Eastern Sudetes Research Articles

Natural radioactivity in granites and gneisses of the Opava Mountains (Poland): a comparison between laboratory and in situ measurements

The natural radioactivities of five characteristic igneous rocks of the eastern foreland of the Opava Mountains (Eastern Sudetes, Poland), obtained in the laboratory and under in situ conditions, are presented. The activity concentrations of 232Th, 238U, and 40K were measured using an HPGe gamma-ray spectrometry system. The ranges of the activity concentrations of 232Th were 7–71 Bq kg−1 in the laboratory and 6–68 Bq kg−1 for the in situ measurements. For 238U, the ranges of the activity concentrations were 5–52 Bq kg−1 in the laboratory and 9–48 Bq kg−1 for the in situ measurements, and for 40K, the ranges were 520–1560 Bq kg−1 in the laboratory and 537–1700 Bq kg−1 for the in situ measurements. These determined activity concentrations were compared with the average activity concentrations of the radionuclides in similar types of rocks and with data from the Sudetes available in the literature. No significant differences were found between the in situ and laboratory measurements.

Genesis and geomorphic evolution of the Velké pinky stopes in the Zlatohorská Highlands, Eastern Sudetes

Montanogenic landforms are commonly viewed as hazards by society, but they are also holders of specific and uncommon morphology with unique dynamics that act as remarks on landscape history. The Velké pinky stopes in the Zlatohorská Highlands, Eastern Sudetes, are naturally revitalized post-mining landforms with long-term geoecological succession. Their genetic origin is diverse but recent processes, such as deep-seated slope deformations, rockfalls and ground subsidence, have resulted in a distinct morphology dominated by rock walls and the accumulation of blocks and debris wedges. This morphology predisposes the stopes to become the core area of the most recent dynamic geomorphic activity within the wider, relatively homogenous area. By dendrogeomorphic techniques, we identified more than 20 rockfall events within three of the stopes with increased activity since the 1980s. Only the 1991 and 2006 events were identical for all three stopes. We obtained the years of exposures from 10 roots, revealing the ground subsidence and opening of tension cracks or even the lateral retreat of the flanks of minor depressions. The Schmidt hammer test revealed the most recent and fresh gravitational activity in one of the stopes. A relationship between the superficial morphology and underground structure was proven by electrical resistivity profiling. Compared to the previous studies engaged with the abandoned mines, we presented how complex their evolution can be. Our study brings new information about the historical development of anthropogenic relief forms. Moreover, our results suggest that standard research approaches can be successfully applied for development analysis of these specific forms.

A Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm and pedoanthracological data reveal Late Holocene woodland history in the lowlands of the NE Czech Republic

We aim to obtain composition of the regional vegetation from the pollen record in the high mountains, to use it in the interpretation of the pollen record from the lowlands via a Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA), and to then compare the pedoanthracological data with the LRA result based on dissimilarity coefficient.We used five pollen sequences from summits of the Eastern Sudetes (NE Czech Republic), and two pollen cores were analysed in the adjacent Litovelské Pomoraví lowlands. The same lowland woodland was sampled in six pedoanthracological sections. All records cover the Late Holocene period.Site-to-site variability of the pollen spectra from the mountains was found to be low. Regional vegetation inferred from shallowest pollen samples corresponds to present-day vegetation inferred from forestry data. Mountain sites represent regional components and can substitute for large sites in an LRA.Mean LRA estimates were more similar to mean charcoal spectra than they were to mean pollen percentages. LRA estimates of Quercus and Fraxinus in the lowlands match the pedoanthracological evidence regarding individual sites. LRA estimates and charcoal spectra both show that the main dominant (>50%) in the woodland studied was Quercus.Mismatching evidence resided in a small number of the determined charcoals and there were differences between some assumptions of the LRA and the real-world conditions. Alnus and Tilia produced higher pollen signals on the expanse of Fagus and Abies, which were recorded by charcoals within the Relevant Source Area of Pollen (RSAP), which varied from a 35 to a 255meter radius, and ranged with the value from forest hollows.Comparability of LRA vegetation estimates and charcoal percentages is still at the level of complementary evidence. However, a quantitative approach shifts the character to substitutable evidence, with potential to provide the same vegetation estimates by both proxies.

