Mikołaj Majewski
Articles
Przegląd Geograficzny (2025) tom 97, zeszyt 4, pp. 427-445 | 
Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.4
Abstract
The Różany Strumień catchment, located in the northern part of Poznań, is one of the research areas of the Integrated Monitoring of the Natural Environment (IMNE) programme and serves as a field laboratory of the Poznań-Morasko station. This is the first IMNE base station in Poland located within a large urban agglomeration and subjected to strong anthropogenic pressures. The 2023 hydrological year marked the eighth year of continuous monitoring in this urban catchment, with investigations carried out in accordance with twelve IMNE measurement programmes. The present paper discusses selected results that together enable an assessment of the functioning of the catchment geoecosystem under the hydrometeorological conditions of 2023.
Meteorological observations showed that the hydrological year 2023 was classified as a warm year. The mean annual air temperature reached 10.4°C, comparable to the recent warm years of 2018-2020 and 2022, and clearly higher than the 1991-2020 long-term average. Only April was classified as a cool month, whereas five months were warm or very warm, including an exceptionally warm September. The annual precipitation total reached 628.4 mm, which was 17% above the long-term average. However, precipitation was extremely unevenly distributed throughout the year. Very wet months (August and October) alternated with extremely dry ones, most notably September with only 5.3 mm of rainfall. Snow cover was insignificant, occurring on a single day in December, and had no impact on catchment retention. The length of the thermal growing season (244 days) matched the multiannual mean, although the lack of thermal winter is a signal of the ongoing climatic shift.
Precipitation chemistry measurements revealed low mineralization and normal pH values, although conductivity remained slightly elevated compared to the long-term reference. Among the anions, nitrates, sulphates and chlorides dominated, whereas ammonium and calcium were the most abundant cations. Compared with previous years, the concentrations of nitrates and sulphates declined, with the nitrate-to-sulphate ratio exceeding unity for the first time, indicating a growing role of traffic-related emissions in precipitation acidity in western Poland. The role of forest canopies in modifying precipitation was also confirmed. Throughfall accounted for about 65% of bulk precipitation, and despite lower volumes, ion loads were nearly four times higher than those of open-field precipitation. This was particularly evident for potassium, magnesium and calcium, which are largely leached from assimilation organs or washed from dust deposits on the canopy surface. Contrary to common expectations that coniferous stands intensify precipitation acidity, the studied Scots pine stand contributed to neutralization instead due to elevated loads of alkaline ions.
Hydrological observations of the Różany Strumień indicated very low water stages and discharges, continuing the unfavorable situation observed since the summer of 2018. Water levels mostly ranged between 14 and 35 cm above the gauge zero, with higher values recorded only in December and August. Discharge fluctuated from zero to 0.0628 m³ ∙ s⁻¹, with an annual mean of 0.0043 m³ ∙ s⁻¹. This was lower than in the dry years 2019-2022 and more than 50% lower than the mean for 2015-2018. A record-high flow variability was noted, and zero-flow conditions occurred for 62 days, mostly in summer and early autumn. These extreme low flows were only occasionally interrupted by short-lived flood waves induced by intense rainfall.
The chemical composition of stream water was characterized by slightly alkaline pH (7.83) and high mineralization, with a mean specific electrical conductivity of 91.5 mS ∙ m⁻¹. The waters belonged to the Ca-HCO₃-Cl hydrogeochemical type. Ion load calculations confirmed bicarbonates, chlorides and sulphates as the dominant anions, and calcium, sodium and magnesium as the main cations. According to national regulations, six of the twelve evaluated indicators corresponded to class I water quality, while four (including conductivity, bicarbonates, calcium and chlorides) were classified below class III. As a result, the overall ecological status of the stream was assessed as below good.
