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Changes to the hydrographic network in the Jelenia Góra Basin since the 18th century
Przegląd Geograficzny (2024) tom 96, zeszyt 3, pp. 299-323 | 
Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.1
Abstract
The text presents an analysis of the transformation of hydrographic network in the Jelenia Góra Basin from the late 18th century to 2015.
At the beginning of this period, the total length of watercourses was estimated at 553.25 km, with the highest density observed in the southern, southeastern, and western parts of the basin. The landscape was dominated by natural, meandering watercourses. In the early 20th century, the length of watercourses increased to 697.9 km due to significant human interventions. These interventions included the creation of rectilinear canals for agricultural and industrial purposes, such as mills. The western part of the basin had the highest concentration of watercourses, primarily in the catchments of rivers like Kamienna, Wrzosówka, and Podgórna. During the era of the Rzeczpospolita Polska (1983-1984), the total length of watercourses expanded to 894.1 km, which represents a substantial increase of 28% over 50 years. This growth was particularly evident in the proliferation of regular, straight drainage ditches, which were developed to support agricultural activities and the flood control system established in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Podgórzyn farm ponds and the Cieplice dry retention reservoir have become focal points for dense watercourse networks. However, by 2015, the total length of watercourses had decreased to 811.94 km, indicating a decline of 9% compared to the second half of the 20th century. Despite this reduction, certain areas, particularly in the southwestern part of the basin, have seen an expansion of water bodies, such as farm ponds and dry retention reservoirs. Moreover, smaller regions within the basin showed higher concentrations of watercourses, especially in agricultural areas between Jelenia Góra and Mysłakowice, and between Kowary and Ścięgny.
During the late 18th century, the Jelenia Góra Basin had an extensive network of water reservoirs covering 7.62 km2, which played crucial roles in the economy, protection, and aesthetics of the area.
Notable among these were the ponds managed by the Cistercian Order and those owned by the King of Prussia. These reservoirs were instrumental not only for agricultural and industrial purposes but also for enhancing the ornamental beauty of the landscape, especially in park settings established by affluent individuals.
However, during the first half of the 20th century, the total area of water reservoirs significantly declined to 1.78 km2. This reduction can be attributed to various factors, including urbanization, changes in land use patterns, and alterations in hydrological systems. Despite this decline, new water reservoirs emerged, particularly on private estates, showcasing a shift in ownership and management patterns.
In the latter half of the 20th century, the total area of standing waters increased to 2.06 km2, mainly due to industrial processes requiring the creation of new reservoirs. However, some reservoirs disappeared during this period due to urban development projects and industrial expansions.
By 2015, there was a significant resurgence in the total area of reservoirs, expanding to 3.23 km2, representing a 57% increase since the mid-20th century. The growth mentioned above was characterised by the emergence of large-scale reservoirs, such as the ‘Sosnówka’ reservoir, which signalled significant environmental modifications. Furthermore, the rehabilitation of pond complexes and the creation of new private fishponds contributed to the revitalisation of the basin’s water landscape.
In essence, the analysis underscores the dynamic interplay between human activities, industrialization, and environmental conservation in shaping the hydrographic network of the Jelenia Góra Basin over several centuries, reflecting the complex socio-environmental dynamics inherent to such landscapes.
