Search

Due to the geographical position of the island of Vis, its climate features are under the strong impact of the sea. The data analysed for the period between 1981. and 2009. show positive rising trend of mean annual air temperature and mean annual precipitation, and they are inversely proportional to mean annual humidity. Changes in the values of air temperature and humidity (in the period analysed) are mainly in accordance with the data for the Mediterranean region (except from its eastern part). The changes of the values of mean annual precipitation are not in accordance with the data for the Mediterranean region where the amount of precipitation is mainly decreasing. In the period analysed, there is a great variability of air temperature and precipitation values which is more pronounced in summer precipitation, which emphasizes the negative impact of summer aridity in the years when the deviation from the average is negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The basic assumption of this paper is that the relationship between geological basics, geomorphological and pedological characteristics, with structural features of the natural and cultural landscape can serve as a criterion to determine landscape typology with respect to sensitivity to natural processes and anthropogenic influences. Karst natural and cultural landscape of Vis Island, continuously developed under the influence of traditional agriculture, transformed Vis Island into landscape of unique identity and relevance in the wider context of the Adriatic and the Mediterranean. Its characteristics are significant typological variations, authenticity and interdependence of natural and cultivated landscape structure, which makes significant difference respective to appearances of natural and human environment on other Adriatic islands. In this paper character and scope of the impact of natural and social features of the landscape were assessed and sensitivity of areas to existing and potential adverse natural and anthropogenic influences was estimated. This is especially important due to the fact that in the future the island of Vis can expect significant transformation of natural and cultural landscape, as a result of synergic effect of recent natural and social processes. The last are represented through the stronger trend of abandonment of agricultural land, parallel with the spreading of tourism and related activity which leaves the consequences on the natural and cultural landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]