W poszukiwaniu geokompleksów
Searching of geocomplexes

Summary/Abstract: In all fields of science, which develop dynamically, methodological issues are regarded asmost important. In complex physical geography (landscape ecology) many terms used haveseveral meanings and various definitions. Landscape is the chief example of such an unclearterm. For some geographers landscape is a physiognomic or structural concept, for others itshas connotations with appearance only. Landscape, being the main object of the research,ought to be defined precisely, and it is proposed that it should be treated as physiognomicaspect of a geocomplex.Using a term in a consistent way is another important issue. Terminological chaos andlack of precision necessary in research result often from the borrowing of a term and changingits meaning without defining it.In the Polish scientific literature, in the field of complex physical geography (landscapeecology), a discussion on objectivity of the existence of geocomplexes has begun recently. Inthe author's opinion geocomplexes of a particular taxonomic rank are factual and they canbe delineated on the basis of criteria adopted in accordance with their definitions. Othergeocomplexes based on optionally chosen criteria are not always real. Sometimes they areobjects of mental constructions of researchers (like in the experiment made by M. Pietrzak).This is shown in a landscape map, which is always the result of dividing of the geographicalspace.

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