Keywords: cartographic reconstruction, water management, surface waters, Jelenia Góra basin
[iwo.wieczorek@uwr.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Instytut Geografii i Rozwoju Regionalnego
[agnieszka.latocha@uwr.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Instytut Geografii i Rozwoju Regionalnego
[malgorzata.wieczorek@uwr.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Wrocławski, Instytut Geografii i Rozwoju Regionalnego
Citation
APA: Wieczorek, I., Latocha-Wites, A., & Wieczorek, M. (2024). Zmiany sieci hydrograficznej na obszarze Kotliny Jeleniogórskiej od XVIII w.. Przegląd Geograficzny, 96(3), 299-323. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.1
MLA: Wieczorek, Iwo, et al. "Zmiany sieci hydrograficznej na obszarze Kotliny Jeleniogórskiej od XVIII w.". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, 2024, pp. 299-323. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.1
Chicago: Wieczorek, Iwo, Latocha-Wites, Agnieszka, and Wieczorek, Małgorzata. "Zmiany sieci hydrograficznej na obszarze Kotliny Jeleniogórskiej od XVIII w.". Przegląd Geograficzny 96, no. 3 (2024): 299-323. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.1
Harvard: Wieczorek, I., Latocha-Wites, A., & Wieczorek, M. 2024. "Zmiany sieci hydrograficznej na obszarze Kotliny Jeleniogórskiej od XVIII w.". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 299-323. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.1
Przegląd Geograficzny (2024) tom 96, zeszyt 3, pp. 325-349 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.2
Abstract
The growing pressure from society on naturally valuable areas means that the entities managing these areas are obliged to implement sustainable development plans that, on the one hand, ensure the preservation of natural values, and on the other hand, meet the needs of local communities and tourists in relation to various forms of recreation. Choosing the optimal strategy for managing naturally valuable areas (e.g. zoning or channeling human traffic) and educating the public to minimize the impact on the ecosystem requires access to objective data. While knowledge about the natural resources of protected areas is extensive and constantly updated, and the dynamics of various processes are monitored, information about the societal mobility in natural areas is rare. In some Polish national parks, permanent traffic monitoring is also absent. An example of such a park is the Kampinos National Park (KPN), located near Poland’s largest city. It is estimated that around 1.5 million people visit the park every year.
Considering the estimated volume of recreational traffic in KPN and the lack of permanent on‑ground monitoring, this study decided utilized available data from the STRAVA portal, covering the period from 2019‑2023, to determine:
1. The spatial distribution of activities by STRAVA users, categorised by activity type: walking, running, and cycling.
2. The traffic volume outside of the linear facilities designated for this purpose by the Director of the National park (marked hiking and cycling trails).
All linear facilities (available and unavailable for tourist traffic) in the KPN area, as recorded in the OpenStreetMap (OSM) database, were analyzed. The data provided by STRAVA was analyzed in detail on an annual basis, broken down by type of activity(running, walking, cycling, electric bicycle). The analysis covered the years 2019‑2023. Maps showing the intensity of use of OSM segments were created, categorized into 10 deciles (deciles 1‑3 indicating low activity level, deciles 4‑6 medium activity level, deciles 7‑9 high activity level, and decile 10 the highest activity level). Daily activity density was also calculated for each basic field activity taking place outside the designated linear objects. Density was calculated using the following formula: Sum (number of activities x object length)/(sum (object lengths) x number of days in the analysis period).
The quantification of linear objects in terms of intensity of use showed that, regardless of activity type (walking, running, cycling), the most intensively used linear objects in the park are located in the eastern part bordering the capital, Warsaw. The highest level of activity (10th decile, i.e. the number of activities in the range 15061‑88305) were recorded on 839 linear objects, 4.9% of which were not open to traffic. Spatial patterns differed among cyclists, walkers and runners. Activities such as walking or running were registered by STRAVA users on 90.6% of the linear objects in the OSM database. No unavailable linear object was used at the highest activity level. Overall, the highest activity level (9481‑13080 activities) was recorded on only 57 linear objects. Cycling was recorded on 96.8% of all OSM linear objects entered into the OSM database. The highest activity (12541‑82275 activities) was recorded on 4.6% of them (37 linear objects). It is clear that STRAVA users in KPN recorded cycling activities much more frequently than walking or running.
This paper presents the possibility of using STRAVA data to map the spatial distribution of traffic on linear objects in KPN. An activity intensity map developed based on actual data on the use of individual facilities can be an important element in supporting decisions related to public access to the park. In the future, quantitative data should be complemented by qualitative research that completes the knowledge of the factors determining the selection of park areas for recreational purposes, the reasons for migration from designated facilities, and societal expectations regarding the development of the recreational park while considering nature conservation. Further work should also focus on creating a model that explains the relationship between STRAVA data volumes and actual use.