Groundwater levels in two observation wells reflected the pattern of atmospheric supply. After a favorable winter and very wet August, water tables increased, although generally remained at low levels comparable to those observed during the last four years. Both piezometers recorded the lowest minimum groundwater levels since 2016, a legacy of the extremely dry years 2018-2019 and intensified evapotranspiration driven by rising air temperatures. Hydrochemical analyses indicated Ca-HCO₃-Cl waters with mineralization above 500 mg ∙ dm⁻³. Most parameters corresponded to class I groundwater quality, with conductivity, sulphates and chlorides classified as class II, and calcium as class III. Accordingly, the overall chemical status of groundwater was assessed as good, in contrast to the surface waters of the catchment.
The annual water balance revealed a strong dominance of atmospheric input over river discharge (610.8 mm), highlighting the considerable retention capacity of the urban geoecosystem. The dissolved matter balance was negative (-32.6 kg ∙ ha⁻¹), with significant losses of calcium and chlorides, while the nutrient balance was positive (+16.0 kg ∙ ha⁻¹), dominated by nitrates and ammonium. These findings confirm the predominance of leaching processes over accumulation within the catchment and emphasize the role of both natural conditions and anthropogenic impacts in shaping material fluxes. In conclusion, the functioning of the Różany Strumień catchment in 2023 was strongly controlled by variable hydrometeorological conditions and by the increasing anthropogenic pressure typical of urban areas. The study demonstrates the usefulness of integrated monitoring for identifying short-term responses and long-term trends in small urbanized catchments. Continued observations will provide the basis for detecting cause-effect relationships, recognizing environmental risks, and supporting sustainable management strategies under conditions of ongoing climate change and urban expansion.
Keywords: Różany Strumień catchment, IMNE, anthropogenic pressure, water balance, precipitation chemistry, surface waters, groundwater
[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
[maria.chudzinska@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Stacja Zintegrowanego Monitoringu Środowiska Przyrodniczego Poznań-Morasko
[robert.kruszyk@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Instytut Geoekologii i Geoinformacji
[mikolaj.majewski@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i Geologicznych
[m.stefaniak@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Stacja Zintegrowanego Monitoringu Środowiska Przyrodniczego Poznań-Morasko
Citation
APA: Major, M., Chudzińska, M., Kruszyk, R., Majewski, M., & Stefaniak, M. (2025). Funkcjonowanie geoekosystemu zlewni miejskiej Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu pod wpływem presji antropogenicznej. Przegląd Geograficzny, 97(4), 427-445. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.4
MLA: Major, Maciej, et al. "Funkcjonowanie geoekosystemu zlewni miejskiej Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu pod wpływem presji antropogenicznej". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 97, no. 4, 2025, pp. 427-445. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.4
Chicago: Major, Maciej, Chudzińska, Maria, Kruszyk, Robert, Majewski, Mikołaj, and Stefaniak, Małgorzata. "Funkcjonowanie geoekosystemu zlewni miejskiej Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu pod wpływem presji antropogenicznej". Przegląd Geograficzny 97, no. 4 (2025): 427-445. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.4
Harvard: Major, M., Chudzińska, M., Kruszyk, R., Majewski, M., & Stefaniak, M. 2025. "Funkcjonowanie geoekosystemu zlewni miejskiej Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu pod wpływem presji antropogenicznej". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 97, no. 4, pp. 427-445. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.4
The state of geography in Poland: A diagnosis for the second decade of the 21st century
Przegląd Geograficzny (2025) tom 97, zeszyt 4, pp. 447-462 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.5
Abstract
The analysis of the state of geography in Poland between 2014 and 2019, supplemented by previous research, highlights the increasing disciplinary distinctiveness of geography within the Polish scientific system. Despite the ongoing transformations in the organisation and management of science, the development of geography continues to be shaped both by internal scientific trends and by external socio‑political factors.
After World War II, geography in Poland maintained a multidisciplinary profile, integrating physical and socio‑economic geography under a common organisational structure. However, post‑1990 reforms gradually introduced a dual‑area model of development, and recent years (after 2018) have seen increasing tendencies toward organisational separation between physical and socio‑economic geography. This process of disintegration, observed across many disciplines, has also affected geography, raising concerns about the need for reintegration around regional geography as a synthesis, grounded in solid methodological and subject‑matter foundations.
