Small River Valley Research Articles

Опыт выявления и отображения основных закономерностей растительного покрова методом картографирования (на материале исследования гольцово-таёжной территории)

Geobotanical mapping of the territory in riverheads Bureya of 4500 sq.km is carried out and the map of a actual vegetation cover of scale 1 : 200 000 is prepared. The legend of the map is presented in the form of the text with three-level hierarchy of classes. At the heart of structure of a legend of the map such regularities of a vegetation cover, as its latitudinal zonality / altitudinal belts, situation in a relief and dynamic series lie. The largest divisions of the legend reflect, first, change of large classes of mesocombinations of vegetation at the level of belts and, secondly, distinction in a boreal - forestry belt between a vegetation cover of tops and slopes of mountains, on the one hand, and the bottoms of river valleys, with another. Divisions of the legend of the second level reflect, first, vegetation changes in the form of high-rise and barrier changes of subbelts, secondly, distinctions of a vegetation cover in different geomorphological conditions (small and average river valleys, northern slopes, etc.). Divisions of the legend of the second level correspond to dynamic series of units of the third level. Essential addition to it are block diagrams of dynamics of a vegetation cover.

Balkas – a new look at a common landform of the East European Plain, from a Quaternary perspective

ABSTRACTBalkas (large Quaternary gullies) of the south‐western part of the East European Plain (and their analogues in Central and Western Europe) are considered in terms of their geomorphology, lithology, sedimentology, modern surface processes, stratigraphy and palaeogeography. Features attributed to balkas in comparison with regular gullies and small river valleys are described. Balkas are widespread elements of the modern landscape with the same characteristic gentle‐concave bottom as regular gullies, and with or without weakly incised river channels. Buried gully incisions of different ages (post‐Gelasian) with the same shape are also revealed below modern Balkas. They are infilled by characteristic balka alluvial, slope and even lacustrine‐bog deposits, in places representing compound sequences of fluvial‐aeolian sedimentation. The fluvial part reflects multiple series of ephemeral episodes of increased water and sediment supply within temporary streams. Two conspicuous series supposedly fall within the final stages of the Dnieper (late Middle Pleistocene) and Valdai (Late Pleistocene) glaciations. Different ideas concerning the increase of surface runoff and erodibility of soils that might favour active balkas under conditions of land‐ice decay and permafrost, including its degradation, are discussed. The development of balkas included relatively short phases of incision and accumulation interrupted by much longer periods of inactivity, when they were subjected to surface processes in a subaerial environment or left as a relic. However, during active phases they served as important and powerful depositories and arteries of rill–gully–balka sedimentation systems, collecting and transmitting eroded material to the river valleys. These phases are related to climatic oscillations and were to some degree independent of fluvial processes affecting the permanent streams. Most of the Middle‐Late Pleistocene balkas retained their primary features, having subsequently been incorporated into the erosional network. In contrast, some of them were totally infilled and disappeared from the landscape. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Records on Anthropogenic Environmental Changes in Small River Valleys in the Vicinity of Łowicz (Central Poland): Their Significance for the Reconstruction of Late Holocene Settlement Tendencies

Abstract Based on palaeobotanical analyses of organic deposits, as well as geomorphological and geological studies at four sites in various geomorphological locations in relation to tributaries of the Bzura River, the presence of traces of human activity, its intensiveness, and classification to cultural levels were analysed. A pattern of later and later settlement in areas remote from the axis of the Warsaw-Berlin streamway was observed along with the gradual introduction of settlement from river valley bottoms to watershed zones.

Plant cover of the Szum river valley (Roztocze, South-East Poland)

