Land use and land cover(LULC) changes and their impact on the mountain environment were studied in six catchments(～10 km^2 each) in the Polish Western Carpathians from the mid-19^(th) century to the early 21^(st) cen...Land use and land cover(LULC) changes and their impact on the mountain environment were studied in six catchments(～10 km^2 each) in the Polish Western Carpathians from the mid-19^(th) century to the early 21^(st) century. The analysis of cadastral and orthophoto maps indicates that during the investigated period, the forest area increased, quantified by an annual change index(Annch), between +0.12% to +0.27%, with a decrease of arable land index to –0.45% and –2.28% in the analysed catchments. LULC changes were accompanied by a continuous increase in settlement developments(residential and farming houses) by 50%-140% as well as significant changes related to their spatial distribution. Abandonment of arable land and forest succession have resulted in the geomorphological transformation of hillslopes, which predominantly includes a decrease in used road density, their transformation to road cuts and gorges. Overpopulation and the domination agriculture in the past caused the expansion of unpaved roads density and then the fragmentation of hillslopes, as well as the development of agricultural terraces.展开更多
Mountain regions are sensitive to climate changes, which make them good indicators of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of air temperature and precipitation i...Mountain regions are sensitive to climate changes, which make them good indicators of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of air temperature and precipitation in the Polish Carpathians. This study consists of climatological analyses for the historical period 1851-2010 and future projections for 2021-2100. The results confirm that there has been significant warming of the area and that this warming has been particularly pronounced over the last few decades and will continue in the oncoming years.Climate change is most evident in the foothills;however, these are the highest summits which have experienced the most intensive increases in temperature during the recent period. Precipitation does not demonstrate any substantial trend and has high year-to-year variability. The distribution of the annual temperature contour lines modelled for selected periods provides evidence of the upward shift of vertical climate zones in the Polish Carpathians,which reach approximately 350 meters, on average,what indicates further ecological consequences as ecosystems expand or become extinct and when there are changes in the hydrological cycle.展开更多
The accumulation of sediment in river channels is a phenomenon that is not only influenced by the channel morphology, but also by the physical and geographical character- istics and the endogenous and exogenous proces...The accumulation of sediment in river channels is a phenomenon that is not only influenced by the channel morphology, but also by the physical and geographical character- istics and the endogenous and exogenous processes taking place in the catchment. This paper presents an analysis of the impact the changes in lithological conditions have on the morphological and morphometric parameters of the Udava River channel and their relation to the channel accumulation forms representative of the river＇s longitudinal profile as well as of its planform. Results document when accumulation forms occur and what is their spatial dis- tribution within the longitudinal and cross-sectional river profiles. More resistant structures created sections with a lower degree of sedimentation, while in depression segments the degree of sedimentation was higher. With the increase in longitudinal slope, the impact of channel width on the average channel bar size increased. Also a difference in the accumula- tion was observed between the left and right bank which could be possibly explained by the impact of Coriolis force.展开更多
Inherited tectonic structures,ongoing tectonic deformation,and variations in relative rock uplift rates play an important role in conditioning the processes of relief development.Their influence among other factors,su...Inherited tectonic structures,ongoing tectonic deformation,and variations in relative rock uplift rates play an important role in conditioning the processes of relief development.Their influence among other factors,such as climate and lithology,can be quantified using landscape analysis,and geomorphometric indices,in particular.The usage of landscape analysis in recent years is increasing systematically due to the constant improvement of the digital elevation models and GIS software that significantly facilitate this approach.In this study,we aim to recognize the influence of tectonic structures and processes on relief development in the low mountains with moderate relief of the Sola River catchment in the Western Outer Carpathians.To this end,we calculated geomorphometric indices(river longitudinal profile,stream-length gradient index,minimum bulk erosion,relief ratio,circulatory ratio,elongation ratio,and hypsometric integral)for the Sola River and its 47 sub-catchments using a 25-m spatial resolution Digital Terrain Elevation Data Level 2.Additionally,we identified lineaments and knickpoints and correlated the computed results with local and regional fault networks,variations in lithology,and climate fluctuations.Obtained results indicate a significant impact of inherited tectonicstructures on the relief development of the Sola River catchment,i.e.,directions of principal ridges and valleys follow the orientation of main folds and faults recorded in this area.Anomalously high values of minimum bulk erosion,river gradient,and streamlength gradient index allowed us to define two areas with higher relative uplift rates:1)the So?a Gorge and 2)the Beskid Zywiecki Mts.Polish Outer Carpathians are generally considered as an area of low strain rate and low seismic activity.However,the possibility of neotectonic processes should be considered in geohazard estimations.Observed bends in the direction of river valleys that do not correspond with changes in lithology could be related to active strikeslip faults.These are probably the reactivated basement structures,copied in the thin-skinned nappe cover,as a result of the accommodation of the Mur-Zilina Fault Zone resulting from the tectonic push of the Alcapa(Alpine-Carpathian-Pannonian)microplate against the European plate.Thus,the role of recent tectonic activity in relief development of the Sola River catchment even though appears to be subsidiary at the most,should not be excluded.展开更多
Deforestation process represents a wide concern mainly in the mountain environments due to its role in global warming, biodiversity loss, land degradation and natural hazards occurrence. Thus, the present study is foc...Deforestation process represents a wide concern mainly in the mountain environments due to its role in global warming, biodiversity loss, land degradation and natural hazards occurrence. Thus, the present study is focused on the largest afforested landform unit of Romania and, consequently, the most affected area by forest losses: Carpathian Mountains. The main goal of the paper is to examine and analyze the various explanatory variables associated with deforestation process and to model the probability of deforestation using GIS spatial analysis and logistic regression. The forest cover for 1990 and 2012, derived from CORINE Land Cover(CLC) database, were used to quantify historical forest cover change included in the modelling. To explain the biophysical and anthropogenic effects, this study considered several explanatory factors related to local topography, forest cover pattern, accessibility, urban growth and population density. Using ROC(Receiver Operating Characteristic) and 500 controlling sampling points, the statistical and spatial validations were assessed in order to evaluate the performance of the resulted data. The analysis showed that the area experienced a continuous forest cover change, leading to the loss of over 250,000 ha of forested area during the period 1990–2012. The most significant influence of the explanatory factors of deforestation were noticed in case of distance to forest edge(β=–4.215), forest fragmentation(β=2.231), slope declivity(β=–1.901), elevation(β=1.734) and distance to roads(β=–1.713). The statistical and spatial validation indicates a good accuracy of the model with reasonably AUC(0.736) and Kappa(0.739) values. The model's results suggest an intensification of the deforestation process in the area, designing numerous new clusters with high probability in the Apuseni Mountains, northern and central part of the Eastern Carpathians, western part of the Southern Carpathians and northern part of the Banat Mountains. The study could represent a useful outcome to identify the forests more vulnerable to logging and to adopt appropriate policies and decisions in forest management and conservation. In addition, the resulted probability map could be used in other studies in order to investigate potential environmental implications(e.g. geomorphological hazards or impact on biodiversity and landscape diversity).展开更多
