Loess covers approximately 5% of Poland. The main loess layer, from several meters up to 20 m thick, is connected with the Pomerian Phase of the Würm Glaciation. Due to lithological and structural properties, climatic conditions and man's activity, loess areas are morphologically very active. Soil erosion, normal erosion, solifluction, piping and mass movements have developed different forms typical for loess morphology. The application of photo interpretation in geological and geomorphological investigations (specially in mapping) increases accuracy of mapping and economic profit. Loess areas in Poland have been settled from Neolithic time. Fertile loess-soils, used mostly as arable land, have great potential possibilities for crop production and also for the development of the food industry. Photo interpretation is very useful for studying problems of comminution and defective structures of the fields, which cause low productivity of farms. Land use, distribution and typology of settlements, correlations between physiographical elements of the landscape and elements of man's activity can be more effectively investigated with the help of applications of aerial photo interpretation. Regional research, planning at different levels and the conservation of natural resources requires comprehensive methods which, when based on the photo interpretative procedures, brings more effective and rational development of loess areas.
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Mar 1, 1984
Andrzej Richling 
Open Access