Tree ring-based chronology of hydro-geomorphic processes as a fundament for identification of hydro-meteorological triggers in the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains (Central Europe).

Hydro-geomorphic processes have significantly influenced the recent development of valley floors, river banks and depositional forms in mountain environments, have caused considerable damage to manmade developments and have disrupted forest management. Trees growing along streams are affected by the transported debris mass and provide valuable records of debris flow/flood histories in their tree-ring series. Dendrogeomorphic approaches are currently the most accurate methods for creating a chronology of the debris flow/flood events in forested catchments without any field-monitoring or a stream-gauging station. Comprehensive studies focusing on the detailed chronology of hydro-geomorphic events and analysis of meteorological triggers and weather circulation patterns are still lacking for the studied area. We provide a spatio-temporal reconstruction of hydro-geomorphic events in four catchments of the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, Czech Republic, with an analysis of their triggering factors using meteorological data from four nearby rain gauges. Increment cores from 794 coniferous trees (Picea abies [L.] Karst.) allowed the identification of 40 hydro-geomorphic events during the period of 1889-2013. Most of the events can be explained by extreme daily rainfalls (≥50mm) occurring in at least one rain gauge. However, in several cases, there was no record of extreme precipitation at rain gauges during the debris flow/flood event year, suggesting extremely localised rainstorms at the mountain summits. We concluded that the localisation, intensity and duration of rainstorms; antecedent moisture conditions; and amount of available sediments all influenced the initiation, spatial distribution and characteristics of hydro-geomorphic events. The most frequent synoptic situations responsible for the extreme rainfalls (1946-2015) were related to the meridional atmospheric circulation pattern. Our results enhance current knowledge of the occurrences and triggers of debris flows/floods in the Central European mountains in transition between temperate oceanic and continental climatic conditions and may prompt further research of these phenomena in the Eastern Sudetes in general.

Geophysical approach to the study of a periglacial blockfield in a mountain area (Ztracené kameny, Eastern Sudetes, Czech Republic)

Fluctuation of climatic events in Central Europe with oceanic and continental influences intensified during the Pleistocene, especially above the timberline, enabled the analysis of this record on the ridge and slopes of the Ztracené kameny massif (1245ma.s.l.), Czech Republic. Seismic refraction tomography (SRT) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) are geophysical methods that, that allow the comprehensive recognition of shallow geological structures in a strongly folded area of the High Jesenik Mountains. Geophysical surveys were performed to determine structure and thickness of the quartzite blockfield and its boundary with consolidated rock. The measured resistivity values were compared with the seismic wave velocities. The resistivity values of the block cover show significant differences according to its morphology, slope orientation and altitude. The data analysis indicates an occurrence of remnants of Pleistocene permafrost. The subnival traces within the blockfield demonstrate the intensity of past slope processes and the role of frost weathering even during the Holocene.

Spatio‐temporal specifics of hydro‐geomorphic processes in headwater parts of mid‐mountains reconstructed based on tree‐ring data: a case study from the hrubý jeseník mountains (czech republic)

Debris flows and debris floods cause frequent geomorphic hazards, even in the mid‐mountains of Central Europe. In the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains (Eastern Sudetes, Czech Republic), strong anthropogenic interventions have created specific conditions for erosion, transport and accumulation of material released by debris flow/flood events. We present a detailed spatio‐temporal reconstruction of the hydro‐geomorphic process activity in two adjacent sub‐catchments using dendrogeomorphic methods applied to the steep, narrow channels. An analysis of 172 sampled trees [Picea Abies (L.) Karst.] revealed 14 torrential events since 1943 in the Klepáčský stream sub‐catchment and 11 events since 1897 in the Keprnický stream sub‐catchment. Identical events were identified in 1965, 1991, 1997, 2002 and 2010. The event return periods were comparable with return periods from the foothills of the European Alps. A higher frequency of events in the first sub‐catchment may be caused by the presence of a deep‐seated landslide, steeper slopes and a higher susceptibility to shallow slope deformations. Different spatial patterns of events were presented using the Kernel Density analysis in ArcMap 10.1. Clusters of affected trees in the valley floor during the last decades may be due to increased erosion below the check dams and increased accumulation above. The presence of check dams and slope stabilization works since the 1960s has mitigated the processes in several gullies, but due to the current non‐interventional management, the risk of their damage is increasing, particularly when increased activity is observed in the adjacent unprotected gullies.