The basement of the Romanian Carpathians is made of Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic peri- Gondwanan terranes variably involved in the Variscan orogeny, similarly to other basement terrains of Europe. They were hardl...The basement of the Romanian Carpathians is made of Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic peri- Gondwanan terranes variably involved in the Variscan orogeny, similarly to other basement terrains of Europe. They were hardly dismembered during the Alpine orogeny and traditionally have their own names in the three Carpathian areas. The Danubian domain of the South Carpathians comprises the Dragsan and Lainici-Paiius peri-Amazonian terranes. The Dragsan terrane originated within the ocean surrounding Rodinia and docked with Rodinia at -800 Ma. It does not contain Cadomian magmatism and consequently it is classified as an Avalonian extra-Cadomian terrane, The Lainici-Pfiius terrane is a Ganderian fragment strongly modified by Cadomian subduction-related magmatism, It is attached to the Moesia platform. The TisoviD terrane is an ophiolite that marks the boundary between Drfagsan and Lainici-Paius terranes. The other basement terranes of the Romanian Carpathians originated close to the Ordovician North- African orogen, as a result of the eastern Rheic Ocean opening and closure. Except for the Sebes-Lotru terrane that includes a lower metamorphic unit of Cadomian age, all the other terranes （Bretila, Tulghes, Negrisoara and Rebra in the East Carpathians, Somes, Biharia and Baia de Aries in the Apuseni mountains, Fagaras, Leaota, Carat and Pades in the South Carpathians） represent late Cambrian-Ordovician rock assemblages. Their provenance, is probably within paleo-nortbeast Africa, close to the Arabian-Nubian shield. The late Cambrian-Ordovician terranes are defined here as Carpathian-type terranes. According to their lithostratigraphy and origin, some are of continental margin magmatic arc setting, whereas others formed in rift and back-arc environment and closed to passive continental margin settings. In a paleo- geographic reconstruction, the continental margin magmatic arc terranes were first that drifted out, followed by the passive continental margin terranes with the back-arc terranes in their front. They accreted to Laurussia during the Variscan orogeny. Some of them （Sebes-Lotru in South Carpathians and Baia de Aries in Apuseni mountains） underwent eclogite-grade metamorphism. The Danubian terranes, the Bretila terrane and the Somes terrane were intruded by Variscan granitoids.展开更多
Method of nature-resource potential cost revaluation is suggested. The method proceeds from natural crop yield of Ukrainian lands provided that crops rotation is observed and lands are operated only mechanically with ...Method of nature-resource potential cost revaluation is suggested. The method proceeds from natural crop yield of Ukrainian lands provided that crops rotation is observed and lands are operated only mechanically with the use of no fertilizer. Nature-resource potential of Ukraine and its Carpathian Region are assessed in the aspect of administrative oblasts. Specificities of nature-resource potential’s use by farming enterprises are characterized. Peculiarities that effected upon formation of farming in Ukraine are reviewed. Indices of land availability are presented.展开更多
The Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Ceahlǎu Nappe （from the bend region of the Romanian Carpathians） were investigated from lithological and micropaleontological （calcareous nannoplankton） points of view. Our i...The Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Ceahlǎu Nappe （from the bend region of the Romanian Carpathians） were investigated from lithological and micropaleontological （calcareous nannoplankton） points of view. Our investigations revealed that the studied deposits were sedimented within the latest Tithonian-Albian interval. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages of the turbidite calcareous successions （the Sinaia Formation） were assigned to the NJK-？NC5 calcareous nannofossil zones, which cover the Late Tithonian-Early Barremian interval. The sandy-shaly turbidites, which followed the calcareous turbidites of the Sinaia Formation, are Early Barremian-Early Albian in age （interval covered by the ？NC5-NC8 calcareous nannofossil zones）. Because the studied deposited are mainly turbidites, many reworked nannofossils from older deposits are present in the calcareous nannofloras. Thus, some biozones （i.e., NC5）, defined based on the last occurrences of nannofossils, could not be identified. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages are composed of Tethyan taxa （which dominate the nannofloras） and cosmopolitan taxa. During two intervals （the Late Valanginian and across the Barremian/Aptian boundary）, Tethyan and cosmopolitan nannofossils, together with Boreal ones, were observed. This type of mixed calcareous nannoplankton assemblage is indicative for sea-level high-stand, which allows the nannofloral exchange between the Tethyan and Boreal realms, within the two-above mentioned intervals.展开更多
Despite their strategic hydrological importance for neighbouring areas,the Polish Carpathians are experiencing spatial chaos,which may weaken their adaptability to the progressive climate change.The article attempts t...Despite their strategic hydrological importance for neighbouring areas,the Polish Carpathians are experiencing spatial chaos,which may weaken their adaptability to the progressive climate change.The article attempts to answer the question of whether spatial planning,which is supposed to guarantee spatial order,fulfils its role and whether the knowledge of the natural conditions of spatial development is respected in the spatial planning process.Using GIS techniques,up to 238 communes were analysed in terms of their spatial coverage,the degree of scattered settlement,and the violation of natural barriers by location of buildings in areas that are threatened with mass movements or floods;by settlement on excessively inclined slopes and in areas with adverse climatic conditions.Spearman non-parametric rank correlation analysis and the multidimensional Principal Component Analysis(PCA)technique were performed to investigate relations between spatial chaos indicators and the planning situation.The analysis of the data has revealed that spatial planning does not fulfil its role.Serious errors in location of buildings have been noted even though the communes are covered by local spatial development plans.Scientific knowledge is not sufficiently transferred into planning documents,and bottom-up initiatives cannot replace systemic solutions.There is a need for strengthening the role of environmental studies documents in the spatial planning system.This would facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge into the planning process and help to protect mountain areas.The development of a special spatial strategy for the Polish Carpathians in compliance with the Carpathian Convention is also recommended.展开更多
