Southern Baltic Coastal Zone Research Articles

Fossil soils from abrasive southern Baltic coastal sections and problems with their classification: A case study from Ustka Bay, Poland

This study aimed to identify the main depositional and soil-forming phases in the middle section of the Polish Baltic coast and determine the history of its landscape development. An attempt was also made to define new qualifiers to describe these compacted and eroded soils (including fossil soils), which have not previously been included in the WRB classification. The study was conducted in cliff sections located in the southern Baltic coastal zone. Selected physical and chemical properties were determined from four soil profiles using standard methods. Additionally, peat, peat-like material, mursh, and charcoals were dated using the radiocarbon method. Environmental reconstructions based on fossil soils have provided information about the development of the coast in the context of periods of relative climate stability that allowed the formation of soils of various types. The presence of sediments of different origin (glacial till, fluvioglacial and aeolian sands, interbeddings of peat, mursh and peat-like material) in the profiles compared with the obtained radiocarbon dates allowed for an assessment of the impact of environmental conditions on the potential for soil formation over thousands of years. The oldest soils, represented by Akrofluvic Stagnic Gleysols and Fluvic Stagnic Gleysols, were dated back to the Preboreal/Boreal period,whereas the youngest fossil soils (Albic Podzols (Arenic) and Aeolic Dystric Arenosols)) were developed in the SA2 phase of the Subatlantic period. The contemporary soil cover was represented by poorly developed Aeolic Dystric Arenosols with initial features of the podzolization process. No soils dated to the Atlantic period were found. Our findings are complementary to those of other studies on the history of the Polish Baltic coast and can be used for comparing with the soil cover development in other coastal regions of the Baltic Sea.

An inverted perspective: Identification of stone tools used in the production of bone and antler artefacts in the North European Mesolithic - the case of the Dąbki site, Poland

The overwhelming majority of Palaeolithic and Mesolithic sites recorded on the North European Plains are composed exclusively of lithic assemblages. Numerous macro- and microscopic surface trace studies have been conducted with the aim of the identification of micro-wear traces visible on flint tools and the classification of these traces. The main trace categories are related to the main groups of materials processed on the site, like wood, hide, bone, antler or plants. However, it is problematic to take the next step forward and interpret what exactly the flint tool may have been used for.This difficulty can be partially overcome by research of peatbog sites located next to biogenic deposits filling river valleys and lake basins that preserve artefacts made of organic materials. One such site is Dąbki, in northern Poland, on the southern Baltic coastal zone. The paleogeographic context of the site appears to be an island within an ancient lake. Over twenty years of archeological research has led to the recovery of tens of thousands of animal bones, including a rich collection of bone and antler tools. This fortunate circumstance allows us to conduct a microwear study from a reverse perspective: instead of starting with a flint tool and finishing with some general conclusions about what materials were processed, we begun with the analysis of bone and antler tools, describing first the primary activities, techniques and morphology of tools necessary to make a final product. Only later we moved to use-wear analysis describing the traces of bone and antler working observable on flint tools. Together with morphological features distinguished in the course of technological analysis of antler and bone tools it was the foundation for initial selection of flint and stone materials later detailly analyzed microscopically. Basing on this approach, we distinguished specific sets of flint tools used for manufacturing certain categories of bone and antler tools.

Storm-Surge Induced Water Level Changes in the Odra River Mouth Area (Southern Baltic Coast)