The break section of the Szum river and the mouth part of its left tributary, Miedzianka (Roztocze, SE Poland) were the object of the research conducted in the years 1999-2001. The aim of the study was to establish the abiotic conditions of the diversity of vegetation and the richness of vascular flora in a small lowland river valley. A real vegetation map was drawn in the scale 1:5000. The syntaxonomic classification of plant communities and habitat trophism were established on the basis of 120 phytosociological relevés and 160 soil samples, respectively. On the area of barely 35.4 ha identified were 48 plant associations and communities representing 11 phytosociological classes, among them habitats protected in Poland (16 types) and important at the EU scale (3). There were found 378 species of 72 families, including: 21 species under strict protection, 9 under partial protection, 25 plants threatened on the regional scale, and 2 included into the Polish Red Data Book. Most of interesting species and non-forest communities occur in the parts of the valley above and below a landscape reserve 'Szum', established in 1958, covering presently 18.17 ha. The greatest floral richness was found in the peatbog-meadow complexes (<em>Phragmitetea</em>, <em>Molinio-Arrhenatheretea</em>, <em>Scheuchzerio-Caricetea</em>), in bog-alder forests and willow bushes (<em>Alnetea glutinosae</em>), and streamline ash-alder carrs (<em>Querco-Fagetea</em>, <em>Alno-Ulmion</em>), while the smallest - in the pine and poorer upland mixed fir forests (<em>Vaccinio-Piceetea</em>). Vascular flora appears to be the richest in the sections of the valley where the bottom is overgrown by non-forest communities. The results of the study indicate that it is necessary to enlarge the area of the existing nature reserve.

Reintroduction of beavers Castor fiber may improve habitat quality for vespertilionid bats foraging in small river valleys

Beavers strongly modify their environment by not only building dams and creating ponds, which slow the water flow, but also by selective cutting and removing of trees, which change the spatial structure of the forest. We aimed to test the hypothesis that beaver activity promotes new foraging sites for insectivorous bats. The beaver’s influence can be especially significant on aerial hawkers that prefer moderate structural clutter, like the Pipistrellus species (by creating new canopy gaps), and on water-surface foragers, like Myotis daubentonii (by creating ponds with smooth water surface). The study was conducted on small streams in forest areas of northern Poland, which were colonized by the European beaver (Castor fiber). Bat activity was recorded with a Pettersson D-980 ultrasound detector on line transects. The number of bat passes was significantly higher in the stream sections modified by beavers (flooded and subjected to intensive tree cutting) than in the unmodified sections (for Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Nyctalus noctula, and all species lumped together). Contrary to our expectations, the activity of the Myotis species was significantly lower on the transect with the largest beaver ponds, possibly due to the blanket of duckweed (Lemnaceae), which is known to produce clutter echoes, thereby reducing prey detection by echolocating M. daubentonii.

Issues in the protection of small river valleys: the example of the Kulawa River valley (northwest Poland)

Abstract This paper presents the results of research relating to the vegetation of the Kulawa River valley and its flow lakes - Głuche Duże, Głuche Małe, and Sieczonek. Transformations observed in the flora examined were the result of two overlapping factors: 1. anthropogenic factors - among others, a high phosphorus content in the waters of the river and in nutrients accumulating in the lakes; 2. natural factors, such as a reduced level of subsoil waters. In the protection of river valleys, it is important to diagnose all threats. The diagnosis should be based not only on an evaluation of water quality, but also on the state of the whole environment of the valley.

The effect of beaver (Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758) activity on amphibian reproduction

The effect of beaver (Castor fiber Linnaeus, 1758) activity on amphibian reproduction was studied in the small river valleys in Novgorod oblast. At sites not subjected to beaver activity, the reproduction rate of amphibians was low. In spring the water in beaver ponds warms up quickly, which attracts amphibians for reproduction. The maximal abundance of tadpoles due to a high reproduction rate was observed in partially drained ponds. However, a high larvae mortality rate was often observed there. Tadpole survival in flooded and empty ponds depends on factors that are not controlled by beavers, such as geomorphology and climate.

Seed deposition in drift lines: Opportunity or hazard for species establishment?