The diagnosis was based on a survey conducted among 15 geographical centers, of which 10 centers submitting complete responses. These data are considered representative for evaluating the state of geography in Poland. The survey covered aspects such as organizational structure, research directions, publishing activity, staff composition, and participation in research projects and scientific organisations.
The organizational structure of geographical units has undergone substantial changes compared to the previous period (2009‑2013). As of 2019, among the 10 centers, there were 6 independent faculties, 9 institutes, 31 departments, 49 divisions, 50 laboratories, and 15 field stations. A notable feature is the marked decline in the number of field stations, which may negatively impact field‑based research and education, essential components of geographical studies.
Employment trends between 2014 and 2019 show a modest overall increase in the number of scientific staff. However, a detailed analysis reveals important shifts: while the number of full professors rose modestly, a more dynamic growth was observed in the number of habilitated doctors, whereas the number of doctoral degree holders slightly decreased. The distribution of staff remains uneven among centers, with the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań employing the highest number of researchers. This highlights the importance of promoting greater staff mobility and creating opportunities for the employment of young academics across different centers.
Research directions across centers show considerable thematic diversity, both in physical and socio‑economic geography. Physical geography research continues to focus on contemporary geomorphological processes, palaeogeography, climatology, bioclimatology, and palaeoecology. Socio‑economic geography, meanwhile, addresses regional transformations, rural change, and spatial organization processes. However, the absence of clearly identified research priorities constitutes a notable weakness, pointing to the need for developing more synthetic and interdisciplinary studies.
The dissemination of research results remains an important aspect of academic activity. The number of journals published by geographical centers has decreased slightly, a trend seen as positive, since an excessive number of journals often leads to a dilution of quality. Concentrating efforts on fewer, higher‑impact journals would enhance the international visibility of Polish geography.
Scientific productivity, measured in the number of publications, varied significantly across centers. Poznań and Kraków (Jagiellonian University) achieved the highest outputs. A detailed analysis of the publication structure shows some centers focusing predominantly on physical geography, while others leaned towards socio‑economic topics. This differentiation often reflects the internal staffing structure of the centers.
Participation in national and international research programs is another indicator of scientific activity. Between 2014 and 2019, 74% of projects were nationally funded, although the share of international projects has increased compared to earlier periods. Centers such as the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization of the Polish Academy of Sciences and the Jagiellonian University exhibited particularly strong research engagement, with the latter excelling in international project participation.
The presence of Polish geographers in governing bodies of scientific organizations also remains strong, particularly among researchers from Poznań and Wrocław. Nevertheless, compared to earlier periods, no significant increase in such involvement was recorded.
The analysis concludes with several recommendations: there is a pressing need to clearly define the disciplinary identity of geography within the broader system of Earth sciences, natural sciences, and social sciences. This requires promoting methodological development, enhancing the use of GIS methods, increasing student fieldwork opportunities, supporting student scientific associations, and strengthening links with European research networks.
Despite many challenges, Polish geography continues to demonstrate significant research potential. The dynamic development of GIS‑based methodologies, the growing number of publications in international journals, and successful participation in national and international research programs affirm the discipline’s evolving role in the modern scientific landscape. However, continued efforts are required to reintegrate the field, to foster higher standards in doctoral research, and to strengthen the overall academic standing of geography within both national and global contexts.
