Abstract
The sedimentation rate in the bottoms of valleys of various orders provides important data concerning the direction and intensity of geomorphological processes taking place in drainage basins. Based on an analysis of the vertical distribution of heavy metals, phosphorus and 137Cs concentrations as well as radiocarbon dating, trends in the changes in the slope and fluvial sediment deposition rate in eastern Poland were determined. The studies were conducted in loess-covered areas in the western part of the Lublin Upland. A total of 53 sediment profiles of various origins were analysed, and the results of 36 radiocarbon dates were used. The limitations and opportunities resulting from the use of chemostratigraphy in geomorphology were indicated. A distinctive increase in the sedimentation rate was found in the period under study. During 8000 years, the average sedimentation rate was approximately 0.3 mm/a (colluvia) and 0.1-0.7 mm/a (alluvia). The present-day intensity of this process is 3-25 mm/a and 3-16 mm/a respectively. Human activity (deforestation) should be viewed as the primary cause of the distinctive increase in the sedimentation rate.
Published Version
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