Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin Research Articles

Appearance of the rotifer community as a potential indicator of stable paleohydrological conditions in peatlands since the Late Glacial: a case study of three wetlands in Poland

In paleolimnological studies, rotifers are usually a very rare component in multiproxy research. These small invertebrates are identified from sediments by their loricas. Analysis of subfossil rotifers was conducted for sediment cores collected from three peatlands in within Poland: the Grel raised bog (S Poland, Carpathians, Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin), the Imszar raised bog (NE Poland, Podlasie Region), and the Podemszczyzna peatland (SE Poland, Sandomierz Basin). Results were compared with multiproxy analyses of peat deposits: pollen of aquatic and mire plants, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), and geochemical analyses. Analysis of the rotifers indicated the occurrence of the bdelloid species Habrotrocha angusticollis (Murray, 1905). In all profiles of the studied peatlands, the occurrence of rotifers was not correlated with pollen of aquatic or mire plants or NPPs; they seem to be more related to geochemical indices. The highest densities of rotifers were found in profile sections without significant fluctuations of geochemical variables, i.e. those with higher Na/K (chemical denudation) ratios and stable redox conditions (Fe/Mn ratio). The study of subfossil rotifers supported by multiproxy analysis of peat deposits could be a useful tool for indication of periods with stable palaeohydrological conditions during the Late Glacial and Holocene.

Assessment of Peat Extraction Range and Vegetation Succession on the Baligówka Degraded Peat Bog (Central Europe) Using the ALS Data and Orthophotomap

The Baligówka peat bog is one of the peat bogs of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin—the largest complex of wetlands in the Polish Carpathians. Its area has declined in the past as a result of drainage and peat exploitation, which caused a bad hydrological condition and it is gradually overgrown by non-peat bog medium and high vegetation. The research uses models derived from airborne laser scanning (ALS) and an orthophotomap to delimit the bog and divide it into parts and assess the range of drainage ditches and vegetation. The area of the peat dome along with 3 sites of peat exploitation is currently 159.6 ha, while the ecotone zone is 105.9 ha. Both sections are separated by a steep post-mining slope. The medium and high vegetation areas cover 44% of the peat bog; its location is related to the dense drainage system in the southern part of the dome. The parameters of the Baligówka peat bog: area, size and extent of drainage system, and the degree of overgrowth by high vegetation, are the subject of research towards the protection under the Natura 2000 network (PLH120016) and the establishment of a plan for restoration activities.

Geotouristic bicycle path around Nowy Targ (Carpathians, Poland)

The area in the vicinity of Nowy Targ is located within the northern part of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin and the southern slopes of the Gorce Mountains in the Polish sector of the Outer Carpathians. Geologically, the region is built of the Upper Cretaceous–Palaeogene turbiditic deposits representing sedimentary successions of the Krynica Subunit of the Magura Nappe and the Neogene–Quaternary fresh-water deposits filling the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin. The Magura Nappe in the described area is represented by the thick-bedded sandstones of the Magura Formation and thin-and medium-bedded sandstone-shale deposits of the Malcov Formation, which are well-exposed in numerous outcrops, especially in the Łopuszna stream valley. The Magura Nappe deposits were folded and cut by a fault system in the Miocene. The presented area displays varied geomorphological relief and picturesque landscapes. Moreover, rare species of fauna and flora occurring here, as well as the still-alive culture of the Podhale Highlanders and continuously improving tourist infrastructure additionally contribute to the development of geotourism in this area. In addition, this area is an increasingly popular place among cyclists, thanks to the development of a network of bicycle paths, therefore the proposed geotourist bicycle path will extend the offer for this group of tourists.

