SW Poland Research Articles

Economic assessment of the Northern Copper Belt deposits – a future resource base of copper and silver ores in SW Poland

Economic assessment of the Northern Copper Belt deposits – a future resource base of copper and silver ores in SW Poland

Malacofauna of Bolków castle (Lower Silesia, SW Poland) – trends and perspectives

Bolków castle is located in the Lower Silesian voivodeship near the Kaczawskie Mountains. Malacological studies were carried out in 2006, 2010 and 2021. In 2006, specimens were collected only by hand, but in 2010 and 2021 samples were also made by litter sieving and from material taken from rock shelves and walls. Overall, 35 species were found, but the numbers declined over time: 28 species in 2006, 26 in 2010 and 20 in 2021. Two species recorded before our studies were not found again. Abundance declined greatly between 2010 and 2021. Over this period, open-country species declined the most, and shade-loving species increased as a proportion of the whole. In particular, the open-country Pupilla muscorum, eudominant in 2010, was absent in 2021, while the tolerant Alinda biplicata increased greatly over the same period. While more widespread environmental or climatic change may be involved, the castle has been subject to increased human pressure and a renovation programme in 2015. Castle faunas, here and elsewhere, are not only refugia for locally or nationally uncommon species, but provide a basis for regular monitoring of faunal change. Other castles in the region, most especially those at Stary Książ and Książ have similar faunas, and can be used in the same way.

Metals in Callitriche cophocarpa from small rivers with various levels of pollution in SW Poland.

The anthropogenic impact of metals on aquatic environments is a risk for biota, and thus their levels must be controlled. Callitriche cophocarpa Sendtn. belongs to a genus with a potential for accumulation of elevated metal levels. Thus, it may provide consolidated evidence of contamination. Therefore, the aim of this investigation was to determine Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in this species collected together with water and bottom sediments from rivers with various levels of pollution. Of these rivers, one less polluted and one more polluted was selected for the collection of C. cophocarpa for an experiment to compare its Cu and Zn concentration potential. Both metals were supplemented at concentrations 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.08 and 0.14mg L-1 of Cu as CuSO4 × 5H2O and 0.4, 0.6, 0,9, 1,35, 2.03 and 3.04mg L-1 of Zn as ZnSO4 × 7H2O, and in the binary design containing (mg·L-1) 0.01Cu + 0.4Zn, 0.02Cu + 0.6Zn, 0.03Cu + 0.9Zn, 0.05Cu + 1.4Zn, 0.08Cu + 2.03 Zn and 0.14Cu + 3.04Zn. The upper concentrations of Cr, Cu, Mn and Zn in C. cophocarpa shoots from both types of rivers as well as of Ni and Pb in shoots from more polluted rivers were higher than the values typical for toxicity thresholds with no visible harmful effects, which may indicate accumulation abilities of C. cophocarpa for these metals. Both roots and shoots of C. cophocarpa may be included in the group of macroconcentrators for bottom sediments with respect to Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Zn and deconcentrators of Pb. Greater accumulation of most metals in roots than in shoots indicates their restricted mobility and translocation by C. cophocarpa to shoots.C. cophocarpa from the less polluted river and exposed to all experimental solutions contained significantly higher levels of Cu and Zn than that from the more polluted river exposed to identical experimental solutions. The plants collected from the more polluted river influenced by surplus of metals and living under chemical stress could probably limit further accumulation by developing a resistance mechanism. Cu and Zn contents in C. cophocarpa were higher when treated with separate metals than for binary treatment both in the more and less polluted river.Such research presenting the impact of a combination of metals could be important for understanding and explaining the interactions of these elements which may influence their bioavailability in nature as well as importance in the evaluation of the risk of environmental toxicity.

Morphometry of the cold-climate Bory Stobrawskie Dune Field (SW Poland): Evidence for multi-phase Lateglacial aeolian activity within the European Sand Belt

Abstract Aeolian dunes have been widely identified in the European Sand Belt, which was formed during the Pleniglacial and Late Glacial when cold and dry climatic conditions were favorable for intense Aeolian processes. In this study, we mapped and analyzed the fixed Bory Stobrawskie Dune Field (SW Poland) to determine factors that drive the evolution of dunes, expressed by the occurrence of different dune types and their spatial patterns. The study identified the longitudinal zonation within the dune field, as shown by the changeable proportion of specific dune types comparable to low-latitude dune fields. However, climatically controlled periodic and low sand supply combined with a changing vegetation cover caused the non-continuous and multi-phase evolution of the dune field. Additionally, we found that a dense pattern of streams has controlled the extent of the dune field. The trapping of sand by rivers led to a limitation of the dune field expansion; on the other hand, the supply of sand into rivers led to overloading of the fluvial system, affecting their transformation into braided rivers.

