasingly important issue of construction material availability. Reserves at some quarries are gradually being depleted, while virtually no new construction aggregate deposits have been opened in the Czech Republic in recent decades. At the same time, demand for construction materials remains high, as the country continues to plan and implement major infrastructure projects, including high-speed railway lines.

Monitoring geological conditions and ensuring access to high-quality mineral resources are therefore crucial for the construction industry. These resources include basaltic rocks, whose occurrence in the Czech Republic is geographically limited.

 

What Did the Ancient Volcanoes Look Like?

One of the book's most engaging features is its artistic reconstructions of the ancient volcanic landscape. Originally created as large-format paintings, they are the work of artist Jiří Svoboda, who continues the artistic tradition of Zdeněk Burian.

The reconstructions depict not only the landscape during periods of intense volcanic activity but also the Tertiary fauna and flora that inhabited the region at the time. Readers can thus explore a world that looked entirely different from today's Central Bohemian Uplands. 

The book also contains numerous photographs and aerial views, some of which were captured using an unconventional method – powered paragliding. These images offer readers perspectives on familiar locations that visitors would not normally have the opportunity to experience.

The result is a combination of geological expertise, photographic documentation, reconstructions of ancient landscapes and an accessible approach to science communication.

A Book for Specialists and Visitors to the Central Bohemian Uplands

The monograph was developed over many years. Its purpose was not simply to summarise current scientific knowledge, but also to demonstrate why the Central Bohemian Uplands are such an exceptional region and how their geological history continues to shape the landscape, its use and the lives of local residents.

“Our goal was to present the results of our long-term scientific work to the public in a way that helps people better understand what lies beneath the surface of the landscape they see every day,” adds Lukáš Krmíček.

The Geology of the Central Bohemian Uplands is published by Academia Publishing House.

More information and book purchasing options are available HERE.