Keywords: monitoring, recreation, national park, Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), running, cycling
[m.ciesielski@ibles.waw.pl], Instytut Badawczy Leśnictwa, Zakład Geomatyki
[akeblowska@kampinoski-pn.gov.pl], Kampinoski Park Narodowy
[s.jastrzebowski@ibles.waw.pl], Instytut Badawczy Leśnictwa, Zakład Hodowli Lasu i Genetyki Drzew Leśnych
[jacekm.kpn@gmail.com], Kampinoski Kolektyw Przewodnicki „ZaPuszczeni”
[kamil.choromanski@pw.edu.pl], Politechnika Warszawska, Wydział Geodezji i Kartografii
[tzwiazek@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. Stanisława Leszczyckiego PAN
Citation
APA: Ciesielski, M., Kębłowska, A., Jastrzębowski, S., Marek, J., Choromański, K., & Związek, T. (2024). Analiza przestrzenna aktywności wybranych grup użytkowników Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego w latach 2019‑2023 na podstawie danych STRAVA. Przegląd Geograficzny, 96(3), 325-349. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.2
MLA: Ciesielski, Mariusz, et al. "Analiza przestrzenna aktywności wybranych grup użytkowników Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego w latach 2019‑2023 na podstawie danych STRAVA". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, 2024, pp. 325-349. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.2
Chicago: Ciesielski, Mariusz, Kębłowska, Anna, Jastrzębowski, Szymon, Marek, Jacek, Choromański, Kamil, and Związek, Tomasz. "Analiza przestrzenna aktywności wybranych grup użytkowników Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego w latach 2019‑2023 na podstawie danych STRAVA". Przegląd Geograficzny 96, no. 3 (2024): 325-349. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.2
Harvard: Ciesielski, M., Kębłowska, A., Jastrzębowski, S., Marek, J., Choromański, K., & Związek, T. 2024. "Analiza przestrzenna aktywności wybranych grup użytkowników Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego w latach 2019‑2023 na podstawie danych STRAVA". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 325-349. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.2
Przegląd Geograficzny (2024) tom 96, zeszyt 3, pp. 351-366 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.3
Abstract
The basic form of closed landform form is a terrain depression. Sometimes, this type of depression is filled with water, forming a reservoir – a pond or a wetland. Each depression has its own closed catchment. The clustering of adjacent closed catchments forms a surface non-draining area, the extent of which is determined by the watershed of peripheral catchments (Drwal, 1975; Major, 2009, 2010, 2012). Among the 76 genetic types of lake basins identified worldwide (Hutchinson, 1957), meteorite lakes (kettle ponds) represent one such type. The specific geographical environments of closed catchments, particularly their geological structure, determine the existence of two types of basins based on water circulation mechanism: closed evapotranspiration basins and closed absorptive basins. Applying this concept on a smaller scale, from a hydrological perspective, we can distinguish precisely two types of closed depressions: evapotranspirational and absorptive.
In the nature reserve established in 1976 near the “Morasko Mountain” there are a total of seven meteorite craters. Five of them contain permanent or periodic kettle ponds, indicating an evapotranspirational character, while the remaining two are absorptive. Nearly half of its area lies within the Różany Strumień catchment (Fig. 1, Fig. 2), located in the northern part of Poznań, covering approximately 7.7 km2.
Hydrochemical studies of the kettle ponds were conducted in this unique location during the hydrological years 2018-2022, with the exception of the first year when, for administrative reasons, the surveys began only in May. The amount of water filling the kettle ponds varied throughout the study period, and the ponds often disappeared completely.
The primary aim of the study was to identify prevailing weather conditions and determine their influence on the chemical composition and water supply of the kettle ponds in the meteorite depressions located in the “Meteoryt Morasko” reserve.
Based on the results, it was found that meteorological conditions (Fig. 3) have a significant impact on the functioning of kettle ponds in the studied area. These conditions influence the chemical composition of surface waters (Fig. 4), determine the type of pond supply, and decreasing amounts of precipitation along with increasing air temperature and evaporation rates, play a decisive role in the periodic disappearance of the kettle ponds (Table 1). Similar conclusions were reached by Korytowski et al. (2023) in a study of a mid-forest kettle pond in the Prosna catchment (central Poland).
The waters of the examined kettle ponds were characterized by a normal or slightly elevated pH levels, while specific electrolytic conductivity values showed significant spatial variability. The dominant components were calcium, bicarbonates, and sulfates, which are products of chemical weathering and determined the hydrogeochemical types of water (Fig. 5). Other chemical components in the examined depressions exhibited significant temporal variability (Fig. 6).