Studies presenting long-term observations of the recruitment and mobility of large wood in mountain watercourses are scarce,but they can considerably contribute to the knowledge of river/riparian forest interactions a...Studies presenting long-term observations of the recruitment and mobility of large wood in mountain watercourses are scarce,but they can considerably contribute to the knowledge of river/riparian forest interactions and the assessment of flood hazard resulting from wood mobility during floods.Widespread dieback of riparian forest along the headwater course of Kamienica Stream in the Polish Carpathians,caused by bark beetle infestation of spruce trees,has raised concerns about potential increases of large wood recruitment to the stream and of the flood hazard to downstream valley reaches.In October 2009,429 trees growing along three sections of the stream were tagged with numbered metal plates and monitored over 10 years to determine the timing and causes of their delivery to the channel and the lengths of their displacement during individual flood events.Moreover,in 2012 the mode of location of wood deposits and a degree of wood decay were determined in the second-to fourth-order stream reaches.The monitoring of tagged trees indicated that trees were recruited to the channel during highintensity meteorological and hydrological events,mostly as a result of bank erosion during floods or windthrow.With 22%of tagged trees recruited to the channel during 10 years,the rate of turnover of the riparian trees was estimated at 45 years.As the riparian area is overgrown with trees with ages up to^160 years,the rate evidences substantial intensification of large wood recruitment to the channel in the recent period.Results of large wood inventory and the 10-year-long monitoring of tagged trees indicated variable mobility of large wood along the upper course of the stream.Wood mobility was negligible in the second-order stream reach,very small in the third-order reach,and greater,but still limited in the fourth-order reach.Wood is transported longer distances only during major floods.However,the advanced state of decay of most pieces leads to their disintegration during floods,precluding distant transport.Thus,large wood retained in the upper stream course does not constitute an important flood hazard to downstream,inhabited valley reaches.展开更多
As a result of socio-economic changes and land abandonment,the main ecological driver of the Carpathian landscape is the progression of the natural forest succession process.Thus,aspects of this process have become wo...As a result of socio-economic changes and land abandonment,the main ecological driver of the Carpathian landscape is the progression of the natural forest succession process.Thus,aspects of this process have become worthy of attention,especially in the context of carbon sequestration and the management of protected areas.Soil processes,especially within the topsoil,are some of the most susceptible to change,due to the accumulation of organic matter during such land-use transformations.The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in topsoil development using the A Horizon Development Index(ADI)and to study the composition of humic substances and advanced organic matter humification in different land-use areas in selected Carpathian national parks,i.e.Bieszczady,Magura and Pieniny National Parks in southern Poland.Additionally,a goal of this study was to compare the ADI and the spectroscopic coefficients of humic substances as indicators of the degree of humus horizon shaping as well as advanced organic matter humification.In total,ten transects were selected,each consisting of three different land-use areas:semi-natural meadow,successional forest and old-growth forest.Soil colour was determined in fresh and air-dried samples using the Munsell colour chart.In air-dried soil samples p H,soil texture,total organic carbon and total nitrogen were measured.Humic substances were extracted and further characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy.The ADI confirmed the influence of natural forest succession on soil colour darkening and the development of the uppermost soil layer.Spectroscopic analyses of humic substances showed two different patterns depending on soil depth.In the 0–10 cm layer,natural forest succession reduced the rate of the humification process and decreased the degree of maturity of fulvic acids;in the 10–20 cm layer,it led to an increase in the rate of the humification process and a decrease in the content of humic and fulvic acids at the beginning of the transformation.The comparison of two different indicators of soil development–the ADI and the spectroscopic coefficients of humic substances(Q_(4/6),Q_(2/4),Q_(2/3),Δlog K)–indicated that these indexes are based on different features of soil and cannot be used interchangeably.展开更多
The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by...The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by forest fires. Economic lost about 0.1 to 0.2 %, exceptionally up to 0.8 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) proportionally to the Carpathian regions of particular countries. Natural disasters are linked, except of the above mentioned events, to infrequent small and medium scale earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. Records of the most harmful natural events are found in archives since the 16th century. Their systematic study and factor analysis started from the end of the 19th century, and protective measures and organization of impact mitigation developed during the 20th century to minimize the risk.展开更多
The aim of the GPR research was a non-invasive inspection of the root systems arrangement of selected trees(fir Abies alba and spruce Picea abies),in the Silesian Beskids Landscaped Park and Zywiec Beskids Landscaped ...The aim of the GPR research was a non-invasive inspection of the root systems arrangement of selected trees(fir Abies alba and spruce Picea abies),in the Silesian Beskids Landscaped Park and Zywiec Beskids Landscaped Park(Carpathian Mountains,Poland).Field research has been done using RAMAC/GPR with 800 MHz shielded antennas.The survey was conducted by linear profiling to a depth of 2 m.The survey was carried out around the designated trees in 6 meters×6 meters grids.Base points for X(S-N)and Y(W-E)axis were set in corners of each grid.Parallel GPR traverses were conducted within each study area,at intervals of 0.20 m.The maps of the research areas show existing trees and stumps within the GPR sections,with ±1 m error.GPR data analysis was carried out in 2D and 3D systems.Major findings from the GPR survey concluded that the firs(Abies alba),have a "vertical" root system type(with the roots dominant at depths of 0.2-0.8 meters),concentrically away from the tree trunk at a distance of about 1 m to about 2 m,and the spruces(Picea abies),have a "cloud" root system type(at a depth of 10-100 cm),with a few clear,thicker roots extending from the trunk.展开更多
The Sirok Nyírjes-tó peat bog provides an almost full Holocene climatic record reconstructed by bog surface wetness investigations based on plant macrofossil analysis. We compared our macrofossil data to ant...The Sirok Nyírjes-tó peat bog provides an almost full Holocene climatic record reconstructed by bog surface wetness investigations based on plant macrofossil analysis. We compared our macrofossil data to anthracological material derived from archaeological sites and to the newest bioclimatological models of the Carpathian basin. On the basis of environmental historical and climatic data we aimed to reconstruct the expected changes of forested areas in the Carpathian Basin. The results indicate that the surface wetness decreases in long term. Parallel to the Sphagnum-peat decline an open forest and forest steppe developed surrounding the bog. The complete disappearance of Sphagna from the area must be linked to a steady drop in rainfall, resulting in at least 50 mm deficit in the local water balance. This could have been achieved by an increased evapotranspiration as a result of elevated temperatures of the summer growth season. This deficit value must have exceeded even 100 mm during the Middle Holocene Transition.展开更多
Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound...Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound human intervention. We assessed the genetic variability of a subpopulation of brown bears near the periphery of their range in the Western Carpathian Mountains and compared their genetic properties with those of bears in the core of the same population and elsewhere. Samples were collected non-invasively in 2007-2008 and2010 in Strázovské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area (PLA) in Slovakia (included in the NATURA 2000 networking programme). Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci (UaMU26, UaMU64, G10B, G1D, G10L, UaMU50 and UaMU51) were amplified using a nested PCR in order to assess the following parameters: variability, allelic combinations, heterozygosity, number of alleles and inbreeding coefficient. Sufficient brown bear DNA for analysis was obtained from 57 out of 140 samples (41%), among which 45 different genotypes were identified. Loci had a mean of 2.71 ± 0.76 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 0.59. The inbreeding coefficient was negative for all but one of the analysed loci (2007-2008). In the year 2010 was negative three of seven loci. These results imply that gene flow with other parts of the population has been maintained in the reduced level and the isolation level of bears in the study area was not so low. Nevertheless, the genetic variability of bears in Strázovské Vrchy PLA was lower than that reported from other localities in the Carpathian Mountains. The results are discussed in the context of behavioural ecology and conservation genetics.展开更多
The paper presents activity of contemporary geomorphic processes in the Polish Carpathians,taking into account human impact on relief transformation in the past several centuries.Landsliding in the flysch Carpathians ...The paper presents activity of contemporary geomorphic processes in the Polish Carpathians,taking into account human impact on relief transformation in the past several centuries.Landsliding in the flysch Carpathians is a principal process in slope transformation,posing the most serious threat to man,both in the mountains and the foothills.On the other hand,unsuitable housing on slopes initiates mass movements,frequently with catastrophic consequences.Land use changes,in particular deforestation,have over the past 200 years fostered intensive slopewash and linear erosion,with this playing an important role in shaping foothill relief.Following changes in land use and channel regulation initiated at the beginning of the 20th century,a tendency to river bed deepening prevails.Moreover,floods,and not only extreme instances,continue to pose a threat to man,with their effects enhanced by housing in floodplain areas.展开更多
The aim of the article is the proof of the small resistance of Carpathian sandstone tors on the activity of climbers.The threats to rock sites,and the damage caused by climbing,particularly to their natural relief,hav...The aim of the article is the proof of the small resistance of Carpathian sandstone tors on the activity of climbers.The threats to rock sites,and the damage caused by climbing,particularly to their natural relief,have only occasionally been recorded and studied.In this paper,the issue was considered regarding protected tors made of the thickbedded sandstone-conglomerate complexes occurring in the Outer(Flysch)Polish Carpathians.Carpathian tors,particularly those which are small in size with walls that feature diversified morphology,have become particularly frequent sites for bouldering.The assessment of the effects of rock climbing was based on the author’s earlier research concerning the preservation and origin of sandstone tors.展开更多
The fresh and therapeutic waters near Tylicz have been exploited for nearly 200 years and have come to play a crucial role in the region’s economic development.Their chemical composition results from the mixing of(sh...The fresh and therapeutic waters near Tylicz have been exploited for nearly 200 years and have come to play a crucial role in the region’s economic development.Their chemical composition results from the mixing of(shallow)freshwater with therapeutic water found at depths of 100-200 m.In tectonic environments,both types of water become saturated with carbon dioxide.The overexploitation of either type of water can lead to changes in the way the water mixes and result in the alteration of its physical and chemical properties.展开更多
Determination of one of the components of CO_(2) cycle,i.e.,a chemical denudation,is important from the scientific and practical perspective in the times of greenhouse gas overproduction.The paper presents chemical de...Determination of one of the components of CO_(2) cycle,i.e.,a chemical denudation,is important from the scientific and practical perspective in the times of greenhouse gas overproduction.The paper presents chemical denudation and carbon dioxide consumption calculated with a geochemical modelling method in two catchments located within the Inner Carpathians differing in geological structure and hydrogeological conditions.Carbon dioxide consumption in the catchment of the Biały Stream located in the Tatra Mountains was 132·103 mol/km2/year,and in the catchment of the Suchy Stream located in Podhale it was 189·103 mol/km2/year.The chemical denudation in the catchment of the Biały Stream was 20.0 m3/km2/year,and in the catchment of the Suchy Stream it was 51.9 m3/km2/year.The chemical denudation was calculated using geochemical models.The results were verified by the calculations employing a hydrological method and a direct method.A seasonal variability of the investigated parameters is also demonstrated.In both field-study areas,the chemical denudation was the greatest in the summer months.The highest carbon dioxide consumption per unit volume of a solution was recorded in the winter,and the lowest in the summer.展开更多
The study helped to determine the spatial distribution of springs,their discharge values as well as the physical and chemical parameters of their waters,as these depend on the exact lithology of the aquifers drained a...The study helped to determine the spatial distribution of springs,their discharge values as well as the physical and chemical parameters of their waters,as these depend on the exact lithology of the aquifers drained and on the distance from tectonic discontinuity zones and the direction these follow in the flysch rocks of the Beskid Sądecki Range.The occurrence of springs is most frequently related to region-wide faults or joints that run in the NE-SW or NWSE direction.However,that the presence of discontinuity zones does not always increase the number of springs per unit area or their discharge values.It was the case for some lithostratigraphic units that in spite of rather high tectonic activity,both a low springs density index and low spring discharge were obtained from the study.The relationships between water temperature or pH and categorized orientation of the nearest lineament proved to be statistically significant.Thus,it has been unambiguously shown that,in the study area,being located on lineaments or in structural zones does not affect spring discharge,temperature,pH or the SEC of spring water,but relatively high correlation values was found in the case of relationships between pH or SEC and categorized geology.展开更多
文摘Land use and land cover(LULC) changes and their impact on the mountain environment were studied in six catchments(～10 km^2 each) in the Polish Western Carpathians from the mid-19^(th) century to the early 21^(st) century. The analysis of cadastral and orthophoto maps indicates that during the investigated period, the forest area increased, quantified by an annual change index(Annch), between +0.12% to +0.27%, with a decrease of arable land index to –0.45% and –2.28% in the analysed catchments. LULC changes were accompanied by a continuous increase in settlement developments(residential and farming houses) by 50%-140% as well as significant changes related to their spatial distribution. Abandonment of arable land and forest succession have resulted in the geomorphological transformation of hillslopes, which predominantly includes a decrease in used road density, their transformation to road cuts and gorges. Overpopulation and the domination agriculture in the past caused the expansion of unpaved roads density and then the fragmentation of hillslopes, as well as the development of agricultural terraces.