Mercury in the sediments of selected peatlands in Małopolska region

The mercury content in peat layers of seven peat bogs in the Małopolska region (Wolbrom in the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland and Otrębowskie Brzegi, Puścizna Wysoka, Puścizna Mała, Przybojec, Puścizna Długopole and Bór na Czerwonem in the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin) was determined to a depth of 100 cm at a resolution of 1–2 cm. Geochemical background and level of anthropogenic mercury enrichment were determined for each peat bog. To establish the interdependence between mercury concentration, mineral matter content and selected metals, geochemical diagrams and models of the system were drawn up representing the correlational relationships between the selected geochemical variables for three of the peat bogs in the Orawa--Nowy Targ Basin (Otrębowskie Brzegi, Przybojec and Bór na Czerwonem). It was found that, comparing against other European raised bogs, the range of mercury concentrations in the peat layer down to 50 cm in the peatlands of Małopolska is similar to those in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Spain, and decidedly lower than in the peatlands in Scotland, Belgium and Czechia. Furthermore, the sites in the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin were clearly lower, the lower the altitude of the peat bog surface, which is probably associated with local topoclimatic conditions.

The impact of major warming at 14.7 ka on environmental changes and activity of Final Palaeolithic hunters at a local scale (Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin, Western Carpathians, Poland

There is a widespread belief that the abrupt warming at 14.7 ka had a profound impact on the environment. However, the direct correlation between the global climatic event and changes in local environments is not obvious. We examined faunal succession in an intra-mountain basin of the Western Carpathians to assess the potential influence of the climatic change between Greenland Stadial-2a and Greenland Interstadial-1e on the local environment. We investigated three vertebrate assemblages (total number of identified specimens = 18,745; minimum number of individuals = 7515; 138 taxa) from Obłazowa Cave (western entrance) and a Rock overhang in Cisowa Rock, radiocarbon dated to the period before and after the global warming, between ca. 17.0 and 14.0 ka. Our data revealed that the major abrupt warming that occurred 14.7 ka had little impact on the local environment, which could suggest that ecosystems in Central Europe were resilient to the abrupt global climate changes. The increase in fauna population sizes and species diversities in local biotopes was gradual and began long before the temperature increase. This was supported by the analysis of ancient DNA of Microtus arvalis, which showed a gradual increase in effective population size after 19.0 ka. The results of palaeoclimatic reconstruction pointed out that the compared sites were characterized by similar climatic conditions. According to our calculations, the differences in the annual mean temperatures did not exceed 0.5 °C and mean annual thermal amplitude changed from 22.9 to 22.4 °C. The environmental changes before 14.7 ka had no impact on the activity of Final Palaeolithic hunters in the studied area.

Anthropogenic changes in water storage in peat deposit in intramountain Orawa-Nowy Targ basin (western Carpathians)

The aim of the presentation is to evaluate the scale of changes in water storage in peat deposit in the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (643 km2) off the western Carpathians (European mountain range), influenced by human activity since the middle ages till 2015. The basin is covered by fluvioglacial fans rich in groundwater and stores large amounts of water in vast peatbogs, especially raised bogs. The peatbogs occur at the altitude from 592 to 770 m a.s.l. (metres above sea level) since the middle ages the peatbogs in this basin have been degraded by human impact, mainly due to peat exploitation and drainage by dense network of ditches. After 1990 shrinkage of the limit of peatbog domes slowed down or even stopped and draining ditches are not cleaned which causes increasing irrigation of post-peat areas. Contemporary limit of individual peatbogs and their elements (i.e. reduced domes, post-peat areas, isolated peat patches) in the basin was determined based on data from aerial laser scanning LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and additionally from peatbogs mapping. Former limit of peatbogs was assessed on the basis of historical maps (18th-20th centuries) and mapping of remnants of peat deposit. Using drilling methods, the thickness of peat deposit was measured within each peatbog in the period from August to October (relatively dry deposit). In order to determine the amount of water in peat, four raised bogs and four fens, assumed as representative for the area studied, were sampled in 2008-2015 from May to October (every two months). Using Kopecky`s cells (0.25 dm3), 540 peat samples were taken at the profile depth every 50 cm, which were the bases to calculate capillary capacity of peat in volume version Pwv [%]. Water resources in peatbogs both current and those probable existing before the beginning of the intensive human impact in the basin were estimated based on the appropriate volume of peat deposits and values of capillary water volume of peat Pwv [%]. Finally, maximal amount of water which may be stored in domes (now in residual domes and post-peat areas) and fens was estimated. In the past probable total amount of water which might have been permanently stored in fens in the basin was estimated to 32 million m3, and in the raised bog domes 139 million m3 (together 171 million m3). Total amount of water which is currently stored in fens in the basin is estimated to 15.1 million m3, in raised bog domes to 45.2 million m3, and in post-peat areas to 2.1 million m3 (total volume of water is 62.4 million m3). In relation to the whole area of the basin, the index of water retention of peatbogs reaches 10 cm and at the end of the middle ages this index was probably 27 cm. The fastest rate of water loss in peats occurred 50-150 years ago.

