Evaluation of the hydromorphological state of mountain streams under the influence of contemporary human activity (Polish Carpathians)

Abstract

This article contains an analysis of the hydromorphological state of mountain streams under contemporary human impact conditions. The subjects of the study are the Jaszcze and Jamne streams, located in the Polish Flysch Carpathians. The hydromorphological state of each stream reflects its habitat quality and depends on a number of natural and anthropogenic features. The research is conducted on the basis of a British method, the River Habitat Survey, which complies with the EU Water Framework Directive. The Habitat Quality Assessment and Habitat Modification Score indices are used to determine the diversification of natural features and the levels of human transformation of the streams studied. The research showed that the largest transformations in stream hydromorphology and habitat conditions occurred in those valley parts characterized by intensive development of building construction and hydrotechnical infrastructure.