Dendrogeomorphic approaches for identifying the probable occurrence of debris flows and related torrential processes in steep headwater catchments: The Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, Czech Republic

Culminating parts of mid-mountain ranges in Central Europe are interwoven by a network of high-gradient streams. These parts, together with the surrounding slopes, form a coupling system in which hazardous geomorphic processes, such as landslides, debris flows or flash floods, can occur. In the case of the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains (Eastern Sudetes, Czech Republic), we present an evaluation of the debris flows and related torrential processes in the high-gradient streams of the selected catchment based on dendrogeomorphic methods. In addition to the classical dendrogeomorphic approaches we refined the procedure of identifying certain and probable events using new weighted indexes for event reconstruction. Additionally, because of the steep narrow channels without a characteristic accumulation cone, a new spatial approach is defined based on the spacing of disturbed trees for each event (random distribution or clustering) and location of disturbed trees in an individual section of the valley floor. Using Kernel Density analysis for each event and calculating the particular grids in ArcGIS software, we are able to describe the spatial reach and probable nature of an event (debris flow or hyperconcentrated flow). Dendrogeomorphic analysis of 397 sampled trees (predominantly coniferous trees) revealed 24 torrential events (15 certain, nine probable) since 1928 with peaks in 1991, 1997 and 2010 according to index values. In addition, the spatial distribution of disturbed trees (grouped in clusters) in these years indicates debris flow events in the upper parts of the catchment. It seems that new dendrogeomorphic approaches should be valuable in remote, steep headwater catchments where several types of processes affect the valley floors.

Laboratory measurements of natural radioactivity in selected igneous rocks of the Opava Mountains region

The paper presents results of laboratory gamma–ray measurements of six igneous rocks from the Opava Mountains. The Opava Mountains are located in the Eastern Sudetes and represent their furthest eastern range. They run almost latitudinally along the Polish border with the Czech Republic. The Opava Mountains are situated mostly in the Czech Republic. Only a small fragment between Glucholazy in the west and Prudnik in the east is situated in Poland (Janeczek et al. 1991) . The study area is built of rocks of different ages and lithologies. The Opava Mountains belong to the western part of the Upper Silesia Block, which together with the Brno Block form a structure that is called the Brunovistulicum. The mountains consist of five structural stages: the Žulova Massif, the Desna Series, the Vbrna Series, the Andělska-Hora Formation and the Horn-Benesov Formation, which run longitudinally (Żaba et al. 2005). The activities of naturally occurring radionuclides were measured using a portable GX3020 gamma-ray workstation. The system is based on a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector with 32% relative efficiency and energy resolutions of 0.8 keV at 122 keV and 1.7 keV at 1330 keV.). The activity concentrations of 40 K varied from 519 Bqkg -1 (paragneiss, Glucholazy/Mikulice) to 1559 Bqkg -1 (weathered granite, Slawniowice), while those of 228 Ac ( 232 Th series) from 7.2 Bqkg -1 (weathered granite, Slawniowice) to 70.6 Bqkg -1 (migmatitic gneiss, Nadziejow). The activities associated with 226 Ra ( 238 U series) ranged from 5.5 Bqkg -1 (weathered granite, Slawniowice) to 52.2 Bqkg -1 (gneiss, Kamienna Gora). Measured activity concentrations were compared with the average activity concentration of 40 K, 228 Ac ( 232 Th) and 226 Ra ( 238 U) for similar types of rocks. For the authors’ knowledge, this paper presents the first experimental data concerning activity concentrations of primordial radionuclides in the igneous rocks in the Opava Mountains.

