Adam Choiński

Changes in Lake Ice Cover on the Morskie Oko Lake in Poland （1971-2007）

Abstract On the basis of data from the period 1971–2007, and by applying trend analysis, a study on formation, disappearance and duration of lake ice cover on the Morskie Oko Lake in the Tatra Mountains in southern Poland was carried out. The results show decreasing trends in the maximum thickness of winter lake ice cover and in duration of lake ice phenomena, while air temperature recorded at the same period at the foot of the Tatra Mountains shows increasing trend. There are strong relationships between the course of lake ice phenomena and air temperature. Citation Choinski, A., L. Kolendowicz, J. Pociask-Karteczka, et al., 2010: Changes in lake ice cover on the Morskie Oko Lake in Poland (1971–2007). Adv. Clim. Change Res., 1 , doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1248.2010.00071.

Present-day evolution of coastal lakes based on the example of Jamno and Bukowo (the Southern Baltic coast)

This study presents the directions and the rate of changes occurring in the coastal lakes Jamno and Bukowo, located in northern Poland. Based on the cartographic materials and aerial photographs of those water bodies, it was established that in 1909–2012, the area of the lakes decreased by 183.6 ha (7.7%) and 250.7 ha (13.6%) for Jamno and Bukowo, respectively. Another component of lake disappearance — shallowing of lake basins — was analyzed using bathymetric plans. It turned out that water supplies of Jamno during more than 100 years decreased by 2.4 million m3 (5.9%), while in the case of Bukowo, it was 5.9 million (17.5%). Unfavorable location (inflow of pollutants from the basin) and morphometry of both lakes should be considered as the main causes of such major changes. The lakes are polymictic with a considerable area of the shallowest zone (1 m depth). This favors the vegetation succession and, consequently, shallowing of the lake basins. Moreover, direct connection with the Baltic Sea contributes to the fact that the materials of marine origin deposited in the form of a reverse delta also contribute to a decrease in the open water surface area.

Effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the Thermal Characteristics of Lakes in Poland

This paper presents the effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) on the thermal characteristics of lakes in Poland. In the analysis, the use was made of monthly air temperatures recorded at fifteen meteorological stations, water temperatures of twelve lakes, and Hurrell’s winter NAO indices. Over the study period (1971–2010), there was a marked increase in the temperatures of both, air and lake waters. Depending on the NAO phase, water temperatures were observed to depart from mean values, being markedly higher than average (even by 1°C) in the positive winter NAO phase. The differences in water temperatures were statistically significant in the winter-spring season. In turn, in the negative NAODJFM phase lake water temperatures in winter and spring were markedly lower than average (in March even by 1.0°C). The unique response of some lakes depends on their morphometric parameters, including their mean depth.

Variation in the ice cover thickness on Lake Samołęskie as a result of underground water supply

Abstract The character of phenomena related to freezing depends on macroscale factors and mainly on thermal conditions, but local conditions can also be of great importance in shaping the course of these phenomena. Building of ice cover can be substantially different even for neighbouring lakes as a result of different individual features such as, for example, morphometric parameters. In this study the variation in the thickness of ice cover on Lake Samołęskie (29 ha) localised in western Poland, is analysed. According to measurements performed the differences in the thickness of ice cover was significant as it varied from 20 to 33 cm. A characteristic feature was that along the west bank of the lake the ice cover was thinner and its thickness increased towards the east. Analysis of the hydrogeological data revealed that this phenomenon is related to the supply of water to the lake basin by efficient water-carrying formations. The influx of water affects the bottom layer of the ice cover. This effect is aggravated by the fact that the water is supplied under elevated pressure as evidenced by the presence of a polynia of about 10 m in diameter, over the deepest (over 20 metres deep) site in the lake. The polynia is never frozen, even during the coldest winters. The specific features of the lake illustrate the influence of local geological conditions on the character of processes taking place in lakes in general.

Long-term changes in the hydrological regime of high mountain Lake Morskie Oko (Tatra Mountains, Central Europe)

Abstract The paper discusses changes in the hydrological regime of high mountain Lake Morskie Oko located in the Tatra Mountains, in the Tatra Mountains National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve (MaB). According to the research conducted in the years 1971–2015, its water stages decreased by 3.5 cm·dec−1, mean annual water temperature increased by 0.3°C·dec−1 and the duration of ice phenomena and ice cover was reduced by 10 day·dec−1. No considerable changes in maximum values of ice cover thickness were recorded. Such tendencies are primarily caused by long-term changes in climatic conditions – air temperature and atmospheric precipitation. The hydrological regime of the lake was also determined by changes in land use in the lake’s catchment and its location in high mountains.

