SE Poland Research Articles

The Content of Macro- and Micro Minerals in the Sward of Different Types of Semi-Natural Meadows of Temperate Climate in SE Poland

Seminatural meadows are characterized by a rich botanical composition, which determines their specific type. The content of macro- and micro minerals in sward seems important for ruminant farmers. The aim of the study was to determine the content of macro- and micro minerals in the sward of selected meadow types. The study was carried out in SE Poland from May to July in the years 2010–2017. The relationship between the content of each of the studied elements (N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) in soil and plants was investigated, as well as whether there were differences between the average content of elements in the sward of different types of meadows. In some types of meadows there was a correlation for K, Fe, Cu, Mg and Mn. The largest differences in the content of macro minerals in the sward were found for Mg (44%) and K (42%), and in the case of micro minerals for Mn (56%). Large differences resulted primarily from different plant species; composition forming a given meadow community and not the content of these elements in the soil. The results can be applied to the proper management of farms, especially organic ones.

Origin and timing of palaeovalleys in the Carpathian Foredeep basement (Sędziszów Małopolski-Rzeszów area; SE Poland) in the light of palynological studies

Abstract The northern margin of the Carpathian basins and their closest foreland are not preserved nowadays being partly destroyed by the subduction processes, and partly hidden under several kilometres thick cover of overthrusted Carpathian nappes and autochthonous Miocene deposits. Seismic data show along the whole arch of the Carpathian orogene lowered areas that form elongated structures in the basement, approximately perpendicular to the front of the overthrust. These structures were interpreted as palaeovalleys incised in an uplifted basin margin prior to the overthrust of folded Carpathian nappes. Studies of their sedimentary sequences, for these profiles located at the depths accessible by the boreholes, have yielded ambiguous results so far. One such a palaeovalley filled with initial stage deposits was detected in the vicinity of Rzeszow, SE Poland. Organic-rich, fine-grained deposits from the middle part of this sequence yielded palynomorphs allowing their dating. We present timing of the Rzeszow palaeovalley formation based on palynological interpretations and comparison with regional geology of the Carpathian domain.

Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane in Freshwater Sediments of Rzeszów Reservoir

The anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) is an important sink of methane that plays a significant role in global warming. However, evidence for the AOM in freshwater habitats is rare, especially in dam and weir (small-scale dam) reservoirs. Here, the AOM process was examined in freshwater sediments of a small-scale dam reservoir located in Rzeszów, SE Poland. The AOM rate was determined in the main experiment with the addition of the 13CH4 isotope marker (He+13CH4). Sediments were collected three times: in spring (in May, 15 °C), in summer (in July, 20 °C) and in autumn (in September, 10 °C). Further analysis considers the impact on AOM rate of potential electron acceptors present in pore-water (NO2−, NO3−, SO42−, and Fe3+ ions). The work suggests that an AOM process does take place in the studied reservoir sediments, with this evidenced by the presence in the headspace of an increased 13CO2 concentration deemed to derive from 13CH4 oxidation. Rates of AOM noted were of 0.36–1.42 nmol·g−1·h−1, with the most intensive oxidation in each sediment layer occurring at 20 °C. While none of the potential electron acceptors considered individually were found to have had a statistically significant influence on the AOM rate, their significance to the dynamics of the AOM process was not precluded.

Tangible Heritage of the Historical Stonework Centre in Brusno Stare in the Roztocze Area (SE Poland) as an Opportunity for the Development of Geotourism

The investigation relates to the human-environment relationships in the development of geotourism. The study is focused on the stonemasonry heritage of the historical Stonework Centre in Brusno Stare – a former, now non-existent village, abandoned after World War II, in SE Poland. The “stonemasonry” heritage was included into the potential Kamienny Las na Roztoczu Geopark. Preparation of these usable, sacral, sepulchral objects, as well as the quarry requires geological and historical interpretation to become cultural geosites. The aim of the present study is to highlight the importance of the interpretation of these objects based on the combination of knowledge in the fields of geology, history, and culture. This objective has been achieved by querying available literature, inventory, and assessments of geosites. The conceptual spatial-temporal model has been proposed to illustrate the holistic approach to the potential cultural geosites considered in the manuscript. The results obtained in the study indicate the scientific, educational, and geotouristic potential of the stonemasonry heritage of the ancient Stonework Centre of Brusno Stare. Popularization and promotion of these objects is needed to make them attractive cultural geosites and contribute to the development of geotourism in the Roztocze area.