Palaeohydrology and the human impact on one of the largest raised bogs complex in the Western Carpathians (Central Europe) during the last two millennia

The Central European area has been extensively studied using qualitative reconstruction techniques focusing on the development of peatlands in the past; however, research based on quantitative techniques is still lacking, especially in relation to highlands and mountainous areas. In this study, we focused on the hydrological changes and human-induced disturbances that affected two raised bogs from the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Carpathian region): Puścizna Krauszowska and Puścizna Mała. We aimed to reconstruct the development of peatlands and changes in water table under different intensities of human activities. Two peat sequences from two different bogs, both possessing absolute chronologies based on high-resolution 14C dating, were examined in terms of pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossils and testate amoeba records. We detected an asynchronous decrease in the water table level on the bogs that took place between the 4th and the 7th century ad, which occurred simultaneously with a global cold period ad 300–600 (Migration Period) in case of the Puścizna Mała bog. A concurrent but insignificant human impact on bogs was recorded. A distinct wet shift corresponding to the Wolf solar minimum (ca. ad 1280–1340) in Puścizna Mała was detected during ca. ad 1300–1350. The effect of this climatic event on bog hydrology is difficult to estimate because of the simultaneous human-induced deforestation. Drainage and substantial acceleration of peat extraction in the 19th and the 20th century ad led to the significant disturbances in peatland; however, these bogs were still susceptible to dry climatic events.

Palaeoenvironmental changes of Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin in the Late Glacial and Holocene recorded in sediments of Grel raised bog

The Grel raised peat bog is located in the Ludźmierz village vicinity in the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin. This raised bog, has heavily degraded peat dome covered with numerous post excavation pits which are the results of peat extraction for local purposes. Peat bog is overgrown with birch and pine forests and typical vegetation for raised bog. First palynological study of the peat depositional sequence was performed by Koperowa (1962). The beginning of the peat bog formation was then attributed to the Oldest Dryas. Consequently the Grel is the oldest peat bog in the peatland of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin

Mites (Acari) at the edges of bog pools in Orawa–Nowy-Targ Basin (S Poland), with particular reference to the Oribatida

Abstract Mites, and among them especially the Oribatida, are very abundant in bogs, being good bioindicators of various changes, but little is known about their reaction to heavy industrial exploitation of bogs. This study aimed to compare the acarofauna of the edges of small pools located in 2 bogs of Orawa-Nowy-Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska), namely Łysa Puścizna (LP) and Bór Podczerwony (BP), degraded to different degrees by peat exploitation. The area of bog LP has decreased since the end of the 19th century by 34%, while that of BP has decreased during this time drastically (by 68%). Water in both studied pools differed from that in natural bogs, reported in the literature, especially in pH, colour, and oxygen conditions (COD and BOD5), and these differences were more pronounced at BP. The abundance of mites was similar to that observed in natural bogs, and the Oribatida dominated among mites, constituting over 99% of them. The species diversity of Oribatida was low in both pools, but especially in pool BP. In both bogs the aquatic species were the most abundant due to the wet study season. The species structure of Oribatida differed, however, from that reported from natural bogs as well as from each other. At the less degraded bog LP the most abundant was Hydrozetes lacustris (D = 69%), while at bog BP, with worse water parameters, Trimalaconothrus maior highly dominated (D = 93%). This suggests that the latter species is very tolerant to water parameters, being a successful coloniser of degraded bogs.