The Odra River mouth area is a region of the Southern Baltic coastal zone especially prone to the influence of storm surges. In the present study, the height and extent of the Baltic storm surges, and temporal offsets of the respective maximum water level occurrences in the Odra River mouth area were explored using cross-correlation, cluster analysis and principal component analysis. The analyses were based on hourly water level readings retrieved from water gauging stations located along the lower Odra reaches and at the coasts of the Szczecin Lagoon and the Pomeranian Bay during storm surge years 2008/2009–2019/2020. The analysis of mutual relationships between water levels during storm surges indicated that the extent of marine influence on the lower Odra River and within the Szczecin Lagoon was variable during the studied surge events, and dependent on meteorological conditions (the strongest during the sustained occurrence of wind blowing from the northern sector), discharge from the Odra River catchment (the strongest at low discharge), ice conditions on the lower Odra (suppressing the storm surge propagation upstream), and general sea level in the Pomeranian Bay (stronger at high sea levels). The strongest correlation between sea levels at Świnoujście and water levels in the Szczecin Lagoon and the lower Odra was found at a 6–7 h offset. The extent of storm surges usually reached 100 km up the lower Odra channels, less frequently reaching 130 km away from the sea.

Geohazard assessment of the coastal zone – the case of the southern Baltic Sea

Research by the Polish Geological Survey has been carried out along the southern Baltic coastal zone over a distance of 38 km. The Baltic Sea is classified as non-tidal, and its southern coasts are built entirely of weakly lithified sedimentary rocks. These deposits form three main types of coast, namely cliffs, barriers and alluvial coasts (wetlands), with the research focusing on the first two. Methods including remote sensing, mapping (geological, hydrogeological), offshore survey (bathymetric and geophysical measurements), laboratory analyses and modelling revealed a number of natural hazards. These are, respectively: (1) permanently occurring hazards, causing material damage such as: landslides, coastal erosion and seabed erosion; (2) incidental hazards such as dune breakage and storm surge overflow and (3) hypothetical threats that may occur in the future, such as hydrogeohazards defined here as flooding resulting from groundwater level rise or more rarely, earthquake threats.

Fractionation of mercury in aerosols of the southern Baltic coastal zone

Abstract The form in which Hg occurs in the atmosphere is important to understand the toxicity and bioavailability of this metal. So far, research on mercury speciation in the atmosphere has mostly focused on its three forms: elemental gaseous mercury (GEM/Hg0), reactive gaseous mercury (GOM/Hg2+) and mercury bound in aerosols (TPM). However, these studies do not provide complete information on mercury compounds in aerosols. Only a few publications on mercury fractionation in TPM have been published, but these have focused mainly on describing the method and have provided only a limited number of environmental results. Therefore, the research aimed to identify forms of mercury occurring in aerosols in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea, as well as to determine factors affecting the temporal changes in the share of individual Hg fractions. Aerosol samples were collected in Gdynia (Poland) from May 2016 to January 2017. A thermo-desorption technique was used for the determination of total mercury and Hg fractions. Mercury in aerosols was present mainly in labile factions related to mercury halides, mercury nitrate and organic mercury as well as gaseous mercury. The stable Hg fraction, mainly bound to Hg sulphide, constituted only 7% of total particulate mercury. The conducted research also allowed to determine the origin of mercury sources in aerosols. In the winter it was burning of fossil fuels, and in the summer biological activity and emission from the sea.

Butyltins in sediments from the Southern Baltic coastal zone: Is it still a matter of concern, 10 years after implementation of the total ban?

The study was done to assess butyltin contamination in sediments of the Southern Baltic coastal zone, ten years after implementation of the total ban on harmful organotin use in antifouling paints. Sediment samples were collected from two seaports of international significance: the Port of Gdańsk and the Port of Gdynia, as well as from the Szczecin Lagoon which plays a significant role as a shipping route connecting the Port of Szczecin with the Port of Świnoujście. Total concentrations of butyltins in the sediment samples ranged between 5.7 and 3321 ng Sn g−1 d.w. Eighty percent of the samples were found as highly and grossly contaminated with tributyltin. The results were compared with those recorded ten years ago. Despite the improvement, the butyltin contamination still gives rise to concern in the study area. According to the HELCOM recommendation, all samples exceeded the Good Environmental Status boundary for tributyltin in sediments.