Post-Neolithic occupation in Tunel Wielki Cave (southern Poland)

Post-Neolithic cave occupation in Poland remains insufficiently recognised. The purpose of this paper is to present the results of the analysis of pottery and metal objects discovered in Tunel Wielki Cave (Ojców area, SE Poland). The artefacts were collected during three fieldwork campaigns in 1967–68 and 2018. The results show that the cave was occupied at least several times. The most ephemeral settlement traces can be dated to the Early Bronze Age and these may be related to the Trzciniec culture. The site was more intensively used in the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age by communities representing the Lusatian culture. Roman Period artefacts are very scarce. Traces of most intensive use of the cave come from the Middle Ages. One can determine artefacts conditionally dated from the 11th to the 12th century, as well as younger objects, dated to the 13th − early 14th c. Single pieces of pottery can be attributed to the Modern period. The obtained results point to multiple short-term visits. The cave fill does not bear traces of permanent occupation during the Post-Neolithic period.

Ecological risk assessment and spatial distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments. A case study of two small storage reservoirs, SE Poland

Ecological risk assessment and spatial distribution of heavy metals in surface sediments. A case study of two small storage reservoirs, SE Poland

Ułomności statystyki motoryzacji w Polsce i ich konsekwencje dla badań geograficznych = Shortcomings of Poland’s motorisation statistics, and their implications for geographical research

Reports from the European Commission (e.g. European Commission, 2018) show a relatively high level of motorisation in Poland (leaving the country ranked 6th among EU Member States). The number of cars per 1000 inhabitants is higher here than in any other of the formerly-communist countries acceding to the EU in or after 2004. Unfortunately, however, this situation inter alia reflects twisted statistics on motorisation that do not therefore offer a full or proper reflection of the real situation on the Polish car market. This article has devoted itself to the analysis of shortcomings characterising three groups of motorisation statistics relating to: 1. the cars known as “dead souls” (end-of-life vehicles) – whose numbers are overstated (by perhaps 6 million cars – or 26% of the entire total), given the retention on the register of those that have not been on the road for a long time, 2. “cars with a grille” – part of a Poland-specific phenomenon that results in understatement of numbers of cars and overstatement of numbers of goods vehicles (to the tune of perhaps 750,000), given people’s efforts to ensure that personal cars are approved for registration as commercial vehicles, 3. company cars, given overstatement (equal to perhaps 1.5 million) of numbers of vehicles in cities due to the presence of leasing companies and large enterprises operating company cars. The spatial distribution across the country of cars in the above–mentioned groups is very uneven and does much to influence spatial patterns relating to Poland’s motorisation rate (s). Overall, motorisation is much overestimated in large cities (e.g. Warsaw, Poznań, Katowice and Wrocław), while being underestimated in rural areas (especially in SE Poland). A crucial achievement of our analysis involves correction of official European statistics in this regard. The discrepancies characterising the statistics have the clear spatial distribution presented in Fig. 6. In its last section, this article then attempts to determine the consequences of such twisting of the motorisation statistics where both geographical research and decision-making are concerned.

Nest-site selection of the Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus) in the agricultural landscape of SE Poland

This paper presents the nest-site selection of the Syrian Woodpecker in the agricultural landscape of SE Poland. For this purpose, 89 locations of trees with excavated nest cavities were characterized by comparing the parameters of nest trees and non-nest trees located in the immediate vicinity of the nests in 2002–2006. The study showed that woodpeckers nest in trees that are thicker and in worse condition compared to other trees available in the environment. The birds also nested very close to residential buildings, and chose trees for nest cavity excavation that had drying or pruned boughs and branches. Research indicates that the Syrian Woodpecker may be sensitive to loss of thicker (more than 40 cm in diameter), dying and older trees aged 40–60 years. In addition, it may react negatively to increasing the share of non-forest coniferous trees, which it does not prefer for nesting.

Characteristics of blooming, pollen production, and insect visitors of Polemonium caeruleum L. – a species with a potential to enrich pollinator-friendly urban habitats

Mosaic structure of urban green areas is regarded as favorable for pollinating insects. Ornamental plants can provide food resources to pollinators and may thus be used to create pollinator-friendly habitats. However, detailed data on forage quantity and quality is required for the selection of the most valuable plant species. In this paper, blooming biology, pollen production, and insect visitors of two forms (blue-flower and white-flower) of <em>Polemonium caeruleum</em> were studied in the period of 2012–2014 in Lublin, SE Poland. Both forms bloomed from mid-May until mid-June. The average mass of pollen produced in a single flower was 1.57 mg and 1.39 mg in blue-flower and white-flower forms, respectively. On average, the blue-flower form produced 7.74 g of pollen/m<sup>2</sup>, while the white-flower form yielded 6.54 g of pollen/m<sup>2</sup>. Both forms attracted mainly honey bees and solitary bees. <em>Polemonium caeruleum</em> can be considered a good source of pollen for honey bees and wild insect pollinators and should be propagated in urban pollinator-friendly arrangements.