Arrival at suitable sites for germination and establishment is crucial for hydrochorous plants. Seed deposition in riparian landscapes occurs mainly within litter in drift lines. We investigated whether conditions within drift lines are suitable for seed survival and germination and whether drift lines act as seed sources or sinks for species diversity in riparian fen grasslands. We analysed drift litter in a small river valley in Northern Germany (Upper Eider valley) after typical late winter floods in 2000, 2002 and 2004. The content of viable seeds in drift lines was studied via a germination trial with drift litter samples taken from five fen grassland sites representative of the vegetation of floodplain. Further, seedling recruitment of both abandoned and moderately grazed fen grasslands affected by drift line deposition was compared with equivalent sites without drift lines. Additionally, the decline of viable seeds after the deposition of drift litter was studied. Finally, the relative importance of seed-containing drift litter and microsite availability for seedling recruitment was investigated in a field experiment with the factors disturbance (mowing, large gaps, small gaps, undisturbed control) and addition of (seed-containing) drift litter (yes, no) in an abandoned riparian fen. Seedlings which recruited from drift litter collected at different sites differed in species composition. A nearly 50% reduction of the number of viable seeds in drift litter was observed already during 2 weeks after deposition. Naturally deposited drift lines had a positive effect on the number of seedlings, although an increase of seedling recruitment in areas with drift litter was only observed at the grazed site. Adding drift litter reduced the number of seedlings in the field experiment, while creating gaps enhanced seedling recruitment. These results indicate that in riparian fen grasslands, drift lines can affect species diversity either negatively by hampering germination and/or establishment or positively by increasing seed availability. As the studied river system is comparatively species poor and flooding extension is limited, the role of drift lines as seed source might be of minor importance in the study area.

A Diverse Dinosaur-Bird Footprint Assemblage from the Lance Formation, Upper Cretaceous, Eastern Wyoming: Implications for Ichnotaxonomy

A diverse assemblage of dinosaur and bird tracks from Niobrara County, Wyoming, represents the first vertebrate ichnofauna reported from the bone-rich Lance Formation (Maastrichtian, Upper Cretaceous). The ichnofauna includes a hadrosaur track with skin impressions; three theropod track types, including the tetradactyl track Saurexallopus zerbsti (ichnosp. nov.); a tridactyl dinosaur footprint with a fusiform digit III; possible Tyrannosaurus tracks; four distinctive avian ichnites; and invertebrate traces. The footprints are generally well-preserved and so offer a unique insight into the ecology of a small river valley during the Maastrichtian. Saurexallopus zerbsti ichnosp. nov. from the Lance is similar to Saurexallopus lovei recently reported from the Maastrichtian, Harebell Formation, of northwestern Wyoming, but is represented by much better material, facilitating amendment of the ichnogenus. Skeletal equivalents for Saurexallopus are not currently known. Similarly, the tridactyl track with fusiform digit III is similar to footprints reported from the coeval Laramie Formation of Colorado and may also be similar to ichnogenus Ornithomimipus from the Edmonton Group of Alberta (though not necessarily of ornithomimid affinity). The hadrosaurian track with the skin impression is reminiscent of a similar ichnite reported from the Maastrichtian, St. Mary River Formation in Alberta, which is herein named Hadrosauropodus langstoni as part of a reassessment of Cretaceous ornithopod track ichnotaxonomy. Such correlations demonstrate the utility of tracks for local or regional biostratigraphy (palichnostratigraphy) in western North America. It is also clear that tracks add to our knowledge of the composition and distribution of dinosaurian and avian components of Maastrichtian faunas. In particular the bird tracks indicate a diversity of at least four species, one of which was a semi-palmate form, hitherto unknown in the ichnological record and named Sarjeantichnus semipalmatus.

Influence of the migration of137Cs on its vertical profile in the soil of terrain subjected to accumulative denudation

An analysis was made of the vertical distribution profile of137Cs in azonal terrain of small river valleys and gorges with a predominance of accumulative denudation processes in the redistribution of the soil mass (the valley of the River Lokna, the Plava area of the Tula region). The established correlation between the inventory of137Cs and its depth penetration into the soil confirms the proposition that the former is incremented by soil particles containing absorbed137Cs being washed in. A negative correlation was revealed between the exposure dose rates and the inventory of137Cs.