Keywords: geography in Poland, science system, geographical centers, staff structure, research directions
[andrzej.kostrzewski@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i Geologicznych
[m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Instytut Geografii i Przestrzennego Zagospodarowania im. S. Leszczyckiego PAN
[m.jedrusik@uw.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Warszawski, Wydział Geografii i Studiów Regionalnych
[kazimierz.krzemien@uj.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Jagielloński, Wydział Geografii i Geologii
[alisowski@uw.edu.pl], Uniwersytet Warszawski, Wydział Geografii i Studiów Regionalnych
[mikolaj.majewski@amu.edu.pl], Uniwersytet im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu, Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i Geologicznych
Citation
APA: Kostrzewski, A., Degórski, M., Jędrusik, M., Krzemień, K., Lisowski, A., & Majewski, M. (2025). Diagnoza stanu geografii w Polsce w drugiej dekadzie XXI w.. Przegląd Geograficzny, 97(4), 447-462. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.5
MLA: Kostrzewski, Andrzej, et al. "Diagnoza stanu geografii w Polsce w drugiej dekadzie XXI w.". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 97, no. 4, 2025, pp. 447-462. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.5
Chicago: Kostrzewski, Andrzej, Degórski, Marek, Jędrusik, Maciej, Krzemień, Kazimierz, Lisowski, Andrzej, and Majewski, Mikołaj. "Diagnoza stanu geografii w Polsce w drugiej dekadzie XXI w.". Przegląd Geograficzny 97, no. 4 (2025): 447-462. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.5
Harvard: Kostrzewski, A., Degórski, M., Jędrusik, M., Krzemień, K., Lisowski, A., & Majewski, M. 2025. "Diagnoza stanu geografii w Polsce w drugiej dekadzie XXI w.". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 97, no. 4, pp. 447-462. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2025.4.5
Przegląd Geograficzny (2022) tom 94, zeszyt 4, pp. 415-436 | Full text
doi: https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2022.4.1
Abstract
Precipitation in open space is one of the stages of the water cycle representing an element of “entry” into the geoecosystem. Rainfall supplies various pollutants from the atmosphere to the ground, with these including dissolved chemical components. This makes it important for selected physicochemical parameters to be quantified at this stage of the water cycle, in order for processes taking place in the natural environment more widely to be properly elucidated.
The research detailed here was conducted over 5 hydrological years (2016‑2020 inclusive) within the borders of the urban catchment of the Różany Strumień stream flowing through the northern part of the large Polish city of Poznań. The natural environment of the Różany Strumień catchment is characterised by significant transformations due to human activity. Key environmental problems here include threats relating to the pollution of surface waters and groundwater, as a result of processes associated with the functioning of the urban catchment.
The main aim here is to present the level of supply into the catchment of pollutants, and to determine the temporal variability of matter circulation in this small urban catchment, in years with different pluvial conditions, and therefore quantitatively variable atmospheric supply to the geoecosystem.
Levels of supply of pollutants into the catchment were determined through systematic and comprehensive measuring of the natural environment. The measurement system and field-research methodology relate to the methodological concept of system functioning, as well as the assumptions of Poland’s Programme of Integrated Monitoring of the Natural Environment (IMNE).
Results for the measurement of several different environmental components are presented, beginning with core meteorological conditions (precipitation and air temperature). The average annual air temperature in all 5 analysed years was higher than the long-term average for the IMGW-PIB Poznań-Ławica Station over the 1981‑2010 period, equal to 8.8°C. The coldest year was 2017 with an average annual air temperature of 9.3°C; in turn, the warmest years were 2019 and 2020 (the average annual air temperature was 10.7°C). Atmospheric water supply to the catchment area was much smaller in the dry years 2018‑2019 and equaled to 437.8 mm and 467.5 mm, respectively. The year 2017 was the wettest (744.2 mm), exceeding the average total monthly precipitation from the long-term period 1981‑2010 by 222 mm. In the remaining two years, total annual precipitation was 652.5 mm (2016) and 592.8 mm (2020).