Nectar secretion and pollen production in Hyacinthus orientalis ‘Sky Jacket’ (Asparagaceae)

Flowering, nectar secretion, and pollen production in <em>Hyacinthus orientalis</em> ‘Sky Jacket’ (Asparagaceae) were studied between 2013 and 2015 in Lublin, SE Poland (51°16' N, 22°30' E). The flowering was weather-dependent. It started at the beginning of April or at the end of the month and lasted 14–24 days. The mass of nectar, sugar concentration in the nectar, nectar sugar mass, anther size, and pollen mass in flowers all depended on the flower position in the inflorescence and differed significantly between the years of study. The greatest mass of sugars and pollen was recorded in low-positioned flowers. On average, <em>H. orientalis</em> ‘Sky Jacket’ produced 1.63 mg of sugars and 3.51 mg of pollen per flower. The floral reward was attractive for <em>Apis mellifera</em> and <em>Bombus</em> spp., which indicate that the species should be propagated not only for its decorative value but also for supporting pollinators in early spring.

A biotic record of paleoenvironmental changes during the last interglacial-glacial cycle in a sub-Carpathian river valley; a case study of the Radymno loess section (SE Poland)

The studied Radymno loess section is located in the large, fore-Carpathian San River valley (Sandomierz Basin, SE Poland) and shows the sequence building the Pleistocene cover of middle terrace of the San River. Such sequence is quite rare in loess deposits because it combines different depositional environments: subaqueous – the late Eemian-Early Vistulian alluvial-swamp facies of loess with inserts of gyttja type, and subaerial – the Plenivistulian aeolian loess. The main goal of the study was to reconstruct the Late Pleistocene paleoenvironmental changes recorded in this section. For this purpose, pollen and fossil Ostracoda analyses were conducted. These data were supplemented with sedimentological and pedo-lithological analyses. Additionally, the results of earlier investigations published so far have been used: lithological and malacological analyses as well as luminescence (IRSL and TL) dating. Based on the analysis of many indicators, the paleoenvironmental changes have been correlated with those recorded in pollen diagrams obtained from other regions. This correlation indicates that in the Radymno section there is evidence of the vegetation succession typical of the Eemian Interglacial with climatic optimum and of the short-term oscillations in the Early Vistulian and then in the Lower Pleniglacial of Vistulian. The analysis of fossil Ostracoda, which were found in some parts of the profile, provided information about short-term paleohydrological changes, and especially about the functioning of surface water bodies in changing periglacial conditions of the bottom of the San River valley in MIS 5d – MIS 2. High humidity in the environment was caused mainly by floods and high groundwater level, which indirectly conditioned the formation of water bodies in the valley bottom. Correlation with palynological data indicated that these water bodies existed also under dry climate conditions. This proves that the local conditions of the studied area strongly modified the environmental changes dependent on paleoclimate.

Military Training Areas and Vegetation – the Effect of Explosion Craters on Species Diversity along a Moisture Gradient

Military training areas, where ecosystems are shaped under a complex disturbance regime, are recognized to be favourable pieces of land for maintaining high biological diversity. Our study focused on explosion craters – a small-scale disturbance type of high severity, and their effect on species diversity including vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens. The research was carried out on an active military training area in Nowa Deba (SE Poland). The examined vegetation represented open communities on nutrient-poor soils with a wide range of soil moisture conditions. We compared 76 pairs of vegetation samples, each pair consisting of a crater and a closely located control plot of the same size. Out of 135 species recorded (72 vascular plants, 33 mosses, 9 liverworts, 22 lichens), 37 were found only in craters, while 19 occurred only in control plots. Both, species number and diversity were significantly higher for craters than controls. In general, the positive effect of cratering on all studied groups rises from dry to wet habitats. The highest increase of diversity was observed in relation to bryophytes in the moist habitats. Moreover, craters within habitats of higher moisture turned out to be more resistant to alien colonization and at the same time were characterized by significantly higher number of red-listed species compared to the control plots. Differences in species composition between craters and undisturbed plots were most visible in moderately moist habitats. We found several species with a strong preference for craters, and the plants of the highest indicative value are Atrichum tenellum and Dicranella cerviculata.