Die postglaziale Besiedlung Mitteleuropas durch Libellen, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung Südwestdeutschlands (Insecta, Odonata). The postglacial colonization of Central Europe by dragonflies, with special reference to southwestern Germany (Insecta, Odonata)

The migratory routes along which the Central European species of dragonflies probably immigrated from their periglacial refuges into Central Europe are reconstructed. Due to the topographical configuration in Central Europe, the postglacial invasions were confined to only a few routes. Mountain chains and also small river valleys, i.e. the Rhine valley between Lake Constance and Waldshut, acted as barriers; while geotectonic depressions, such as the ‘Geneva Gate’, ‘Burgundian Gate’ and ‘Moravian Gate’, played an important role as ‘gateways’ in overcoming these obstacles, the wide river plains were used as corridors to invade the hinterland. The extent of the immigration into Central Europe by the dragonfly species depended on the one hand on the distances which had to be covered from the refugial areas, but, on the other hand, also on the distinct postglacial climatic periods (Preboreal, Boreal, Atlantic, Subboreal, Subatlantic). Depending on their thermal requirements each species started expanding from their refugial areas at different times. Due to variable postglacial climatic conditions, progressive migratory phases alternated with regressive phases. The very different recent distribution patterns of the Central European dragonflies can only be understood if all the climate history, landscape morphology, the thermal requirements of the species, their origin (refugial areas) and history of colonization are considered. Because many Central European dragonfly localities currently lie at the periphery of the range of many species, these species can only survive in these areas if individual ‘reinforcements’ from their centres of distribution are possible. They still take place mainly along the old routes. Thus, disruption of the migratory routes, especially at the gateways, due to anthropogenic actions may influence the fauna of large Central European regions. Due to many anthropogenic influences, the routes already often seem to be interrupted over long distances and the connections to the centre of distribution already broken. As a result of precise knowledge of the courses of the migratory routes a better prediction is possible as to whether species conservation measures or recolonization projects will be successful.

Problems of dead ice and ground ice in the central part of the North European Plain

Five sections of sediment from mire infillings located in different part of the catchment small river valley in central Europe were studied by lithological and geochemical analysis in order to examine the response of aquatic ecosystems to the environment changes during Late Weischselian (LW). Differentiation of geochemical composition and grain-size properties in biogenic deposits is being considered as a result of change hydroclimatic conditions and geology structure in individual parts of the catchment. The principal component analysis (PCA) and clustered by hierarchical method (HCA) were chosen to create the lithogeochemical facies and their chronostratigraphy variability. Biogenic sediments of the studied river mires, regardless of the location in a given reach of the valley, are represents mainly by mineral or organic-mineral lithogeochemial facies with increased of lithophilic elements (Na, K and Mg). Similar chemical composition of gyttja and peat sediments in almost all periods of LW, indicate the strongly mechanical denudation processes in the Grabia River valley. The major process, conditioning the development of the mires (in it type and rate sedimentation), was the variable terrigenous material input which are related to its variable dynamic of floods. The higher than expected chemical denudation probably a result of specific groundwater flow direction and dissolving vari-grained sands and silts, which build plains in the central part of the study catchment. The number and thickness of individual lithogeochemical facies are caused by differences in the potential volume of the hydrologically active zone and geological conditions of the emerge or disappear permafrost.

I. Giants' Hills 2 Long Barrow, Skendleby, Lincolnshire

The Neolithic long barrow whose excavation is described in this report is one of a pair known as Giants' Hills, situated in the parish of Skendleby, Lincolnshire (NGR: TF(53)429709; Lat. 53° 12′ 40″ N., Long. 0° 8′ 30″ E.). The general geographical location is an outlier of the chalk at the southern extremity of the Lincolnshire Wolds (fig. 1). The site lay at between 56 and 58m O.D. along the gentle south-facing slope of a small river valley (fig. 2). The maximum slope is 7 degrees. Orientation was approximately south-east/north-west with what can be considered the more important end of the barrow (the front) towards the south-east. The dimensions of the preserved mound were 65 × 13m (maximum) (originally 77 × 19m), and of the entire site from the original outer edges of the ditch, 89 × 29m (maximum).The other barrow of the pair, Giants' Hills 1, was excavated by C. W. Phillips (1936). To the south-east beyond a low chalk ridge and in a topographical position similar to that of the Giants' Hills barrows lies another pair of long barrows, the Deadmen's Graves (fig. 2). On a broader geographical scale, both pairs belong to a group of about fifteen long barrows situated on the Lincolnshire Wolds (fig. 1).Excavation took place under the direction of the authors at the instigation of the Department of the Environment (now the Historic Buildings and Monuments Commission for England) because of damage sustained by ploughing. As well as being a rescue operation, the work can be seen as an integral part of research into prehistoric chalkland environments and Neolithic burial practices. Thus, financial support was provided not only by the DoE, but also by University College Cardiff and the University of Leicester. There were three field seasons. In the first two, from 4–28 September 1975 and 27 March to 10 April 1976, the western end of the site (west of line AL, fig. 4) was excavated totally. The main excavation took place between 14 August and 25 September 1976.