In situ measurements of natural radioactivity in selected igneous rocks of the Opava Mountain region

Abstract In situ gamma-ray measurements of four igneous rocks were taken in the Opava Mountains (Eastern Sudetes, Poland). The activity of naturally occurring radionuclides was measured using a portable GX3020 gamma-ray spectrometry workstation. The activity concentrations of 40K varied from 914 ± 17 Bqkg-1 (gneiss, Kamienna Góra) to 2019 ± 37 Bqkg-1 (weathered granite, Sławniowice), while those of 232Th from 7.5 ± 0.6 Bqkg-1 (weathered granite, Sławniowice) to 68 ± 0.9 Bqkg-1 (migmatitic gneiss, Nadziejów). The activities associated with 238U decay series ranged from 10 ± 0.4 Bqkg-1 (weathered granite, Sławniowice) to 62 ± 1.6 Bqkg-1 (gneiss, Kamienna Góra). The results will be used in compiling Radiological Atlas of the Sudetes

Application of electrical resistivity tomography to map lithological differences and subsurface structures (Eastern Sudetes, Czech Republic)

The aim of this study is to determine the subsurface lithological variability and thickness of each metamorphic rocks unit by means of geophysical methods, which were presented within the framework of SEDIBUD. Research was performed on the ridge and the steep eastern slope of the Orlik massif (1204m) in the Hrubý Jesenik range of the Eastern Sudetes, the Czech Republic. To obtain a spatial image of a geological rock mass, the non-invasive and relatively rapid method of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) was used, which resulted in the creation of six profiles using the Dipole–Dipole and Wenner–Schlumberger arrays. As complementary methods, vertical electrical sounding (VES) and seismic refraction tomography were chosen. Fifteen measuring points along two profiles obtained by vertical electrical sounding allowed the determination of the following in the vertical section layers of different resistivity and thickness at direct points in contact primarily with Devonian quartzite rocks and weathered covers.In a series of field studies, a four-layered rock mass was examined in which the first layer is of fine-grained materials with medium- and large-size clasts, the second layer is quartzite, the third is gneiss and the fourth is phyllite. The five profiles measured by seismic refraction tomography made it possible to draw the boundary between the studied phyllites, gneisses and quartzites. In addition, geophysical surveys and the results of mineralogical composition analysis allowed us to determine the nature and thickness of the weathered layers present on the massif area, which, in the upper sections, are predominantly a clayey loam partially covered with blocks. The inclination of the slope is associated with an increase in the fraction of coarse material. The majority of the thickness of these layers is related to the local flattened surfaces and the presence of numerous streams, which contributed to the accumulation of the sediments that were also transported from the ridge area. This diversity indicates notably active slope processes during the Pleistocene. The results confirmed the usefulness of geophysical methods to identify the geological structure of rocks with highly variable lithology with faults and folding features.

Local outbreak of the spruce needle tortricid Epinotia tedella Clerk (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) in the Sudetes in Poland

In 2004–2006 a local outbreak of Epinotia tedella was recorded on an area of 1,371 ha in Middle and Eastern Sudetes (Sowie and Bialskie Mts.) in Poland. In Bialskie Mts. slight damage dominated, while in Sowie Mts. more concentrated but moderate damage prevailed. The damage on older trees was limited to the lower half of the crowns, while on younger trees the middle parts of the crowns were more affected. The results of one-year field experiments towards the development of monitoring and forecast tools are presented in the paper. The results from ground emergence traps reflected phenology of butterflies’ emergence and the species preferences regarding older stands. The pheromone traps demonstrated the insect concentration on higher (above 900 m a.s.l.) elevations and confirmed the preference of older stands. Field observations revealed that a part of caterpillars can overwinter in the feeding places in tree crowns. The outbreak was incidental, with no effect on trees and stands. No new damage was recorded after 2006. The use of emergence traps and pheromone traps can be an interesting perspective, but further experiments concerning the interpretation of results are needed.