基金the FORECOM project (Forest cover changes in mountainous regions – drivers, trajectories and implications, PSRP 008/2010)supported by a grant from Switzerland through the Swiss contribution to the enlarged European Union
文摘Mountain regions are sensitive to climate changes, which make them good indicators of climate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the spatial and temporal variability of air temperature and precipitation in the Polish Carpathians. This study consists of climatological analyses for the historical period 1851-2010 and future projections for 2021-2100. The results confirm that there has been significant warming of the area and that this warming has been particularly pronounced over the last few decades and will continue in the oncoming years.Climate change is most evident in the foothills;however, these are the highest summits which have experienced the most intensive increases in temperature during the recent period. Precipitation does not demonstrate any substantial trend and has high year-to-year variability. The distribution of the annual temperature contour lines modelled for selected periods provides evidence of the upward shift of vertical climate zones in the Polish Carpathians,which reach approximately 350 meters, on average,what indicates further ecological consequences as ecosystems expand or become extinct and when there are changes in the hydrological cycle.
文摘The accumulation of sediment in river channels is a phenomenon that is not only influenced by the channel morphology, but also by the physical and geographical character- istics and the endogenous and exogenous processes taking place in the catchment. This paper presents an analysis of the impact the changes in lithological conditions have on the morphological and morphometric parameters of the Udava River channel and their relation to the channel accumulation forms representative of the river＇s longitudinal profile as well as of its planform. Results document when accumulation forms occur and what is their spatial dis- tribution within the longitudinal and cross-sectional river profiles. More resistant structures created sections with a lower degree of sedimentation, while in depression segments the degree of sedimentation was higher. With the increase in longitudinal slope, the impact of channel width on the average channel bar size increased. Also a difference in the accumula- tion was observed between the left and right bank which could be possibly explained by the impact of Coriolis force.
文摘Inherited tectonic structures,ongoing tectonic deformation,and variations in relative rock uplift rates play an important role in conditioning the processes of relief development.Their influence among other factors,such as climate and lithology,can be quantified using landscape analysis,and geomorphometric indices,in particular.The usage of landscape analysis in recent years is increasing systematically due to the constant improvement of the digital elevation models and GIS software that significantly facilitate this approach.In this study,we aim to recognize the influence of tectonic structures and processes on relief development in the low mountains with moderate relief of the Sola River catchment in the Western Outer Carpathians.To this end,we calculated geomorphometric indices(river longitudinal profile,stream-length gradient index,minimum bulk erosion,relief ratio,circulatory ratio,elongation ratio,and hypsometric integral)for the Sola River and its 47 sub-catchments using a 25-m spatial resolution Digital Terrain Elevation Data Level 2.Additionally,we identified lineaments and knickpoints and correlated the computed results with local and regional fault networks,variations in lithology,and climate fluctuations.Obtained results indicate a significant impact of inherited tectonicstructures on the relief development of the Sola River catchment,i.e.,directions of principal ridges and valleys follow the orientation of main folds and faults recorded in this area.Anomalously high values of minimum bulk erosion,river gradient,and streamlength gradient index allowed us to define two areas with higher relative uplift rates:1)the So?a Gorge and 2)the Beskid Zywiecki Mts.Polish Outer Carpathians are generally considered as an area of low strain rate and low seismic activity.However,the possibility of neotectonic processes should be considered in geohazard estimations.Observed bends in the direction of river valleys that do not correspond with changes in lithology could be related to active strikeslip faults.These are probably the reactivated basement structures,copied in the thin-skinned nappe cover,as a result of the accommodation of the Mur-Zilina Fault Zone resulting from the tectonic push of the Alcapa(Alpine-Carpathian-Pannonian)microplate against the European plate.Thus,the role of recent tectonic activity in relief development of the Sola River catchment even though appears to be subsidiary at the most,should not be excluded.
基金elaborated in the framework of the research project framed into the research plan of the Institute of Geography, Romanian Academy:"The National Geographic Atlas of Romania"
文摘Deforestation process represents a wide concern mainly in the mountain environments due to its role in global warming, biodiversity loss, land degradation and natural hazards occurrence. Thus, the present study is focused on the largest afforested landform unit of Romania and, consequently, the most affected area by forest losses: Carpathian Mountains. The main goal of the paper is to examine and analyze the various explanatory variables associated with deforestation process and to model the probability of deforestation using GIS spatial analysis and logistic regression. The forest cover for 1990 and 2012, derived from CORINE Land Cover(CLC) database, were used to quantify historical forest cover change included in the modelling. To explain the biophysical and anthropogenic effects, this study considered several explanatory factors related to local topography, forest cover pattern, accessibility, urban growth and population density. Using ROC(Receiver Operating Characteristic) and 500 controlling sampling points, the statistical and spatial validations were assessed in order to evaluate the performance of the resulted data. The analysis showed that the area experienced a continuous forest cover change, leading to the loss of over 250,000 ha of forested area during the period 1990–2012. The most significant influence of the explanatory factors of deforestation were noticed in case of distance to forest edge(β=–4.215), forest fragmentation(β=2.231), slope declivity(β=–1.901), elevation(β=1.734) and distance to roads(β=–1.713). The statistical and spatial validation indicates a good accuracy of the model with reasonably AUC(0.736) and Kappa(0.739) values. The model's results suggest an intensification of the deforestation process in the area, designing numerous new clusters with high probability in the Apuseni Mountains, northern and central part of the Eastern Carpathians, western part of the Southern Carpathians and northern part of the Banat Mountains. The study could represent a useful outcome to identify the forests more vulnerable to logging and to adopt appropriate policies and decisions in forest management and conservation. In addition, the resulted probability map could be used in other studies in order to investigate potential environmental implications(e.g. geomorphological hazards or impact on biodiversity and landscape diversity).
