Enigmatic clusters of sandstone boulders on plateaus of the Stołowe Mountains (Sudetes, south-west Poland) – their geoheritage and geotouristic value

Abstract Among sites of geomorphological interest in the tableland Stołowe Mountains, consisting clastic sedimentary rocks Late Cretaceous age, are enigmatic occurrences and clusters sandstone boulders within plateau levels that underlain by mudstones marls. These allochthonous, having been derived from quartz beds support upper level stratigraphically excess 50 m above altitudinal position boulders. Topographic conditions preclude long-distance transport escarpment slopes; hypothesised to be last remnants completely degraded outliers (mesas) plateau. Their present-day is explained passive ‘settling’ following disintegration caprock denudation underlying weaker rocks. Two localities here presented detail, Łężyckie Skałki Pustelnik, along with adjacent boulder trains valleys incised into It argued both have considerable geoheritage value play role geosites, although on-site facilities so far limited. However, complex history sets a series challenges for successful geo-interpretation.