PÍSEČNÍK U JAVORNÍKU – DRUMLIN SE ZACHOVALOU SUKCESÍ SUBGLACIÁLNÍCH A SUPRAGLACIÁLNÍCH SEDIMENTŮ

Písečník Hill (288 m a. s. l.) is an isolated elevation located near the Javorník town close to the NE foothill of the main ridge of the Rychleby Mts. (Eastern Sudetes). It has a shape of a ridge elongated in the SE–NW direction, made of compacted Miocene sands covered by Pleistocene tills and glaciofl uvial sediments. These glacial sediments have been deposited during the Elsterian glaciation (MIS 12) according to the Northern European stratigraphical scale. The presented study is targeted on glacial deposits and the interpretation of the evolution of the Písečník Hill linked to continental glaciation. Facies description has been supplemented by petrographical analyses of the gravel fraction 16–64 mm. The glacial sequence is composed of five members. The first one is a lodgement till (Jk1) with a basal boulder lag, which followed the erosional phase producing elongated scours. Glacitectonic features, such as plucking of underlying Miocene sands and formation of rip-up clasts could be seen in the lodgement till unit. Boulder lag with boulders up to 2 m long originated by blocking of large clasts in compact, plastic, unlithifi ed basement. The second member (Jk2) is a massive to weakly stratifi ed gravely sand, which filled a shallow depression in the lodgement till. These sediments originated by reworking of underlying till material. Members Jk1–Jk2 have been deposited in subglacial environment. Both members are equivalent from the viewpoint of petrological composition – they both contain predominantly local Gierałtow gneiss. The third member (Jk3) is a coarse grained to bouldery gravel. The fourth member (Jk4) is made of a fi ne layer of laminated sand. The last member (Jk5) is a sandy gravel with gently sloping flat clasts. Members Jk3–Jk5 are interpreted as supraglacial sediments deposited with the ice-cored moraine environment. They are rather polymictic from petrological point of view, as they contain material of diverse provenance originating from different parts of the glacier. The clasts are also more variable in roundness with higher content of rounded to well-rounded clasts (“englacial egg gravel facies”). The Písečník Hill represents a drumlin with a core composed of plastic Miocene sand. Features described in the glacial sequence show on the active glacial movement (in subglacial environment), as well as the subsequent decay starting from the ice-cored moraine to the final disappearance of the dead-ice moraine. The drumlin orientation documents the ice sheet advance from the NE.

Remote Sensing Data in Wind Velocity Field Modelling: a Case Study from the Sudetes (SW Poland)

The phenomena of wind-field deformation above complex (mountainous) terrain is a popular subject of research related to numerical modelling using GIS techniques. This type of modelling requires, as input data, information on terrain roughness and a digital terrain/elevation model. This information may be provided by remote sensing data. Consequently, its accuracy and spatial resolution may affect the results of modelling. This paper represents an attempt to conduct wind-field modelling in the area of the Śnieżnik Massif (Eastern Sudetes). The modelling process was conducted in WindStation 2.0.10 software (using the computable fluid dynamics solver Canyon). Two different elevation models were used: the Global Land Survey Digital Elevation Model (GLS DEM) and Digital Terrain Elevation Data (DTED) Level 2. The terrain roughness raster was generated on the basis of Corine Land Cover 2006 (CLC 2006) data. The output data were post-processed in ArcInfo 9.3.1 software to achieve a high-quality cartographic presentation. Experimental modelling was conducted for situations from 26 November 2011, 25 May 2012, and 26 May 2012, based on a limited number of field measurements and using parameters of the atmosphere boundary layer derived from the aerological surveys provided by the closest meteorological stations. The model was run in a 100-m and 250-m spatial resolution. In order to verify the model’s performance, leave-one-out cross-validation was used. The calculated indices allowed for a comparison with results of former studies pertaining to WindStation’s performance. The experiment demonstrated very subtle differences between results in using DTED or GLS DEM elevation data. Additionally, CLC 2006 roughness data provided more noticeable improvements in the model’s performance, but only in the resolution corresponding to the original roughness data. The best input data configuration resulted in the following mean values of error measure: root mean squared error of velocity = 1.0 m/s and mean absolute error of direction = 30°. The author concludes that, within specific meteorological conditions (relatively strong and constant synoptic forcing) and using the aforementioned input data, the Canyon model provides fairly acceptable results. Similarly, the quality of the presented remote sensing data is suitable for wind velocity modelling in the proposed resolution. However, CLC 2006 land use data should be first verified with a higher-resolution satellite or aerial imagery.