Late Vistulian and Holocene development of litho-morpho-pedogenic processes in the southern Baltic coastal zone: A case study from Dębina, northern Poland

The study aimed to reconstruct major phases of the litho-morpho-pedogenic processes in the southern Baltic coastal zone near Dębina in northern Poland. Five profiles of fossil soils in the coastal cliff were described, sampled and analysed using standard procedures. The studied outcrop covers a sequence of deposits, including the basal till of the Świecie Stadial (MIS 4) of the Vistula Glaciation, the ablation till of the Pomeranian Phase (MIS 2) of the Vistula Glaciation, the thin cover of glacilimnic sand, the lacustrine sediments filling the palaeolake basin, and aeolian deposits of varied age. A sequence of paleosols developed successively within these deposits during the Late Vistulian and Holocene (MIS 1). The initialization of soil-forming processes occurred under the influence of periglacial environment and pioneer tundra vegetation. Endostagnic Podzols (Abruptic, Epiarenic, Endoloamic, Endodensic) developed within the plateau, and they have some features typical for periglacial environments (e.g. the presence of a cryoilluvial horizon, the poor humification of soil organic matter, the low abundance in N and P, and the vertical displacement of P). The basin of a small lake has been filled successively with sediments and Dystric Endocalcaric Katostagnic Fluvisols (Arenic, Humic, Endolimnic) developed from these sediments during the Late Vistulian and Early Holocene. The previously mentioned soils were buried by sandy cover in the Early Subatlantic due to intensification of aeolian processes. Ortsteinic Podzols (Pantoarenic) developed within a newly formed sandy cover. A fossil fireplace preserved in the top of these soils constitutes evidence of human activity dating back almost 2000 years. Ortsteinic Podzol (Pantoarenic) are dissected by a dry valley that developed as a result of some fluvial episode, perhaps induced by human activity. It was subsequently filled with aeolian sands, and Dystric Arenosols (Aeolic, Ochric) developed within them. Ortsteinic Podzol (Pantoarenic) and Dystric Arenosols (Aeolic, Ochric) were buried approximately five centuries ago. Our findings for the studied cliff section correlate well with results of other authors concerning the postglacial dynamics of morphogenetic processes. The studies provide significantly enriched geomorphological knowledge related to the formation of relief in the study area, with pedological aspects.

Hydrometeorological Conditions for the Occurrence of Aeolian Processes on the Southern Baltic Coast in Poland

This article presents the temporal and spatial variability of hydrometeorological conditions conducive aeolian processes on the Southern Baltic coastal zone in Poland. The analysis made use of daily meteorological (wind, temperature, and rainfall) and hydrological (sea level) data from 1961 to 2010. Data for four stations (Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Ustka, Hel) were provided by the Institute of Meteorology and Water Management in Warsaw. A time decomposition of hydrometeorological conditions conducive to the initiation and intensification of aeolian processes in the coastal zone was also performed. In addition to their scientific significance, the temporal and spatial conditions for aeolian processes on the Baltic coast of Poland have an essential utilitarian significance. Modern aeolian processes on the Baltic coast limit the development potential of the coastal zone. Aeolian processes have a positive and negative impact on geomorphological transformation of the sea coast. They take part in the reconstruction of the beach and foredunes after storms. In periods between storms, coastal wind is seen to decrease the balance of beach sediments and lowers the beach area. On the other hand, onshore wind favors, among other things, filling of tourist infrastructure and development located at the hinterland of the beach and dunes. Hydrometeorological conditions especially favorable to the intensification of aeolian processes are the main determinants of geomorphological changes in the coastal zone (some of which can be extreme). Temporal and spatial analysis of hydrometeorological conditions conducive to aeolian processes is important for many areas of human activity, especially those concerning protection, management, and development of the coast.