Allergenic pollen concentrations in the air of urban parks in relation to their vegetation

In the face of the intensifying process of urbanization and the increased incidence of pollen allergies among urban residents, there is still a need to continuously monitor the airborne concentration of allergenic plant pollen. Urban green spaces (UGS) are a desirable element of the urban fabric and necessary for the proper functioning of cities, but they are a rich source of allergenic pollen that may pose a certain risk to people visiting them. The main aim of this study was to analyse the airborne allergenic pollen content in parks of different types relative to a reference point located on the roof of a building. Moreover, this study investigated the relationship between tree canopy volume and the number of recorded airborne pollen grains (SPIn- Seasonal Pollen Integral), and these parameters were compared with the potential impact of vegetation in the parks studied through the Index of Urban Green Zones Allergenicity (IUGZA). Aerobiological monitoring was carried out in Rzeszów, SE Poland in 2016. A volumetric Hirst-type device was used. The pollen seasons of many taxa largely overlapped at each site where the monitoring was carried out, but the concentration values clearly differed. Tree pollen concentration values were not dependent on total canopy volume, and the greatest disproportions were found for Acer, Betula, Quercus, and Tilia pollen. This may be due to the fact that a solitary tree produces more pollen than a tree growing near others of the same species. The downtown park, surrounded by densely built-up areas, exhibited the highest allergenic potential, and the concentration of pollen, in particular tree pollen, was highest there. It is undesirable to plant hedges of allergenic plants, as they are a rich local source of pollen. Aerobiological monitoring carried out in urban parks provides information about the real threat of allergenic pollen to park visitors.

Denitrification-Dependent Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane in Freshwater Sediments of Reservoirs in SE Poland

Denitrification-Dependent Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane in Freshwater Sediments of Reservoirs in SE Poland

Estimation of absolute permeability using artificial neural networks (multilayer perceptrons) based on well logs and laboratory data from Silurian and Ordovician deposits in SE Poland

Permeability is a property of rocks which refers to the ability of fluids to flow through each substance. It depends on several factors as pore shape and diameter. Also the presence and type of clay has a large influence on the permeability value. Permeability can be measured on rock sample in the laboratory by injecting fluid through the rock under known condition, but this provides only point information. Due to the dependence of the parameter on many factors, the deterministic estimation of permeability based on laboratory measurement and well logs is problematic. Many empirical methods for determining permeability are available in the literature and interpretation systems. An interesting approach to the problem is the use of artificial neural networks based on laboratory measurement and modern, high-resolution logging tools. The authors decided to use MLP artificial neural networks, which allow permeability estimation and can be used both in the test well and applied to neighbouring wells. The network was checked in several variants. Obtained results show the legitimacy of using artificial neural networks in the issue of estimating permeability. However, they also show limitations resulting from the lack of accurate data or influence of geological setting and processes.

Forest habitats and forest types on chernozems in south-eastern Poland

Abstract The objective of the study is the presentation of the chemical properties of forest chernozems and the features of forest habitats developed on chernozems in south-eastern Poland. The assessment of the trophic status of chernozems was presented based on the Trophic Soil Index (SIG). Moreover, the paper presents the diversity of forest vegetation on chernozems. The research covered 15 plots from the habitat inventory performed for the Mircze and Strzelce Forest Districts (SE Poland). Habitat conditions were characterised on the research plots, with particular consideration of the soil and vegetation. The analysed soils were featured by the presence of thick humus horizons and the occurrence of calcium carbonate. High SIG values confirm the eutrophic status of the analysed soils. In general, fresh and wet habitats of broadleaved forests (Lśw and Lw), as well as fresh habitats of broadleaved upland forest (Lwyżśw) develop on chernozems in Poland. They are associated with multi-species broadleaved tree stands. The conducted research indicates that, in current environmental conditions, the potential plant community is oak-hornbeam forest with predominance of oak, hornbeam, and abundant admixtures of other broadleaved species. High trophic status of the analysed chernozems is confirmed by high bonitation of tree stands and richness of forest floor vegetation.