High-Resolution Age-Depth Model of a Peat Bog in Poland as an Important Basis for Paleoenvironmental Studies

This article focuses on constructing a high-resolution age-depth model for the Puścizna Mała peat bog located in Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (S Poland). The chronology was established on the basis of both210Pb and14C measurements, and further confirmed by pollen diagrams and the peat bulk composition (density, ash content, and measurements of C, N, S). The137Cs profile revealed significant downward migration of this radionuclide and was not suitable for geochronological interpretation. The peat profile in southern Poland records almost 2000 yr of paleoecological and geochemical changes. Major historical events linked to anthropogenic and climatic changes are recorded in the investigated proxies, which confirm the reliability of the age-depth model. Specifically, the Roman period, Migration period, Medieval times, as well as the Industrial Revolution are reflected in the palynology and bulk composition of the peat. However, dating results obtained for the core segment between 22–45 cm are problematic when confronted with other analyses. The highest peat accumulation rate of 2 mm yr-1(AD 1300–1400 according to the age-depth model) is not compatible with the section of the highest peat decomposition revealed by lithological description. Moreover, the onset of a drastic decline of forests reflected in the palynological data and dated to AD 1280–1340 (40 cm) is difficult to explain in the light of historical data. Therefore, the lithology, bulk density, and pollen were used to validate the obtained age-depth model. External forcing factors on the peat formation process may be indicated, including agricultural activity, water-level fluctuations, and natural climatic factors, which paradoxically caused doubling of the obtained peat accumulation rate.

Notes on the occurrence of Sitticus terebratus (Clerck, 1758) in Poland

Sitticus terebratus is a spider species known from a few localities in Poland. The records refer to the south Poland – in the West Beskid and the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin, as well as in the north-eastern part of the country. The study revealed 13 new localities of this species ranging from the Babia Góra Mts to Bieszczady Mts. All sites of S. terebratus are synanthropic but observations indicate that the species is very rare and it may be endangered both in Poland and in Europe.

Moss mites (Acari, Oribatida) at the edges of bog lakes and pools in Brodnica Lakeland and Orawa–Nowy-Targ Basin (Poland)

Abstract Moss mites were investigated at the edges of 4 bodies of water located in bogs: 2 lakes in Brodnica Lakeland (O and S) and 2 pools in Orawa-Nowy-Targ Basin (K and LP). The lakes differed from the pools in most of the analysed physicochemical parameters of water and in plant associations growing at their edges. Consequently, the species richness of Oribatida and their species composition differed between lakes and pools, but the total abundance of mites was similar. Abundance of most species was low, and only 13 had dominance indices (D) exceeding 1%. The acarofauna of both lakes was similar, as most abundant in them was Limnozetes foveolatus (D > 80%), and relatively abundant were Hydrozetes longisetosus, Limnozetes ciliatus, Punctoribates sellnicki, and Trhypochthonius nigricans. These species were absent or rare at the edges of pools K and LP. In the pools, differences in species structure of Oribatida were observed. At pool K, Trimalaconothrus maior was most abundant, accompanied by Hydrozetes octosetosus, H. lacustris, and Limnozetes foveolatus. At pool LP, Trimalaconothrus foveolatus was most abundant, which tolerates a wider range of humidity than T. maior; relatively abundant were also T. maior, Hydrozetes lacustris, and several species that were not found in the other bodies of water, including a generalist like Oppiella nova. In this study, Liochthonius furcillatus and Cultroribula berolina were recorded for the first time from Poland.

The first record of Hahnia difficilis Harm, 1966 (Araneae, Hahniidae) in Poland

Hahnia difficilis was found in Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Podhale) and western Sudety Mountains, these are the first records of this spider species for Poland. Its distribution and typical habitats are discussed. Moreover, Hahnia montana – a species closely related to H. difficilis – is recorded from the Western Tatra Mountains and a few diagnostic features to distinguish these two species are given.