Scandio-winchite, ideally ☐(NaCa)(Mg4Sc)(Si8O22)(OH)2: The first Sc-dominant amphibole-supergroup mineral from Jordanów Śląski, Lower Silesia, southwestern Poland

Abstract Scandio-winchite, the first natural Sc-dominant amphibole-supergroup mineral, has been discovered in a granitic pegmatite that crops out in close association with rodingite-like calc-silicate rocks and metasomatized granitic bodies in a serpentinite quarry at a Jordanów Śląski village near Sobótka, ~30 km south of Wrocław, Lower Silesia, SW Poland. It occurs as an isolated subhedral crystal, with the size of ~20 × 8 μm in planar section, and as three polycrystalline aggregates, up to 50 μm across, composed of needle-shaped crystals dominated by {110}. It is present within chlorite aggregates that supposedly represent remnants of partly recrystallized xenoliths of the blackwall chlorite schists and is in quartz-feldspar portions of the pegmatite adjoining such xenolithic assemblages. Owing to the scarcity of the material and the exceptionally small size of the crystals, the color, streak, and optical properties could not be measured. By analogy with other amphiboles, scandio-winchite has a vitreous luster, brittle tenacity, and a Mohs hardness of ~5½. The mineral shows an uneven fracture and {110} perfect cleavage, with an angle of ~56° between cleavage planes. The density calculated from the empirical formula and refined unit-cell parameters is 3.026 g/cm3. The holotype crystal is composed of (in wt%): 55.88 SiO2, 0.11 TiO2, 0.53 Al2O3, 9.22 Sc2O3, 0.44 MnO, 8.89 FeO, 12.77 MgO, 5.71 CaO, 4.12 Na2O, 0.17 K2O, and 2.09 H2Ocalc(+); total 99.93. The composition normalized on the basis of 22 O2– + 2 (OH)– ions corresponds to the empirical formula A(☐0.966K0.031Na0.003)Σ1B(Na1.132 Ca0.868)Σ2C(Mg2.704Fe1.0552+Mn0.053Sc1.140Al0.023Ti0.012)Σ4.987T(Si7.935Al0.065)Σ8.000O22(OH)2, simplified formula (☐,K)(Na,Ca)2[(Mg,Fe)4Sc](Si8O22)(OH)2, and the ideal formula ☐(NaCa)(Mg4Sc)(Si8O22)(OH)2. The crystal structure was refined in the monoclinic system, space-group symmetry C2/m, with R1 index of 6.57%. Its unit-cell parameters are: a = 9.864(2) Å, b = 18.163(3) Å, c = 5.3053(16) Å, β = 104.41(3)°, V = 920.6(4) Å3; Z = 2, and the a:b:c ratio is 0.5431:1:0.2921. The crystal-structure refinement indicates almost exclusively Si-occupied T sites, the M4 sites occupied by nearly equal amounts of Na and Ca, M1 and M3 sites by divalent Mg + Fe cations, and M2 filled in equal proportions by divalent cations and Sc. These results, along with the dominant vacancy at the A site, univocally indicate that the mineral corresponds to a M2Sc-analog of winchite. Scandio-winchite is most likely a secondary phase of metasomatic origin related to the evolution of the country rocks and partial alteration of the blackwall chlorite schists xenolith induced by the pegmatitic melt and associated fluids.

Population structure, mate choice, and genome transmission in naturally formed pairs in a Pelophylax lessonae–Pelophylax esculentus hybridogenetic system

Central European water frog Pelophylax esculentus is a hybrid that lives sympatrically and forms genetic systems with one of its parental species, in this case L-E (P. lessonae - P. esculentus). Hybrids are restored in each generation due to hybridogenesis, a unique mode of hemiclonal reproduction. We investigated changes in the species composition, mate choice, and genome transmission in naturally formed pairs in the L-E hybridogenetic system from the Raków fish pond complex (SW Poland). Our observations showed that the genetic system remained the same for over a decade but the share of the taxa and the sex ratios within the species changed. The frequency of P. lessonae decreased by about 20% in favor of P. esculentus. The proportion of males to females of P. lessonae increased twofold and of P. esculentus fourfold. We also found that the stability of the L-E population was ensured by a specific female mate choice pattern with the dominance of homotypic P. lessonae and heterotypic ♀P. esculentus × ♂P. lessonae pairs (almost 90% of the pairs collected from nature). The youngest females and males that formed a successful amplexus were 3 years old. We noted a male-male competition manifested by the exclusion of young males (before the third hibernation) from the participation in the mating. An analysis of genome transmission to gametes revealed that females P. lessonae transmitted Lx, while P. esculentus transmitted the Rx and/or Lx genomes. Males of P. lessonae transmitted the Lx or Ly genomes, while P. esculentus transmitted the Lx, Ly, and/or Rx genomes. The high proportion of the L genomes transferred to gametes enables both the restoration of the parental species P. lessonae and the regular renewal of a new generation of hybrids.Significance statementCentral European water frog complex includes two species: Pelophylax ridibundus (genotype RR) and P. lessonae (LL), and their natural hybrid, P. esculentus (RL). Hybrid individuals of both sexes reproduce due to a specific mode of reproduction, i.e., hybridogenesis, in which hybrids eliminate one of the parental genomes (R or L) from the germ line prior to meiosis and transmit the other one (not recombined, i.e., clonal) to the gametes. The hybrids live in mixed populations with one of the parental species and are restored in each generation. This, in turn, allows a kind of balance to be maintained in a population due to specific mate choice and genome transmission. Our research showed that the stability of the studied population was ensured by female preference to P. lessonae and male-male competition manifested by the exclusion of males under 3 years of age from the participation in the mating.