Further elements of the research relate to air pollution with SO2 and NO2, as well as to the chemical composition of precipitation considered to enter the geoecosystem. The permissible concentrations of sulfur dioxide (20 μg·m-3) and nitrogen dioxide (40 μg·m-3) were not exceeded in any of the analysed year. The highest monthly concentrations were recorded in the winter half-year, which was caused by the heating season and the burning of fossil fuels. At the beginning of the analysed five-year period, an increase indicators of participation of acidic factors in acidulating precipitations (defined as the ratio of the weighted average concentrations of NO3- and SO42-) was observed. In turn, in 2020, this indicator decreased again and was the lowest in the years 2016‑2020. This indicates a lower share of nitrates and a greater share of sulphates in precipitation.
Precipitation in the Różany Strumień catchment is characterised by relatively low mineralisation and normal pH. The average atmospheric deposition (loads) in the analysed five-year period was 2800 kg∙km-2; with an average annual precipitation total of 578.4 mm. The lowest atmospheric deposition of 2200 kg∙km-2 was recorded in 2019 (with an annual precipitation total of 467.5 mm), and the highest 3500 kg∙km-2 in 2017 (with an annual precipitation of 741.4 mm).
Further findings concern physicochemical properties (i.a. levels, flows and chemical composition) of surface waters and groundwater. Highest water level and also water flow, were recorded directly after daily precipitation totals < 20 mm. Favorable rainfall conditions in 2016‑2017 had a positive effect on the water flows, as the highest ones occurred in the Różany Strumień in wet a 2017 and at the beginning of 2018. The Różany Strumień waters were characterised by a slightly alkaline pH (8.0) and high mineralisation (SEC = 88.6 mS·m-1) in the 2016‑2020 period. The high value of SEC was related, among others, to anthropogenic transformations in the catchment area (land use changes, deforestation for urbanization and agricultural purposes), as well as the supply of polluted water to watercourses or surface runoff from agricultural areas.
The denudation balance was also determined. In lowland regions, chemical denudation processes outweigh mechanical denudation processes. In the analysed catchment there is a positive balance of biogenic ions and ions supplied by human activity (e.g. through fertiliser use) – NO3-, NH4+ and K+. Other chemical components (denudation ions) occurring in the waters circulating in the catchment are characterized by a negative balance.
The denudation balance analysis of the Różany Strumień catchment can serve as a good indicator of anthropopressure, and especially the excessive supply of the natural environment in nutrients (from both fertilisers and domestic pollutants).
Keywords: monitoring, Różany Strumień catchment, supply of pollutants, chemical composition, ion balance, water quality
[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
[maria.chudzinska@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, Wydział Nauk Geograficznych i Geologicznych
Citation
APA: Major, M., Chudzińska, M., & Majewski, M. (2022). Wielkość dostawy wybranych zanieczyszczeń atmosferycznych i ich wpływ na jakość wód w zurbanizowanej zlewni Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu w latach hydrologicznych 2016‑2020. Przegląd Geograficzny, 94(4), 415-436. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2022.4.1
MLA: Major, Maciej, et al. "Wielkość dostawy wybranych zanieczyszczeń atmosferycznych i ich wpływ na jakość wód w zurbanizowanej zlewni Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu w latach hydrologicznych 2016‑2020". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 94, no. 4, 2022, pp. 415-436. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2022.4.1
Chicago: Major, Maciej, Chudzińska, Maria, and Majewski, Mikołaj. "Wielkość dostawy wybranych zanieczyszczeń atmosferycznych i ich wpływ na jakość wód w zurbanizowanej zlewni Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu w latach hydrologicznych 2016‑2020". Przegląd Geograficzny 94, no. 4 (2022): 415-436. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2022.4.1
Harvard: Major, M., Chudzińska, M., & Majewski, M. 2022. "Wielkość dostawy wybranych zanieczyszczeń atmosferycznych i ich wpływ na jakość wód w zurbanizowanej zlewni Różanego Strumienia w Poznaniu w latach hydrologicznych 2016‑2020". Przegląd Geograficzny, vol. 94, no. 4, pp. 415-436. https://doi.org/10.7163/PrzG.2022.4.1