The geological aspects of meta-lignite and sub-bituminous coal occurrences in Poland within the context of deposits and uneconomic occurrences in Europe

Two types of brown coal can be distinguished in Poland - “soft brown coal” and “hard brown coal”, the latter being of higher rank. Hard brown coal is divided into dull and bright types. This division is based on an increasing degree of coalification (rank). According to globally recognized nomenclature for coal technology, brown coal is categorized as a low rank energetistic raw mineral with the release of low-rank C ortho-lignite (soft brown coal), low-rank B meta-lignite (dull brown coal), and low-rank A sub-bituminous coal (bright brown coal - ECE UN/50, ISO-11760). In Poland and Europe, ortho-lignite is an essential energetistic raw mineral. Its share of the energy balance of many EU member states is considerable. Deposits of ortho-lignite in Poland and Germany are among the largest in Europe, and together they comprise the Atlantic Hemisphere of brown coal deposits. In contrast, deposits of meta-lignite and sub-bituminous coal in Europe, despite its numerous occurrences, are rather small. In the balance sheet of European countries, it is not an attractive raw mineral. In Europe, deposits of meta-lignite in Mesozoic sediments appear frosted. Marine conditions of the sedimentation of these rocks were not conducive to the deposition of coaly sediments. There were only periods of marine regression in certain epochs (brakish sediments), such as the Late Triassic (Rhaetian, Keuperian), Early Jurassic, Doggerian, and a few Cretaceous periods. From these periods numerous but small deposits of coal, or just its natural occurrence, have been preserved. Coal deposits of Mesozoic meta-lignite are mostly in the formof cratonic construction. They are characterized by thin coal formations containing a small number of coal seams, which, however, can be thick and can have a good technological quality. The most famous European meta-lignite deposits are Fuveau-Di Larzac (France), Hagenes (Sweden),Moravska Trebova and Sokolovo (Czech Republic), and Belgorod-Obojansk (Russia). Also entered into the European register of deposits are the Mesozoic Polish deposits Zawiercie in the Krakow Monocline and the northern part of the Holy Cross Mts of the Kamienna river region. Coal deposits of the Cenozoic Period of dull (meta-lignite) and bright (sub-bituminous coal) types in Europe aremore numerous. Their genesis ismostly orogenic, related to the final stages of formation of themountains of the Alpine system. There are small deposits of coal formed in the intermountain and foredeep tectonic zone. Igneous phenomena of orogenic systems in general are the cause of a higher rank and higher quality coal. Well known deposits of meta-lignite and sub-bituminous coal are located in the Alps and Apenines - Monasgue (France), the Piemont-Ligurian Riviera (Italy), Hirschberg and Meissner (Germany), the Carpathian Mts localites of Ajka and Tatabanya (Hungary), Silwaniei and Petrooani in Romania, the Carpathians region in Ukraine, and also in the Balkans foredeep (Pirin and Perni in Bulgaria). There are a few Polish deposits in this period. They occur in the local intermountain basins in the Carpathians (Orawa and Nowy S¹cz Basins), in the Sudetes Mts (e.g. Lusina- Udanin, Strzegom), and in the Carpathians foredeep. These are mostly small deposits of ortho-lignite. The exceptions are the non-industrial coal deposits Grudna Dolna and the lower parts of the deck in the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Lipnica Wielka), representing mainly meta-lignite. As mentioned, there are few instances of Polish meta-lignite and sub-bituminous coal and they have no economic importance. Their classification has been carried out according to rank on the basis of existing Polish documentation as well as works of its studies. The main criterion for ranking the coal was random reflectivity (Rr o) and petrologic characteristics. Coal from 0.33 to 0.40% (random reflectivity) is considered to bemeta-liginite, with coal from 0.41 to 0.50% considered to be sub-bituminous coal. In Poland, 20 regions were found. The register covers the Mesozoic deposits platform (rarely to the Cenozoic period) and orogenic deposits mostly to Cenozoic, not having the characteristics of coaly formations (e.g. the Carpathian Flysch and the Podhale Flysch sediments, southern Poland). Coal in this rank has no economic significance in Poland. However, it is an important element in the cognitive theory of coalification.

