Joanna Pociask-Karteczka

Global Change Research in the Carpathian Mountain Region

Abstract The Carpathian Mountains in Europe are a biodiversity hot spot; harbor many relatively undisturbed ecosystems; and are still rich in seminatural, traditional landscapes. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, the Carpathians have experienced widespread land use change, affecting biodiversity and ecosystem services. Climate change, as an additional driver, may increase the effect of such changes in the future. Based on a workshop organized by the Science for the Carpathians network, this paper reviews the current status of global change research in the Carpathians, identifies knowledge gaps, and suggests avenues for future research.

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.

Radionuclide Content in the Upper Vistula River Sediments in a Coal Mining Region in Poland (East-Central Europe)

Hard coal mining activity is one of the Technologically Enhanced Natural Radiation sources introduced more than a hundred years ago in the southern part of Poland. This study of radionuclides (K-40, Ra-226, Ra-228) in river sediments showed the principal factors determining the specific activity of radionuclides are distance from mines and sorption by clay particles in river sediments. The K-40 specific activity varies between 185 and 595 Bq/kg. The highest Ra-228 and Ra-226 specific activities, 280–610 and 205–415 Bq/kg, respectively, were detected in sediments of the Vistula in the vicinity of Silesia region.

The Upper Vistula Basin—A Geographical Overview

The Upper Vistula Basin covers a large part of Southern Poland. This area is very diverse, as it comprises of various geographical regions formed during different geological periods what can be seen in its multifarious composition (Carpathian Mountains, Subcarpathian basins, Lesser Poland Uplands). Culturally, it combines a range of secular traditions formulated by different tribes, in particular by its original inhabitants. The majority of the first cities were founded as trade centers (13th–16th century), later transformed into tourist or industrial centers (19th–20th century). The subregions of the Upper Vistula Basin like Silesia, Cracow, Bielsko-Biala, Tarnow–Rzeszow, Tarnobrzeg–Stalowa Wola, continue to develop coal, chemical, steel, light and food industries. Nowadays, these cities are very well connected by a modern grid of motorways, expressways and railways enabling a faster development of the region. Agriculture has been a pillar of economy for the inhabitants of northern part of the Upper Vistula Basin where soils are rich, whereas in the Carpathians where the soils were poorer, only pastoral farming could be developed. In spite of the industrial activity in the region, the natural environment hasn’t been modified much so far what makes it even more attractive for tourists who numerously visit wild and well preserved national parks of the regions, in particular the Tatra National Park. The Upper Vistula Basin is of a great importance in the hydrology of Poland, and its influence goes far beyond its watershed. It embraces the headwater area of the largest river in Poland, i.e. the River Vistula and its tributaries. The water resources (precipitation, river runoff) of the area are the richest in the whole country. The water cycle dynamics in the mountain area is very high due to steep relief, low permeability of the ground, and flood formation develops fast. It has been favoured by intensive surface and subsurface flow in the area with a dense agricultural land fragmentation and field road network.

CHANGING A GREAT CITY IN EASTERN EUROPE — CRACOW: ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES1

: The main factor in the location of medieval Cracow was drainage. In the 700-year history of the City, there were numerous changes in water conditions, particularly in channel network, runoff, ground water level, and ice phenomena. The most dangerous threat to surface water and ground water in Cracow in the last decades has been from industrial and municipal sewage. Currently there are no rivers that meet Drinking Water Quality standards in Cracow. The quality of the ground water has declined because of infiltration of contaminated river water, water from sewage disposal ponds, and pollution from the atmosphere and soil. Cracow does not have enough waste water plants to meet its needs. Most municipal and industrial sewage has not been treated or has been treated only partially. Because of considerable contamination of surface and ground waters in Cracow, more than half of the citys fresh water is pumped about 50 kilometers from a reservoir on the Raba River. A Polish government declaration of April 4, 1989, recognized Cracow as an area of particular protection, and directed that a number of actions be undertaken for the protection of environmental quality.