The record of postglacial environmental changes of the southern Baltic coastal zone in the sequence of fossil soils

PurposeThe studies aimed to reconstruct major phases of litho-morpho-pedogenic processes and past environmental changes in the Baltic coastal zone near Poddąbie (54°37,070′ N, 16°57,897′ E) based on physical, chemical, pollen, and fossil Cladocera analysis of the polycyclic pedocomplex.Materials and methodsThe polycyclic pedocomplex under study included seven fossil soils developed from the Early Holocene until modern times from various materials. The soils were sampled and analyzed using standard procedures in soil science to determine their physical and chemical properties. Pollen and fossil Cladocera analysis was also carried out in the examined profile. Radiocarbon dates of selected samples were also specified.Results and discussionThe studied polycyclic pedocomplex has been developed from materials of varied origin, including glaciofluvial, fluvial, aeolian, and biogenic deposits of the lake. According to the results of pollen and fossil Cladocera analysis and radiocarbon dating, this body of water has evolved from the beginning of Preboreal period to the half of Boreal. The studied soils represent various reference groups and advancement of development. They constitute relics of former geomorphological and soil-forming processes, which have taken place over the last 9500 years, including periglacial processes, wildfires, Baltic Sea shoreline changes, and aeolian activity. The last stage of the coastal relief dynamics was conditioned by the fire which took place about 1472–1637 AD. The lack of plant cover and intensive abrasion due to direct vicinity of the coastline has caused the deposition of aeolian material, which is the parent material of nutrient-poor initial soils.ConclusionsThe analysis of fossil soil development with the use of specialized research methods allowed for reconstructing the dynamics of past geomorphological processes and natural environment changes in the study area. The studied polycyclic pedocomplex constitutes a record of environmental changes taking place in the central part of the Polish Baltic coastal zone from the Early Holocene to the present day. The studied soil sequence is located within a land depression developed in place of the former water reservoir created as a result of permafrost degradation, and filled with Holocene deposits.

New insight into defining the lakes of the southern Baltic coastal zone.

There exist many classification systems of hydrographic entities such as lakes found along the coastlines of seas and oceans. Each system has its advantages and can be used with some success in the area of protection and management. This paper aims to evaluate whether the studied lakes are only coastal lakes or rather bodies of water of a completely different hydrological and hydrochemical nature. The attempt to create a new classification system of Polish coastal lakes is related to the incompleteness of lake information in existing classifications. Thus far, the most frequently used are classifications based solely on lake basin morphogenesis or hydrochemical properties. The classifications in this paper are based not only on the magnitude of lake water salinity or hydrochemical analysis but also on isolation from the Baltic Sea and other sources of water. The key element of the new classification system for coastal bodies of water is a departure from the existing system used to classify lakes in Poland and the introduction of ion-"tracking" methods designed to identify anion and cation distributions in each body of water of interest. As a result of the work, a new classification of lakes of the southern Baltic Sea coastal zone was created. Featured objects such as permanently brackish lakes, brackish lakes that may turn into freshwater lakes from time to time, freshwater lakes that may turn into brackish lakes from time to time, freshwater lakes that experience low levels of salinity due to specific incidents, and permanently freshwater lakes. The authors have adopted 200mg Cl-dm-3 as a maximum value of lake water salinity. There are many conditions that determine the membership of a lake to a particular group, but the most important is the isolation lakes from the Baltic Sea. Changing a condition may change the classification of a lake.

SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIABILITY IN HEADWATER STREAM CHEMISTRY IN THE YOUNG-GLACIAL LANDSCAPE OF THE SOUTHERN BALTIC COASTAL ZONE

SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIABILITY IN HEADWATER STREAM CHEMISTRY IN THE YOUNG-GLACIAL LANDSCAPE OF THE SOUTHERN BALTIC COASTAL ZONE

Mercury concentration variability in the zooplankton of the southern Baltic coastal zone

Being a toxic element, mercury is introduced to the human organism through the consumption of fish and seafood, which in turn often feed on zooplankton. The bioaccumulation of Hg by zooplankton is an important factor influencing the magnitude of the mercury load introduced with food into the predator organism. Therefore the present article attempts to identify the processes and factors influencing Hg concentration in the zooplankton of the coastal zone, an area where marine organisms – an attractive food source for humans – thrive. This is particularly important in areas where climate changes influence the species composition and quantity of plankton. The studies were carried out on three test sites in the coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea in the period from December 2011 to May 2013. The obtained results show that the shorting of the winter season is conducive to Hg increase in zooplankton and, consequently, in the trophic chain. High mercury concentrations were measured in genus Synchaeta and Keratella when Mesodinium rubrum were predominant in phytoplankton, while other sources of this metal in the plankton fauna were epilithon, epiphton and microbenthos. This is of particular importance when it comes to sheltered bays and estuaries with low water dynamics.