基金grant IDEI-PN-II-ID-PCE-2011-30100 from the Romanian National Science Foundation(ANCS-CNCS)
文摘The basement of the Romanian Carpathians is made of Neoproterozoic to early Paleozoic peri- Gondwanan terranes variably involved in the Variscan orogeny, similarly to other basement terrains of Europe. They were hardly dismembered during the Alpine orogeny and traditionally have their own names in the three Carpathian areas. The Danubian domain of the South Carpathians comprises the Dragsan and Lainici-Paiius peri-Amazonian terranes. The Dragsan terrane originated within the ocean surrounding Rodinia and docked with Rodinia at -800 Ma. It does not contain Cadomian magmatism and consequently it is classified as an Avalonian extra-Cadomian terrane, The Lainici-Pfiius terrane is a Ganderian fragment strongly modified by Cadomian subduction-related magmatism, It is attached to the Moesia platform. The TisoviD terrane is an ophiolite that marks the boundary between Drfagsan and Lainici-Paius terranes. The other basement terranes of the Romanian Carpathians originated close to the Ordovician North- African orogen, as a result of the eastern Rheic Ocean opening and closure. Except for the Sebes-Lotru terrane that includes a lower metamorphic unit of Cadomian age, all the other terranes （Bretila, Tulghes, Negrisoara and Rebra in the East Carpathians, Somes, Biharia and Baia de Aries in the Apuseni mountains, Fagaras, Leaota, Carat and Pades in the South Carpathians） represent late Cambrian-Ordovician rock assemblages. Their provenance, is probably within paleo-nortbeast Africa, close to the Arabian-Nubian shield. The late Cambrian-Ordovician terranes are defined here as Carpathian-type terranes. According to their lithostratigraphy and origin, some are of continental margin magmatic arc setting, whereas others formed in rift and back-arc environment and closed to passive continental margin settings. In a paleo- geographic reconstruction, the continental margin magmatic arc terranes were first that drifted out, followed by the passive continental margin terranes with the back-arc terranes in their front. They accreted to Laurussia during the Variscan orogeny. Some of them （Sebes-Lotru in South Carpathians and Baia de Aries in Apuseni mountains） underwent eclogite-grade metamorphism. The Danubian terranes, the Bretila terrane and the Somes terrane were intruded by Variscan granitoids.
文摘Method of nature-resource potential cost revaluation is suggested. The method proceeds from natural crop yield of Ukrainian lands provided that crops rotation is observed and lands are operated only mechanically with the use of no fertilizer. Nature-resource potential of Ukraine and its Carpathian Region are assessed in the aspect of administrative oblasts. Specificities of nature-resource potential’s use by farming enterprises are characterized. Peculiarities that effected upon formation of farming in Ukraine are reviewed. Indices of land availability are presented.
文摘The Lower Cretaceous sediments of the Ceahlǎu Nappe （from the bend region of the Romanian Carpathians） were investigated from lithological and micropaleontological （calcareous nannoplankton） points of view. Our investigations revealed that the studied deposits were sedimented within the latest Tithonian-Albian interval. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages of the turbidite calcareous successions （the Sinaia Formation） were assigned to the NJK-？NC5 calcareous nannofossil zones, which cover the Late Tithonian-Early Barremian interval. The sandy-shaly turbidites, which followed the calcareous turbidites of the Sinaia Formation, are Early Barremian-Early Albian in age （interval covered by the ？NC5-NC8 calcareous nannofossil zones）. Because the studied deposited are mainly turbidites, many reworked nannofossils from older deposits are present in the calcareous nannofloras. Thus, some biozones （i.e., NC5）, defined based on the last occurrences of nannofossils, could not be identified. The calcareous nannofossil assemblages are composed of Tethyan taxa （which dominate the nannofloras） and cosmopolitan taxa. During two intervals （the Late Valanginian and across the Barremian/Aptian boundary）, Tethyan and cosmopolitan nannofossils, together with Boreal ones, were observed. This type of mixed calcareous nannoplankton assemblage is indicative for sea-level high-stand, which allows the nannofloral exchange between the Tethyan and Boreal realms, within the two-above mentioned intervals.
基金supported by the Minister of Science of the Republic of Poland under the Programme“Regional initiative of excellence”.Agreement No.RID/SP/0010/2024/1.
文摘Despite their strategic hydrological importance for neighbouring areas,the Polish Carpathians are experiencing spatial chaos,which may weaken their adaptability to the progressive climate change.The article attempts to answer the question of whether spatial planning,which is supposed to guarantee spatial order,fulfils its role and whether the knowledge of the natural conditions of spatial development is respected in the spatial planning process.Using GIS techniques,up to 238 communes were analysed in terms of their spatial coverage,the degree of scattered settlement,and the violation of natural barriers by location of buildings in areas that are threatened with mass movements or floods;by settlement on excessively inclined slopes and in areas with adverse climatic conditions.Spearman non-parametric rank correlation analysis and the multidimensional Principal Component Analysis(PCA)technique were performed to investigate relations between spatial chaos indicators and the planning situation.The analysis of the data has revealed that spatial planning does not fulfil its role.Serious errors in location of buildings have been noted even though the communes are covered by local spatial development plans.Scientific knowledge is not sufficiently transferred into planning documents,and bottom-up initiatives cannot replace systemic solutions.There is a need for strengthening the role of environmental studies documents in the spatial planning system.This would facilitate the transfer of scientific knowledge into the planning process and help to protect mountain areas.The development of a special spatial strategy for the Polish Carpathians in compliance with the Carpathian Convention is also recommended.