Using ionized silica (SiO2) as an indicator of water supply, three groups of depressions with distinct water supply types were identified in the “Meteoryt Morasko” reserve: ground-rain, rain-ground, and rain. Depressions 1 and 7 were classified as ground-rain, characterized by elevated SiO2 concentrations in surface, similar silica concentration to groundwater, and a wide range of SiO2 variability. Kettle ponds 3 and 4 exhibited rain-ground characteristics, where precipitation supply predominated over groundwater, as indicated by slightly lower ionised silica concentrations in surface waters. Similar concentrations were observed across individual seasons, even after periods of intense rainfall, as well as smaller ranges of SiO2 variability. In contrast, kettle ponds 5, representing the third type of supply (rain), was sampled only in May 2018, recording very low concentrations of SiO2 at that time (Table 2, Fig. 7).
Similar SiO2 concentrations results were obtained in studies of non-draining depressions in the upper Parsęta watershed during the hydrological years 1999-2001 (Major, 2009) and in the Parsęta River basin during the hydrological years 2005-2010 (Major, 2012).
Keywords: meteorite depressions, kettle ponds, “Meteoryt Morasko” reserve, water chemical composition, water supply
[maciej.major@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Stacja Zintegrowanego Monitoringu Środowiska Przyrodniczego „Poznań-Morasko”; Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Instytut Geoekologii i Geoinformacji
[maciej.major@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Stacja Zintegrowanego Monitoringu Środowiska Przyrodniczego „Poznań-Morasko”
[mikolaj.majewski@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Stacja Zintegrowanego Monitoringu Środowiska Przyrodniczego „Poznań-Morasko”; Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Instytut Geoekologii i Geoinformacji
Citation
APA: Major, M., Chudzińska, M., & Major, M. (2024). Wpływ warunków pogodowych na skład chemiczny i zasilanie oczek w zagłębieniach meteorytowych (rezerwat „Meteoryt Morasko”, Poznań). Przegląd Geograficzny, 96(3), 351-366. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.3
MLA: Major, Maciej, et al. "Wpływ warunków pogodowych na skład chemiczny i zasilanie oczek w zagłębieniach meteorytowych (rezerwat „Meteoryt Morasko”, Poznań)". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, 2024, pp. 351-366. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.3
Chicago: Major, Maciej, Chudzińska, Maria, and Major, Mikołaj. "Wpływ warunków pogodowych na skład chemiczny i zasilanie oczek w zagłębieniach meteorytowych (rezerwat „Meteoryt Morasko”, Poznań)". Przegląd Geograficzny 96, no. 3 (2024): 351-366. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.3
Harvard: Major, M., Chudzińska, M., & Major, M. 2024. "Wpływ warunków pogodowych na skład chemiczny i zasilanie oczek w zagłębieniach meteorytowych (rezerwat „Meteoryt Morasko”, Poznań)". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 351-366. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.3
Characteristics of selected hydrological features of coastal lakes as these reflect climate change
Przegląd Geograficzny (2024) tom 96, zeszyt 3, pp. 367-394 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.4
Abstract
This paper offers a synthetic account of selected hydrological and physical characteristics of two coastal lakes in Poland, under the apparent influence of changes to be observed in elements of climate. The focus was on those characteristics whose changes can affect lake morphometry and water resources significantly. The two coastal lakes in Poland selected for study were Lakes Gardno and Łebsko, both of which are situated in the area of Słowiński National Park. To achieve the objective, it was necessary to analyse the parameters shaping the lakes’ resources, also as a reflection of their respective positions in the catchment of, and in hydraulic connectivity with, the main drainage base, i.e. that of the Baltic Sea. The parameters characterised were therefore: precipitation, potamic inflow, lake levels and fluctuations in levels, and seaward alimentation. All of these aspects were considered in relation to the 50‑year period of 1961‑2010. The study also considered processes occurring in the lake basins themselves (surface changes, shallowing), as well as physical properties of the water (temperature, ice).
In the event, it emerged that the work was unable to establish unequivocally the directions in which the two studied lakes could be thought to be evolving. There are nevertheless many indications that the anticipated process of transformation over a geological timescale will be accelerated, resulting in the final (disappearance) stage being reached much faster than would be expected from the natural, harmonic process of ageing of lakes. Leaving aside the fact of human influence in the context, many studied parameters describing the hydrological and physical properties of the two lakes could be regarded as manifesting trends correlated with global warming.