Essai sur la dynamique des peuplements de lianes ligneuses d’une forêt du Nord-Est du Gabon

The dynamics of two woody liana communities has been studied in two rain forest plots on the M’Passa plateau, North-East Gabon. The forest structure was different in the two areas studied. The first plot (2.4 ha) was set up at ground level on the forest edge, along a track opened ten years earlier. The second plot (3.2 ha) was located within the mature rain forest itself, a few hundred metres away, on uneven ground with a slope leaning towards a small river valley. The pattern of distribution of the woody climbers whose diameter at breast height (DBH) was ≧ 5 cm is described on the two plots. The distribution of these liana communities was always clumped. The density of woody climbers was higher in the forest edge plot than in the mature forest plot (145 ind/ha vs. 114 ind/ha). However, the percentage of older lianas, i.e. those whose DBH was ≧ 10 cm, was higher in the mature forest than at the forest edge (20.6 % vs. 7.8 %). The role of tree falls at the settlement stage of a woody liana community is discussed, and the importance of the supporting trees surrounding the gap is stressed. Woody lianas thrive during the first stages of the forest growth cycle, competing for light with the trees. Later on, woody climber communities age and regress when the forest mosaic matures.

A study of the role of the seagrass Posidonia australis in the carbon budget of an estuary

The budget and fate of organic carbon from the leaves of the seagrass Posidonia australis Hooker f. were studied in a small sunken river valley in Port Hacking, New South Wales. Standing stock and leaf growth were measured over 12-month periods. Estimated average relative leaf growth was 2.3 mgC g dry wt. −1 day −1. Estimated losses totalled 2.6 mgC g dry wt. −1 day −1 of which 48% was in the form of dissolved organic carbon, while grazing by herbivores (3%), leaves floating off (12%) and sinking leaves (37%) accounted for the remainder of the carbonaceous material lost from the seagrass leaves.

A Study of the Medieval Castles and Mansions in the Fukui Plain

Most castles and mansions of the medieval age were gathering weight in manor system since the latter part of the ancient times, at the same time they were dwelling and control bases of the residential lord classes who had been spreading their feudal territories and besides they were also military bases in the time of war. In consequence, the author has in mind that their formation, distribution and existence type reflect the forming process of feudal system into the landscape of the regions.First of all the paper treats of the forming process, distribution and existence types concerning 140 castles and 154 mansions distributing in and around the Fukui plain, and the territory formation under the Daimyo (a feudal lord) in warlike ages and the regional structure of the feudal territory are investigated in detail. Further, by restoring such medieval settlements as were the nucleus of the control over the feudal territory to the original state, the author is bringing light on the character, especially, the patterns of their plans, The results obtained are as follows:1) The original remains of the medieval castles and mansions are generally found out of the new opening-up of a land where are upland and swampy areas in and around the Fukui plain, or on the small river valleys among the mountains. Throughout the domestic conflict in the middle part of the fourteenth century, the number of castles and mansions grows rapidly.2) In 103 years from 1471 to 1573 the Daimyo kept on controling the feudal territory. During the time, castles and mansions grew most actively in the number and they were scattered at intervals of about 3-5km in the plain. These castles and mansions include the administration bases for the territories of the residential lords.3) In this medieval age, the fairs were held close by or near previous grand manor houses, in front of the big temples and shrines, and at the meeting places of the traffics. And so local center settlements formed of several tens of merchants' houses and the castle or mansion were distributed at intervals of about 10-12km.4) The mountain castle of Ichijotani was built in warlike ages at the top of a mountain of 450m and dwelling houses of retainer, temples and shrines flocked to its foot. In and around the crowded parts at the foot of the castle, were there formed business quarters. There had been many-nucleuses on the structure, however, the administration and economic functions had been properly exercised.