基金financed by the statutory funds of the Institute of Nature Conservation,Polish Academy of Sciencesby the project FLORIST(Flood risk on the northern foothills of the Tatra MountainsPSPB no 153/2010)supported by a grant from Switzerland through the Swiss Contribution to the Enlarged European Union。
文摘Studies presenting long-term observations of the recruitment and mobility of large wood in mountain watercourses are scarce,but they can considerably contribute to the knowledge of river/riparian forest interactions and the assessment of flood hazard resulting from wood mobility during floods.Widespread dieback of riparian forest along the headwater course of Kamienica Stream in the Polish Carpathians,caused by bark beetle infestation of spruce trees,has raised concerns about potential increases of large wood recruitment to the stream and of the flood hazard to downstream valley reaches.In October 2009,429 trees growing along three sections of the stream were tagged with numbered metal plates and monitored over 10 years to determine the timing and causes of their delivery to the channel and the lengths of their displacement during individual flood events.Moreover,in 2012 the mode of location of wood deposits and a degree of wood decay were determined in the second-to fourth-order stream reaches.The monitoring of tagged trees indicated that trees were recruited to the channel during highintensity meteorological and hydrological events,mostly as a result of bank erosion during floods or windthrow.With 22%of tagged trees recruited to the channel during 10 years,the rate of turnover of the riparian trees was estimated at 45 years.As the riparian area is overgrown with trees with ages up to^160 years,the rate evidences substantial intensification of large wood recruitment to the channel in the recent period.Results of large wood inventory and the 10-year-long monitoring of tagged trees indicated variable mobility of large wood along the upper course of the stream.Wood mobility was negligible in the second-order stream reach,very small in the third-order reach,and greater,but still limited in the fourth-order reach.Wood is transported longer distances only during major floods.However,the advanced state of decay of most pieces leads to their disintegration during floods,precluding distant transport.Thus,large wood retained in the upper stream course does not constitute an important flood hazard to downstream,inhabited valley reaches.
基金supported by Statutory financial support of Ministry of Science and Higher Education RP Department of Soil Science and Agrophysics[010013D011 in 2021]University of Agriculture in Krakow。
文摘As a result of socio-economic changes and land abandonment,the main ecological driver of the Carpathian landscape is the progression of the natural forest succession process.Thus,aspects of this process have become worthy of attention,especially in the context of carbon sequestration and the management of protected areas.Soil processes,especially within the topsoil,are some of the most susceptible to change,due to the accumulation of organic matter during such land-use transformations.The purposes of this study were to investigate the differences in topsoil development using the A Horizon Development Index(ADI)and to study the composition of humic substances and advanced organic matter humification in different land-use areas in selected Carpathian national parks,i.e.Bieszczady,Magura and Pieniny National Parks in southern Poland.Additionally,a goal of this study was to compare the ADI and the spectroscopic coefficients of humic substances as indicators of the degree of humus horizon shaping as well as advanced organic matter humification.In total,ten transects were selected,each consisting of three different land-use areas:semi-natural meadow,successional forest and old-growth forest.Soil colour was determined in fresh and air-dried samples using the Munsell colour chart.In air-dried soil samples p H,soil texture,total organic carbon and total nitrogen were measured.Humic substances were extracted and further characterized by UV-VIS spectroscopy.The ADI confirmed the influence of natural forest succession on soil colour darkening and the development of the uppermost soil layer.Spectroscopic analyses of humic substances showed two different patterns depending on soil depth.In the 0–10 cm layer,natural forest succession reduced the rate of the humification process and decreased the degree of maturity of fulvic acids;in the 10–20 cm layer,it led to an increase in the rate of the humification process and a decrease in the content of humic and fulvic acids at the beginning of the transformation.The comparison of two different indicators of soil development–the ADI and the spectroscopic coefficients of humic substances(Q_(4/6),Q_(2/4),Q_(2/3),Δlog K)–indicated that these indexes are based on different features of soil and cannot be used interchangeably.
文摘The Western Carpathians are located out of world main natural hazardous zones. Human casualties are related more to snow avalanches in connection with mountain hiking, some individuals yearly by flooding and rarely by forest fires. Economic lost about 0.1 to 0.2 %, exceptionally up to 0.8 % of the gross domestic product (GDP) proportionally to the Carpathian regions of particular countries. Natural disasters are linked, except of the above mentioned events, to infrequent small and medium scale earthquakes, landslides, and erosion. Records of the most harmful natural events are found in archives since the 16th century. Their systematic study and factor analysis started from the end of the 19th century, and protective measures and organization of impact mitigation developed during the 20th century to minimize the risk.
文摘The aim of the GPR research was a non-invasive inspection of the root systems arrangement of selected trees(fir Abies alba and spruce Picea abies),in the Silesian Beskids Landscaped Park and Zywiec Beskids Landscaped Park(Carpathian Mountains,Poland).Field research has been done using RAMAC/GPR with 800 MHz shielded antennas.The survey was conducted by linear profiling to a depth of 2 m.The survey was carried out around the designated trees in 6 meters×6 meters grids.Base points for X(S-N)and Y(W-E)axis were set in corners of each grid.Parallel GPR traverses were conducted within each study area,at intervals of 0.20 m.The maps of the research areas show existing trees and stumps within the GPR sections,with ±1 m error.GPR data analysis was carried out in 2D and 3D systems.Major findings from the GPR survey concluded that the firs(Abies alba),have a "vertical" root system type(with the roots dominant at depths of 0.2-0.8 meters),concentrically away from the tree trunk at a distance of about 1 m to about 2 m,and the spruces(Picea abies),have a "cloud" root system type(at a depth of 10-100 cm),with a few clear,thicker roots extending from the trunk.
