An example of environmental, hydrodynamic and hydrobiological features of coastal zone springs of the Baltic: the Roztoka Springs case study

Abstract

The occurrence of springs in the European Lowlands has not yet been satisfactorily recognised. This is because crenological research focuses mainly on mountainous areas, where springs are common and rich in water. The premise to undertake research on the springs of lowland and postglacial areas in Poland is the fact that they allow the assessment of spring abundance in the areas with geological structure and hydrological conditions different than in the mountains, which is now an extremely important argument. The study presents preliminary results of research on Roztoka Springs, located in the Polish Lowland in the coastal zone of the South Baltic, covering the hydrogeological, hydrological and hydrobiological issues. The results indicate that the springs are fed from the Quaternary aquifer, in which three hydrostructural zones were distinguished. The third zone (III) with the largest area and water resources is of crucial importance in the recharge of the springs. The yield of the springs is relatively high for young glacial areas, and in summer exceeds 70 dm−3·s−1. The Roztoka Springs have a much larger underground recharge area than it is apparent from the topographic course of the watershed. Bicarbonates dominate the chemical composition of the springs. The primary type of water is calcium-bicarbonate-sulphate. The vegetation corresponds to the difficult environmental conditions and is represented primarily by the Montio-Cardaminetea group. The Roztoka Springs area represents high landscape values. This is why it should be recommended for protection in order to preserve its natural condition, which is threatened by current forest management.