Dominika Wrońska-Wałach

Channel Changes due to Extreme Rainfalls in the Polish Carpathians

This chapter describes a role of extreme rainfall events in the development and transformation of channels in the Polish Carpathians. An analysis was based on the example of four selected events, which occurred in different parts of Polish Carpathians (Western Tatra, Bieszczady, and Beskid Niski Mountains) during the period 2003–2010. The findings underline that changes of the largest extent follow short and heavy rainfalls. Furthermore, their geomorphic impacts are the most significant in small watersheds. The research showed that the largest transformations of mountain rivers occur in the main channel, while the floodplain is only locally altered. The regularities identified in the study areas are relevant for mountain river channels in forested terrains, where a large supply of woody debris, for example, stems and branches, is ensured.

Landslide Hazards in the Polish Flysch Carpathians: Example of Łososina Dolna Commune

Lithology and tectonics (jointing, faulting) combined with relative relief and steep slopes induce slope failures in the Polish Flysch Carpathians. Therefore, landslides are frequent within inhabited areas of the Polish Carpathians and a major problem for local communes. This chapter presents a case study from a rural commune, which is located on the borderline between the Beskid Wyspowy Mountains and the Carpathian Foothills. The local geology makes that area extremely susceptible to landslides. A recent episode of landslide reactivation occurred in May and June of 2010 there, as a result of the clustering of continuous and heavy rainfalls, which appear to be the most important factor capable of triggering diverse types of mass movement. The analysis was based on the fieldwork conducted in 2010–2011 in the Łososina Dolna Commune and the research methods established by Polish National Geological Institute for the SOPO Landslide Protection Program. A total of 572 landslides were identified and documented in the study area, which occupies 17.2% of Łososina Dolna Commune. This contribution demonstrates that mass movements are significant processes which limit human activities.

Precipitation as a factor triggering landslide activity in the Kamień massif (Beskid Niski Mts, Western Carpathians)

Abstract On the landslide slope in the Beskid Niski Mts (Western Carpathians) 48 silver firs were cored for dendrochronological samples. Tree-ring widths were measured for the upslope and downslope sides of each stem. Events of landslide activity were dated using the method of the eccentricity index. The tree-ring record of landsliding was compared with the occurrence of precipitation in the study area. The nature of the relation between precipitation and landsliding is complex. We have found a statistically significant correlation between landsliding and the number of days with 24-hour precipitation totals above 20 mm and high 3-, 5-, and 10-day precipitation totals during winter half-years. Thus landsliding in the Kamień massif is triggered mainly by high precipitation totals in the preceding winter period. No such relation was found for annual precipitation totals and different types of precipitation totals in the summer period. Single landsliding events related to high summer precipitation totals were found, but the correlation is not statistically significant. In addition some landsliding events are 1–2 years lagged after the occurrence of high long-term precipitation totals. It seems that the strongest landsliding events resulted from sequences of wet summer, wet winter and once again wet summer seasons directly following one another.

Water chemistry and hydrometeorology in a glacierized catchment in the Polar Urals, Russia

This study aims to determine the relationships between local meteorological conditions, proglacial river discharge and biogeochemical processes operating in a periglacial basin located in the Polar Ural mountain range, Russia. Fieldwork was conducted in the catchment of Obruchev Glacier (13 km2) during the summer peak flow period in 2008. River discharge was dominated by snowmelt and changed from 3300 l s−1 to less than 1000 l s−1. The mean daily air temperatures of stations situated in the mountain tundra and near Obruchev Glacier from July 11th to August 1st 2008 were 14.4°C and 10.3°C, respectively. The glacial river had low total dissolved solids varying from 4.5 to 9 mg l−1 and coefficients of correlation between Na+ and Cl−, K+ and Cl-, as well as NH4+ and Cl− were 0.94, 0.90 and 0.84, respectively. Rainfall events affected the snowmelt initiation and provided an essential part of the discharge during the intense snowmelt period, which occurred from July 11th to July 18th 2008. Data showed that Na+ and K+ in the surface water derived from snowmelt rather than chemical weathering of silicates. Also, it was obtained that NO3− derived from the melting snowpack, whereas ammonification occurring under the snowpacks was the primary source for NH4+.

Effect of the construction of ski runs on changes in relief in a mountain catchment (Inner Carpathians, Southern Poland)

In the last decade increasing popularity of winter tourism in mountain areas in Poland influenced development of ski infrastructure. This type of human activity may induce changes in mountain relief. The purpose of the study was to quantify ongoing change patterns via: (i) a determination of spatial and quantitative changes in catchment covered by new ski runs, (ii) a determination of the effect of new ski runs on the rejuvenation of relief in valleys adjacent to ski runs, (iii) an identification of changes in the surface runoff pattern before and after the construction of ski runs. The research was carried out in the Remiaszów catchment on two ski runs (southern Poland). Airborne Laser Scanning (ALS) data from 2013 and 2016 were also used in the study along with Terrestrial Laser Scanning (TLS) data from 2015. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) point clouds were interpolated to create multi-temporal DEMs and then these DEMs were used to derive DoDs. These were used to identify erosion and accumulation zones. The Convergence Index (CI) was used to determine the direction of surface runoff. The largest changes in relief were observed in areas with ski runs, with ski run E lowering an average of 0.07m (±0.03m), and ski run N an average of 0.12m (±0.03m). The entire area lowered about 0.02m. The construction of new ski runs resulted in a rejuvenation of denudation valleys located in the vicinity of existing ski runs. Valley incisions reaching 1.5m (±0.15m) were observed. Both the convergence and divergence zones for surface runoff were identified, which made it possible to show changes in the geometry of flow direction. The identification of these sites may help forecast erosion and deposition zones. In general, this may make it easier to identify areas substantially susceptible to relief change.