文摘The Sirok Nyírjes-tó peat bog provides an almost full Holocene climatic record reconstructed by bog surface wetness investigations based on plant macrofossil analysis. We compared our macrofossil data to anthracological material derived from archaeological sites and to the newest bioclimatological models of the Carpathian basin. On the basis of environmental historical and climatic data we aimed to reconstruct the expected changes of forested areas in the Carpathian Basin. The results indicate that the surface wetness decreases in long term. Parallel to the Sphagnum-peat decline an open forest and forest steppe developed surrounding the bog. The complete disappearance of Sphagna from the area must be linked to a steady drop in rainfall, resulting in at least 50 mm deficit in the local water balance. This could have been achieved by an increased evapotranspiration as a result of elevated temperatures of the summer growth season. This deficit value must have exceeded even 100 mm during the Middle Holocene Transition.
基金supported by Structural Funds of EU Project of the Agency of the Ministry of Education,Science,Research and Sport of the Slovak Republic,Bratislava,ITMS No.26110230078
文摘Populations of the European brown bear (Ursus arctos L.) differ substantially in size, degree of geographic isolation and level of genetic diversity. Present patterns result from phylogeographic processes and profound human intervention. We assessed the genetic variability of a subpopulation of brown bears near the periphery of their range in the Western Carpathian Mountains and compared their genetic properties with those of bears in the core of the same population and elsewhere. Samples were collected non-invasively in 2007-2008 and2010 in Strázovské Vrchy Protected Landscape Area (PLA) in Slovakia (included in the NATURA 2000 networking programme). Seven polymorphic microsatellite loci (UaMU26, UaMU64, G10B, G1D, G10L, UaMU50 and UaMU51) were amplified using a nested PCR in order to assess the following parameters: variability, allelic combinations, heterozygosity, number of alleles and inbreeding coefficient. Sufficient brown bear DNA for analysis was obtained from 57 out of 140 samples (41%), among which 45 different genotypes were identified. Loci had a mean of 2.71 ± 0.76 alleles. Average observed heterozygosity was 0.59. The inbreeding coefficient was negative for all but one of the analysed loci (2007-2008). In the year 2010 was negative three of seven loci. These results imply that gene flow with other parts of the population has been maintained in the reduced level and the isolation level of bears in the study area was not so low. Nevertheless, the genetic variability of bears in Strázovské Vrchy PLA was lower than that reported from other localities in the Carpathian Mountains. The results are discussed in the context of behavioural ecology and conservation genetics.
文摘The paper presents activity of contemporary geomorphic processes in the Polish Carpathians,taking into account human impact on relief transformation in the past several centuries.Landsliding in the flysch Carpathians is a principal process in slope transformation,posing the most serious threat to man,both in the mountains and the foothills.On the other hand,unsuitable housing on slopes initiates mass movements,frequently with catastrophic consequences.Land use changes,in particular deforestation,have over the past 200 years fostered intensive slopewash and linear erosion,with this playing an important role in shaping foothill relief.Following changes in land use and channel regulation initiated at the beginning of the 20th century,a tendency to river bed deepening prevails.Moreover,floods,and not only extreme instances,continue to pose a threat to man,with their effects enhanced by housing in floodplain areas.
文摘The aim of the article is the proof of the small resistance of Carpathian sandstone tors on the activity of climbers.The threats to rock sites,and the damage caused by climbing,particularly to their natural relief,have only occasionally been recorded and studied.In this paper,the issue was considered regarding protected tors made of the thickbedded sandstone-conglomerate complexes occurring in the Outer(Flysch)Polish Carpathians.Carpathian tors,particularly those which are small in size with walls that feature diversified morphology,have become particularly frequent sites for bouldering.The assessment of the effects of rock climbing was based on the author’s earlier research concerning the preservation and origin of sandstone tors.
文摘The fresh and therapeutic waters near Tylicz have been exploited for nearly 200 years and have come to play a crucial role in the region’s economic development.Their chemical composition results from the mixing of(shallow)freshwater with therapeutic water found at depths of 100-200 m.In tectonic environments,both types of water become saturated with carbon dioxide.The overexploitation of either type of water can lead to changes in the way the water mixes and result in the alteration of its physical and chemical properties.
基金carried out under the scientific projects of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education No.N N307264133 and NCN No.2011/03/D/ST10/05382.
文摘Determination of one of the components of CO_(2) cycle,i.e.,a chemical denudation,is important from the scientific and practical perspective in the times of greenhouse gas overproduction.The paper presents chemical denudation and carbon dioxide consumption calculated with a geochemical modelling method in two catchments located within the Inner Carpathians differing in geological structure and hydrogeological conditions.Carbon dioxide consumption in the catchment of the Biały Stream located in the Tatra Mountains was 132·103 mol/km2/year,and in the catchment of the Suchy Stream located in Podhale it was 189·103 mol/km2/year.The chemical denudation in the catchment of the Biały Stream was 20.0 m3/km2/year,and in the catchment of the Suchy Stream it was 51.9 m3/km2/year.The chemical denudation was calculated using geochemical models.The results were verified by the calculations employing a hydrological method and a direct method.A seasonal variability of the investigated parameters is also demonstrated.In both field-study areas,the chemical denudation was the greatest in the summer months.The highest carbon dioxide consumption per unit volume of a solution was recorded in the winter,and the lowest in the summer.
基金carried out under Research Grant No.0401/0163/2017 given by Poland’s Ministry of Science and Higher Education.
文摘The study helped to determine the spatial distribution of springs,their discharge values as well as the physical and chemical parameters of their waters,as these depend on the exact lithology of the aquifers drained and on the distance from tectonic discontinuity zones and the direction these follow in the flysch rocks of the Beskid Sądecki Range.The occurrence of springs is most frequently related to region-wide faults or joints that run in the NE-SW or NWSE direction.However,that the presence of discontinuity zones does not always increase the number of springs per unit area or their discharge values.It was the case for some lithostratigraphic units that in spite of rather high tectonic activity,both a low springs density index and low spring discharge were obtained from the study.The relationships between water temperature or pH and categorized orientation of the nearest lineament proved to be statistically significant.Thus,it has been unambiguously shown that,in the study area,being located on lineaments or in structural zones does not affect spring discharge,temperature,pH or the SEC of spring water,but relatively high correlation values was found in the case of relationships between pH or SEC and categorized geology.