Wave-induced bedload transport – a study of the southern Baltic coastal zone

Abstract The wave-induced bedload transport and spatial distribution of its magnitude in the southern Baltic coastal zone of Poland are estimated. The vicinity of Lubiatowo was selected as a representative part of the Polish coast. It was assumed that transport is a function of shear stress; alternative approaches, based on force balances and discharge relationships, were not considered in the present study. Four models were studied and compared over a wide range of bottom shear stress and wind-wave conditions. The set of models comprises classic theories that assume a simplified influence of turbulence on sediment transport (e.g., advocated by authors such as Du Boys, Meyer-Peter and Müller, Ribberink, Engelund and Hansen). It is shown that these models allow to estimate transport comparable to measured values under similar environmental conditions. A united general model for bedload transport is proposed, and a set of maps of wave bedload transport for various wind conditions in the study area is presented.

Long-term trends in nutrient concentrations in Polish coastal rivers

This paper analyzes the long-term changes in concentrations of nutrients in seven rivers located in the Polish part of the southern Baltic coastal zone in response to economic changes that took place between 1988 and 2013. These changes included: construction or modernization of 390 biological waste water treatment plants, reduction of untreated municipal waste waters discharged into water and soil, a decrease in fertilizer application, and a decline in animal production by about 60% LU. Statistically significant downward trends in nutrients concentrations were observed in six out of seven studied rivers. The mean annual concentration of Ntot changed from about 3.6 to 3.8 mg N dm−3 in the late 1980's and early 1990's to about 2.2 mg N dm−3 in the last 5 years of the study period. The average concentrations of total phosphorus showed the highest values between 1989 and 1991, with a maximum of about 0.5 mg P dm−3 in 1990, and were then gradually decreasing to about 0.12 mg P dm−3 in the late 2000's and early 2010's. Additionally, during the last 25 years the Ntot/Ptot ratio increased significantly, which is indicative of the improvement of ecological status of studied rivers. Correlation analyses indicate that significant reduction in point emission of nutrients and in consumption of organic fertilizer played an important role in the change of nutrient concentration in study rivers.

Organotin compounds in surface sediments of the Southern Baltic coastal zone: a study on the main factors for their accumulation and degradation

Sediment samples were collected in the Gulf of Gdańsk, and the Vistula and Szczecin Lagoons—all located in the coastal zone of the Southern Baltic Sea—just after the total ban on using harmful organotins in antifouling paints on ships came into force, to assess their butyltin and phenyltin contamination extent. Altogether, 26 sampling stations were chosen to account for different potential exposure to organotin pollution and environmental conditions: from shallow and well-oxygenated waters, shipping routes and river mouths, to deep and anoxic sites. Additionally, the organic carbon content, pigment content, and grain size of all the sediment samples were determined, and some parameters of the near-bottom water (oxygen content, salinity, temperature) were measured as well. Total concentrations of butyltin compounds ranged between 2 and 182 ng Sn g−1 d.w., whereas phenyltins were below the detection limit. Sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk and Vistula Lagoon were found moderately contaminated with tributyltin, whereas those from the Szczecin Lagoon were ranked as highly contaminated. Butyltin degradation indices prove a recent tributyltin input into the sediments adjacent to sites used for dumping for dredged harbor materials and for anchorage in the Gulf of Gdańsk (where two big international ports are located), and into those collected in the Szczecin Lagoon. Essential factors affecting the degradation and distribution of organotins, based on significant correlations between butyltins and environmental variables, were found in the study area.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11356-013-2115-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.