On the one hand, the recorded increases in potassium inflows equal to 0.20 m3·s-1/10 years (along the River Łupawa) and 0.27 m3·s-1/10 years (along the River Łeba), as well as in sea level (equal to 1.6‑1.8 cm/10 years), offer a guarantee of stable water resources forming in the lakes, and should denote increased water levels. In the event, however, the research actually shows the two lakes reacting differently to supply, to the extent that the negative trend for water level in Lake Gardno (of ‑0.17 cm/10 years) contrasts with the positive one noted for Lake Łebsko (equal to 1.40 cm/10 years).
On the other hand, volumes of water retained naturally could be expected to be impaired by observed increases in air temperature – and consequently water temperature, as well as frequently occurring droughts, increased water losses due to evaporation, and unfavourable morphometric features of the lakes. Furthermore, increased supply of sediments by rivers as a consequence of increased flow would be expected to bring about reductions in area, with faster overgrowth taking place. Reed communities at present occupy 4.1% of Lake Gardno and 9.1% of Lake Łebsko. Since 1836, the lakes are estimated to have shrunk by some 237 ha (9.1%) in the case of Lake Gardno, and 546 ha (7.2%) in the case of Lake Łebsko.
Meanwhile, positive trends for water temperature in both lakes resulted in a decline in the number of days with ice phenomena over the 50‑year study period – from over 100 to just 50‑60.
Keywords: coastal lakes, Słowiński National Park, Poland, climate change, quantity of water, bathymetry, statistical trends
[roman.cieslinski@ug.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Gdański, Wydział Oceanografii i Geografii
[izabela.chlost@ug.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Gdański, Wydział Oceanografii i Geografii
Citation
APA: Cieśliński, R., & Chlost, I. (2024). Charakterystyka wybranych cech hydrologicznych jezior przymorskich jako konsekwencja zmiany klimatu. Przegląd Geograficzny, 96(3), 367-394. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.4
MLA: Cieśliński, Roman, and Chlost, Izabela. "Charakterystyka wybranych cech hydrologicznych jezior przymorskich jako konsekwencja zmiany klimatu". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, 2024, pp. 367-394. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.4
Chicago: Cieśliński, Roman, and Chlost, Izabela. "Charakterystyka wybranych cech hydrologicznych jezior przymorskich jako konsekwencja zmiany klimatu". Przegląd Geograficzny 96, no. 3 (2024): 367-394. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.4
Harvard: Cieśliński, R., & Chlost, I. 2024. "Charakterystyka wybranych cech hydrologicznych jezior przymorskich jako konsekwencja zmiany klimatu". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 367-394. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.4
Thermal extremes in February and March 2024 in Poland and their synoptical background
Przegląd Geograficzny (2024) tom 96, zeszyt 3, pp. 395-416 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.5
Abstract
Extremes in air temperature are mostly studied with regards to summer period. However, the importance of above-average temperature in colder parts of the year should be highlighted too, as these extremes play an essential role for the phenological seasons and may also signalise the impacts of climate change. The aim of this work was to explore the uniqueness and synoptic background of abnormally warm February and March 2024 in Poland. The results show that during both months the inflow of rare tropical air masses determined the appearance of the highest temperature. However, the characteristics of the two months were different. During February, most days displayed the above-average daily mean temperature. In March, on the other hand, thermal situation was more complex. Both frost days and hot days were noted, with extreme minimum temperature often lower during March than in February. Under current state of knowledge, the results described in the paper represent very specific anomalies resulting from rare synoptic conditions, yet it is possible that due to climate change more events of this type will be noted in Poland and Central Europe.
Keywords: thermal extremes, Poland, circulation, synoptic conditions, climate change
[ka.wrona@doctoral.uj.edu.pl], Jagiellonian University, Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences
Citation
APA: Wrona, K. (2024). Thermal extremes in February and March 2024 in Poland and their synoptical background. Przegląd Geograficzny, 96(3), 395-416. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.5
MLA: Wrona, Katarzyna. "Thermal extremes in February and March 2024 in Poland and their synoptical background". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, 2024, pp. 395-416. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.5
Chicago: Wrona, Katarzyna. "Thermal extremes in February and March 2024 in Poland and their synoptical background". Przegląd Geograficzny 96, no. 3 (2024): 395-416. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.5
Harvard: Wrona, K. 2024. "Thermal extremes in February and March 2024 in Poland and their synoptical background". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 96, no. 3, pp. 395-416. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2024.3.5