Analysis of the Safety of Functioning Gas Pipelines in Terms of the Occurrence of Failures

The development of appropriate methods by which to assess the functioning of gas pipelines helps limits the consequences of disasters, in that way protecting users better. Assessment methods of this kind are presented in this paper, which advocates the integrated risk area identification method. The risk taken account of is understood to be a function of the probability or frequency of occurrence of undesirable events, and comes with parameters defining the consequences of these events, should they arise, in terms of their magnitude. The level of system vulnerability to events of these types is a factor considered, and the risk calculation is of a kind that encompasses both quantitative and qualitative aspects. The approach taken is regarded as a quick and simple risk-assessment tool applicable to the daily operation of gas networks for a gas company. Specifically, the framework of the research carried out extends to: (1) Estimation of the average cost of failure of gas pipelines in the case of an urban agglomeration in SE Poland; (2) assessment of the level of integrated risk facing the gas-supply subsystem, by reference to the risk area identification method; (3) failure forecasting by way of regressions with delay; and (4) conclusions regarding failure risk assessment in a gas-supply network, as well as a consideration of prospects. The framework referred here, thus constitutes the basis for both analysis and assessment of the safety of a gas-supply system.

Exploring the frequency-size relationships of pipe collapses in different morphoclimatic regions

Piping is an important land degradation process that occurs in almost all climatic zones. This study analyses for the first time the frequency-size distribution of different types of pipe collapses (PCs): sinkholes and compound depressions related to the coalescence of sinkholes (compound sinkholes and elongated blind gullies). Exploring the frequency-size relationships of PCs provides critical morphometric information about this hazardous erosion and ground-stability process, as well as its impact on hillslope denudation, hillslope-channel coupling and landscape development. The analysis has been performed with field-based inventories of PCs from five catchments located in two different morphoclimatic environments: one in the semi-arid Ebro Depression, NE Spain (Valpalmas catchment), and four in the humid Bieszczady Mts., SE Poland. In total, 724 PCs were mapped, among which 335 PCs in Valpalmas and 389 PCs in the Bieszczady Mts. The morphometric analyses were based on the major axis (the maximum length or width) and area of the PCs. Despite differences between study areas from NE Spain and SE Poland (related to climate conditions, rainfall regime, soil water storage capacity, spatial pattern of pipe networks, vegetation cover and land use), empirical cumulative frequency curves of PCs show similar patterns in all study sites indicating similar overall effects of piping erosion. The size distribution of the inventoried PCs can be modelled satisfactorily with logarithmic functions with high goodness of fit values (R2 ≥ 0.93) for each type of PC and the combined set of PCs (sinkholes and compound sinkholes/blind gullies) mapped in each area and in the five catchments together. The PCs mapped in Valpalmas are displaced towards larger dimensions attributable to local factors. The applicability and limitations of frequency-size relationships of PCs for geomorphological studies and hazard assessment are discussed.

Detection of Soil Pipes Using Ground Penetrating Radar

Soil piping leads to land degradation in almost all morphoclimatic regions. However, the detection of soil pipes is still a methodological challenge. Therefore, this study aims at testing ground penetrating radar (GPR) to identify soil pipes and to present the complexity of soil pipe networks. The GPR surveys were conducted at three sites in the Bieszczady Mountains (SE Poland), where pipes develop in Cambisols. In total, 36 GPR profiles longitudinal and transverse to piping systems were made and used to provide spatial visualization of pipe networks. Soil pipes were identified as reflection hyperbolas on radargrams, which were verified with the surface indicators of piping, i.e., sagging of the ground and the occurrence of pipe roof collapses. Antennas of 500 MHz and 800 MHz were tested, which made possible the penetration of the subsurface up to 3.2 m and 2 m, respectively. Concerning ground properties, antenna frequencies and processing techniques, there was a potential possibility to detect pipes with a minimum diameter of 3.5 cm (using the antenna of lower frequency), and 2.2 cm (with the antenna of higher frequency). The results have proved that soil pipes meander horizontally and vertically and their networks become more complicated and extensive down the slope. GPR is a useful method to detect soil pipes, although it requires field verification and the proper selection of antenna frequency.

Verification of gravity-flow models: case study from the Lower Eocene sediments (Tylmanowa site, SE Poland)

The thick-bedded, deep-water sandstone succession was described at the Tylmanowa site from the Polish Outer Carpathians. This part of the Carpathians is built mainly of the Upper Jurassic to Paleogene deep-water rocks. Succession at the Tylmanowa site is composed of massive, ripple-cross laminated, planar and trough cross-stratified, horizontally laminated and deformed sandstones as well as massive and horizontally laminated mudstones. All these sediments derived from gravity flows that prograde downslope from a basin margin towards the widespread abyssal plain. Exposed succession records the gradual transition from a decelerating debris flow to a turbidity current what is extraordinary in the recent investigations of deep-water sediments. The study succession has been compared with the widely known sediment models, such as: the classic Bouma Sequence (Bouma 1962), the high-density turbidite model (Lowe 1982), the fluxoturbidite model (Ślączka, Thompson 1981) and the hybrid event bed model (Haughton et al. 2009).