Water ecosystems affected by human impact within the protected area of the Tatra National Park (Poland).

Water ecosystems affected by human impact within the protected area of the Tatra National Park (Poland) The subjects of the study were two high-mountain lakes, Morskie Oko and Czarny Staw pod Rysami, in the Tatra range of the Carpathian Mountains located within the protected area of the Tatra National Park. This paper presents results of the analytical study of the lake water composition and compares this with relevant data from earlier years. The impact of the following factors was distinguished and discussed: atmospheric deposition (dry and wet), migration of pollutants with runoff water supplying both reservoirs, tourism (hiking, climbing), and the influence of mountain hostels. The resistance and sensitivity of the lakes to human impact is described in terms of water quality changes and characteristics of the catchments and the region.

Examples of lake disappearance as an effect of reclamation works in Poland

Abstract Glacial lakes undergo evolution with their disappearance as the last stage of it. Natural processes which determine the rate of lake shrinking occur rather slowly but they have been increasing their speed with the stronger human interference in the environment. The most drastic effect of anthropogenic pressure exerted on lake ecosystems is their complete disappearance caused by reclamation works. One can state that this process is a change of rapid character (a lake can disappear within a few years or several decades, in extreme cases even within one year). Drainage works are particularly unfavourable in areas with a shortage of water supplies, where rapid lake shallowing reduces water retention even more. A considerable part of Poland suffers from water supply deficiency. Therefore, draining of lakes should be considered as an adverse operation. This study discusses the examples of eleven lakes located in Poland and subjected to reclamation works. Analyses of those cases lead us to the conclusion that drainage aiming to broaden agricultural areas has not always been proper.

Effect of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the Pattern of Lake Ice Phenology in Poland

ab]AbstractThis paper presents an analysis of the influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the pattern of lake ice phenology in Poland. The research embraced 22 lakes in Poland over the period 1961–2010. Strong relations were found to hold between NAO and individual characteristics of ice phenology. In a negative NAO phase, one can observe a later appearance of ice phenomena and ice cover compared with the average values, ice cover persisting even 30 days longer and being thicker even by more than 10 cm. In turn, in a positive NAO phase the duration of ice phenomena and ice cover is shorter, the cover being less thick and solid. The observed spatial differences in the effect of NAO on the pattern of ice phenomena in Poland show this matter to be fairly complex. The most significant factor changes in climatic conditions, which manifest themselves in the continentality of the climate growing eastwards.

The infrared camera: a tool for mountain lakes research

Abstract During field research work an attempt was made to use an infrared camera in alpine conditions without the use of a plane. The images received as thermal pictures are of high value because they show a continuous record of temperature on the whole water surface. The scale of temperature diversity is very high and amounts to approximately 6°C. It is necessary to take photos of this type at short time intervals. It will enable the circulation of waters which results in a change in water temperature to be captured. This research will also allow seasonal changes of water temperature to be seized, for example during summer stagnation, water freezing, destruction of the ice layer and also the influence of the coastal zone on shaping thermal conditions in the zone of coastal waters.

Bathymetric measurements of Morskie Oko Lake

Bathymetric measurements of Morskie Oko Lake The aim of this study was to gather and summarize bathymetric measurements of Morskie Oko Lake which have been carried out up to now. Apart from the two existing plans from 1909 and 1934, a plan presenting the arrangement of isobaths in 1879 was worked out on the basis of numerical data. Moreover, after field investigation with an echo sounder in 2011, a new bathymetric plan was created. All four plans were used to calculate the basic morphometric parameters of Morskie Oko. Bathygraphic curves were determined from the volume of water found by measuring the areas between consecutive isobaths. The least accurate data come from 1879 while there is a considerable resemblance between the plans dated to 1934 and 2011. In case of the most recent plan, the measurements were for the first time related to the average, multi-annual (1963-2010) water level. Thus, the greatest depth found in 2011 can be regarded as the maximum depth. Further bathymetric studies could help to determine the rate of shallowing of Morskie Oko lake caused by weathered rock material, transported for instance by avalanches.