Checking Out the Czech Republic:Geologic Highlights in the City of Prague
Paula Konfal
Abstract
Prague, the capital of the Czech Reupublic, is located in the Bohemian Basin and is underlain by Ordovician shales, quartz sandstones, and quartzites. The city's landscape is geologically controlled by a series of gravel and bedrock terraces carved out by the Vltava River. Prague's rich architecture represents over 1000 years of human development in the area. Archeologists believe that the gravel terraces were the first part of Prague to be developed. The floodplain was avoided until the 19th century, when flood controls and channelization were added. Prague Castle overlooks the city from atop the highest terrace in the area, composed of Ordovician shales. As Prague continues to expand and modernize, engineers must contend with the geology of the area in order to provide underground utilities and communication to the city's growing population.