Geotourist attractions of the Kleśnica Valley

Geotourist attractions of the Kleśnica Valley, located in the Śnieżnik Massif the Eastern Sudetes were presented in this article. Many valuable geological objects as well as the remains of ancient works mining, constituting the valuable cultural-historical legacy are located in the area of the discussed valley. These objects include Bear Cave, marble quarry, Marianna Spring, spoil-heap, Museum of the Earth, mine of uranium and “Gracious Stone” lime kiln.

New information on the invasive to Europe aphid species Brachycaudus divaricatae Shaposhnikov, 1956 (Hemiptera: Aphididae)

Brachycaudus divaricatae (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a recent invader to Europe, has already reached Czech Republic. Partial sequences of mitochondrial COI and nuclear EF-1α genes have been analysed across the sixteen Czech samples of B. divaricatae, together with morphometric analysis of the same samples based on eighteen morphological characters of the apterous viviparous females. For comparative studies, thirteen samples from the Eastern Baltic region of Europe (Latvia, Lithuania and Poland) were used. All sampled populations appeared similar in their genetic and morphological characters studied. One haplotype of mitochondrial COI gene was predominant; it was characteristic for all samples from Czech Republic and 8 out of 13 samples from Eastern Baltic region. Two other haplotypes were found in the Eastern Baltic region only. Four different haplotypes of EF-1α gene were detected. Most of the samples (except one sample from the Eastern Baltic region and two samples from Czech Republic) had the same haplotype. Out of remaining three haplotypes, one was unique for the Eastern Baltic region, whilst two were found in Czech Republic only. For the present, Moravia is the southernmost region in Europe, where B. divaricatae has been already reported. Presumably, this invasive aphid species has entered the Czech Republic from the north via the Moravian Gate, a natural pass formed by the depression between the Western Carpathians and Eastern Sudetes.

Formation, succession and landscape history of Central-European summit raised bogs: A multiproxy study from the Hrubý Jeseník Mountains

Central-European raised bogs, developed on mountain summits, are specific ecosystems of high conservation importance, but their history remains largely unknown. Pollen, macrofossils, testate amoebae and peat characteristics were analysed in a peat sequence of the Vozka bog (Hrubý Jeseník Mountains, Eastern Sudetes, Czech Republic). Past water chemistry and water-table depths were reconstructed by transfer functions calibrated from recent testate amoeba data and long-term environmental averages. Peat initiation started in the middle Holocene (approximately 4200 bc) by the process of paludification, resembling the development of Atlantic blanket bogs. Around 100 bc the vegetation changed from Eriophorum vaginatum-poor fen to the ombrotrophic-bog vegetation similar to the recent situation. A hiatus in peat sequence was revealed between ad 1320 and 1954. It can be explained either by human activities, or by an extreme drought causing decomposition of previously accumulated peat. Local bog development was largely independent of landscape development inferred from pollen records. In the middle Holocene, mixed spruce-elm-hazel woodland was recorded close to the treeline. During 2400–800 bc a gradual transition to mixed spruce-fir woodlands with admixture of beech took place, and from approximately 800 bc spruce and fir became dominant. The major human impact started approximately ad 1230 and was connected with settlement and mining in the foothills.

