Determinants of the distribution of springs in the upper part of a flysch ridge in the Bieszczady Mountains in southeastern Poland

Abstract

Distribution of groundwater outflows (springs) is determined by a number of natural factors - the most important factor being geological structure. However, the relationship between spring location and environmental characteristics in flysch areas has not been studied extensively. The purpose of the paper is to analyze the determinants of springs location in a flysch massif based on a database of springs created in the course of detailed field mapping. The study area consisted of the Polonina Wetlinska Massif in the Bieszczady Mountains in southeastern Poland. In the period 2010-2012, all springs found above 900 meters of elevation were mapped in the study area. Next, the study area was divided into catchments and square polygons (side: 100 m). Statistical tests were then used to analyze the distribution of springs across the study area and its dependence on terrain morphometry. Research has shown that the distribution of springs in flysch areas is affected by complex determinants consisting of interdependent geological and morphological factors. The most important factor appears to be the layering of rocks relative to the slope of the given mountain, which affects both the number and discharge of springs. Some springs arise due to tectonic faults and fractures. In addition, the very presence of any slope positively affects the probability of the occurrence of a spring in a given area.