Small-mammal assemblages inhabiting Sphagnum peat bogs in various regions of Poland

Abstract We studied species composition of assemblages of small mammals (rodents and shrews) inhabiting Polish 25 ombrotrophic mires and quaking bogs in several regions in order to reveal characteristic features of their quantitative structure and compare them between regions, internal zones of the bog habitats, and different levels of anthropogenic degradation. We reviewed also all published results of small-mammal trapping in such habitats. Mammals were captured in pitfalls, snap traps and live traps on 12 bogs of the Pomerania region, 4 bogs of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska), 3 bogs in the Świętokrzyskie Mts, and 6 bogs in Wielkopolska and the Lubusz Land. Additionally, we included materials collected from Barber traps (pitfalls) used during studies of epigeic invertebrates on 4 bogs. In total, 598 individuals of 12 species were collected. The number of pitfall captures per 100 trapnights was very low (7.0-7.8), suggesting low population density. Shrews predominated among mammals captured in pitfalls, and the assemblage structure appeared to be similar to impoverished forest fauna, slightly enriched with ubiquitous species from meadows and agroecosystems, with a very small percentage of typical wetland species (Neomys fodiens, Neomys anomalus, Microtus oeconomus). Rodents (mostly Myodes glareolus) predominated only in samples obtained by live and snap traps. Pygmy shrew Sorex minutus was the most numerous species at most sites, sometimes being the only small mammal in that habitat, especially in well-preserved, treeless parts of bogs, dominated by Sphagnum peatmoss. The dominance and high constancy of S. minutus appear to be a characteristic feature of small-mammal assemblages inhabiting ombrotrophic mires, at least in some regions of Central and Western Europe. Enrichment of the fauna with other species might be related to either improved trophic conditions (by contact with mineralized ground waters) or habitat degradation (by peat mining, drainage, and subsequent secondary succession).

Hydrozetes species (Acari, Oribatida) at bog ponds and pools in the Tatra National Park and Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska) in southern Poland

Hydrozetes species (Acari, Oribatida) at bog ponds and pools in the Tatra National Park and Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Kotlina Orawsko-Nowotarska) in southern Poland The Hydrozetes fauna was investigated at the edges of 4 ponds and pools with acid water in southern Poland. Mites of this genus achieved the highest mean abundance (6x104 ind./m2) at a pond in the Tatra National Park (Staw Toporowy Niżni; pH = 3.9; 1089 m a.s.l.). H. confervae dominated there (98%), accompanied by H. octosetosus and H. lacustris. The same species were also present at a nearby pond (Staw Toporowy Wyżni; pH 3.9; 1120 m a.s.l.), but in significantly lower numbers. In the bogs of the Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin, at the edge of pool in Kaczmarka (pH 3.6; 650 m a.s.l.), H. lacustris and H. octosetosus were present, and the former species dominated (73%). The latter species is interesting, because it was not recorded in Europe until recently. At the other pool, in Łysa Puścizna (pH 4.5; 650 m a.s.l.), only H. lacustris was present. The lower abundance and species richness of Hydrozetes at the bog pools in the Orawa-Nowy-Targ Basin, in comparison to the Tatra National Park, was probably caused by poorer water conditions, due to more advanced succession, peat exploitation and disturbed water conditions in the Basin.

Newly discovered relic population of Rubus chamaemorus L. in the Western Carpathians

In the territory of Poland, <em>Rubus chamaemorus </em>is a rare glacial relict. Its localities known to date were in the northern part of the country and in the Sudeten Mountains. In 2002, a new locality of this species was discovered in the Orawa-Nowy Targ basin in the Carpathians. It is the southernmost locality in the European distribution area of this species. <em>Rubus chamaemorus </em>grows there on a raised bog in communities of the Oxycocco-Sphagnetea class. The spatial structure of the population depends on microhabitats reflecting the hummock-hollow structure of the peatbog.