Long-term patterns in soil acidification due to pollution in forests of the Eastern Sudetes Mountains

Soil acidification was assessed in the Eastern Sudetes Mountains (Czech Republic) between 1941 and 2003, i.e. before and after the period of major industrial pollution (1950s–1990s). The twenty sites included in our study were distributed along a gradient of altitude ranging 1000m. Values of pH have decreased in 80–90% of the pairs of samples after the six decades, on average by 0.7 for pH-H2O and 0.6 for pH-KCl. Organic matter increased in the topsoil, probably reflecting a change in decomposition conditions. The most important finding is that the acidification varies along the joint gradient of altitude/tree layer composition, and displays a changing pattern in three soil horizons (A, B and C). Contrary to expectations, most acidified were soils in beech forests at lower elevations.

Recent occurrence of moss Buxbaumia viridis (Bryophyta, Buxbaumiaceae) in the Kłodzko region (Central and Eastern Sudetes, SW Poland)

Recent occurrence of moss Buxbaumia viridis (Bryophyta, Buxbaumiaceae) in the Kłodzko region (Central and Eastern Sudetes, SW Poland) A rare epixylous moss, Buxbaumia viridis (Moug. ex Lam. & DC.) Brid. ex Moug. & Nestl., was searched at historical localities in the Kłodzko region, especially in Bialskie and Bystrzyckie Mts. The species was rediscovered at two localities in the upper part of the valley of Jedlnik stream on the east slope of Iwinka Mt. in Puszcza Śnieżnej Białki Nature Reserve. This paper presents data on autecology of B. viridis at one of the rediscovered localities as well as shows its current distribution in the Kłodzko region.

Recent range and distribution of dormice (Gliridae, Mammalia) in the Sudetes (Poland)

The paper presents updated information on the occurrence of dormice in the Polish Sudetes, based on our 1993-2008 field studies in various parts of the region, and on the results of other studies conducted and published after 1983. The studies confirmed the occurrence of 3 dormice species in the Sudetes: edible dormouse Glis glis LINNAEUS, 1766, hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius LINNAEUS, 1758, and forest dormouse Dryomys nitedula PALLAS, 1778. The edible dormouse occurs in all 5 macroregions of the Polish Sudetes. It is still fairly abundant in the Central and Eastern Sudetes, while it is quite rare in the Western Sudetes. The hazel dormouse is much less common, being slightly more abundant in some ranges of Central Sudetes (Bardzkie and Sto3owe Mts, and the Landscape Park of Wa3brzych Sudetes), and Eastern Sudetes (the Z3ote Mts and the Snie?nik Massif). The occurence of the forest dormouse is limited to the Sudete Foreland (Strzelinskie Hills) and small parts of the Central (Sto3owe Mts) and Eastern Sudetes (Z3ote and Bialskie Mts, Œnie?nik Massif), where all three species co-occur. Not a single locality of the garden dormouse Eliomys quercinus LINNAEUS, 1766 was found, which points to its disappearance from the Polish Sudetes.

Insect assemblages in Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) stumps in the Eastern Sudetes

The aim of the study was to determine the species composition of insect assemblages colonising stumps of Picea abies (L.) Karst. in mountain conditions. Investigations were carried out in the Eastern Sudetes (south -western Po- land) in forest stands situated at 600- 700 m above sea level. The observations were conducted on stumps left behind after felling 70- 90 years old Norway spruces. The analysed stumps were colonised by insects from 21 families of 3 orders: Coleoptera (approximately 95%), Diptera (5%) and Raphidioptera (0.2%). There were 12 Coleoptera families determined with the dominance of Cer- ambycidae (almost 55%) and Curculionidae (37%) including Scolytinae (about 5%). Diptera were represented by 8 families, of which most abundant was the family Rhagionidae (almost 2%) followed by Muscidae (1.4%) and Syr- phidae (1.2%). The order Raphidioptera was represented by 1 family: Raphididae (0.2%). The spruce stumps were mainly colonised by cambio-xylophagous species which added up to 73% of all collect- ed specimens. The European spruce longhorn beetle Tetropium castaneum (L.) was most numerous (15.98 ± 14.99 specimens/stump) of all observed insects as well as it showed the highest permanence of occurrence (97% stumps). Second group with regard to abundance was the genus Hylobius (12.08 ± 20.38 specimen/stump) found in 62% of the observed stumps.