Reinterpretation of geophysical surveys of pre-Permian basement in SW Poland: structural evolution and its implications for prospecting Cu and other ores

Reinterpretation of geophysical surveys of pre-Permian basement in SW Poland: structural evolution and its implications for prospecting Cu and other ores

Radon (222Rn) as a tracer in natural ventilation efficiency assessment in underground workings – an example of „St John Mine” tourist complex in Krobica (the Sudetes, SW Poland)

The authors characterize the use of 222Rn as an effective tracer of natural ventilation of an underground site where air circulates within a whole system of workings and ventilation intensity (the number of air exchanges in the space) is determined by atmospheric factors. A radon-related database containing results of measurements conducted at various intervals and at different stages of site accessibility was compiled.During 8 months of the calendar year 222Rn activity concentration exceeds the mean annual reference value established by Polish law (300 Bq/m3). These months correspond to periods with low intensity of natural ventilation of the workings and reduced efficiency of air exchange between the site and the atmosphere. They occur in autumn – in the second half of September, in October and November, and in May in spring, and persist for 7 to even 14 days. During these periods, the time spent inside the facility which is considered safe in terms of radiation protection is limited to an average of 6–8 h a day, i.e. from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. in October, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in November and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in May. The length of a safe stay in the facility is determined by atmospheric factors, mainly the air and ground temperature.The concentrations of other gases in the atmosphere inside the facility comply with Polish mining regulations.

Controls on evaporite facies distribution during the early phases of the Zechstein Basin development (Zechstein 1, Upper Permian): Implications from the marginal part of the basin in SW Poland

Amongst the least understood issues in the giant evaporite basin evolution is their early development. Here, we use a unique set of archival data from the Fore-Sudetic Homocline in SW Poland to investigate the controls on evaporite facies distribution in the marginal part of the Zechstein Basin after the Zechstein Sea transgression (Upper Permian, Z1 cycle). Based on integrated data from boreholes, subsurface mining survey and seismic profiling we constructed a 3D structural model, which showed that the carbonate, sulphate and chloride facies boundaries originally extended W–E, irrespective of the fault patterns in the basement. The thickness distribution for the Zechstein Limestone (Ca1), Lower Anhydrite (A1d) and Upper Anhydrite (A1g) evidences carbonate and sulphate platform development in respective evaporitic phases. Although the sea bathymetry and progressive seawater evaporation were the main factors responsible for the northward progradation of the evaporite facies, the relief over the sulphate platforms implies a significant influence of sea currents on the sulphate deposition. The channelised circulation of variably saturated seawater decreased the overall accumulation rate in the channels and promoted the high-and-trough topography development over the platforms. The Upper Anhydrite (A1d) top relief was evened by the Oldest Halite (Na1) rocksalt deposition. Prior to the Zechstein Limestone (Ca1) deposition, the distribution of clastic facies was mostly restrained by the dune relief inherited after the aeolian sedimentation in the Rotliegend. This old relief partly influenced also the Zechstein Limestone (Ca1) carbonate thickness and subfacies distribution and was eventually buried by the Lower Anhydrite (A1d) sulphates. There is no evidence on tectonic controls on evaporite depositional patterns throughout the Z1 cycle in the studied area.

Comparison of main and accompanying metals distribution patterns in newly documented deposits of the Northern Copper Belt in Poland

Three new world-class sediment-hosted stratiform copper deposits have recently been documented in SW Poland, in the deep parts of the Fore-Sudetic Monocline: Nowa Sól, Sulmierzyce North and Mozów. Along with the adjacent prognostic areas, these deposits form an extensive west–east-trending belt, distant from the well-known deposits of the Sieroszowice–Lubin area and referred to as the Northern Copper Belt. This major discovery was a result of an exploration program performed by the Canadian Miedzi Copper Corporation, which involved studies of archival data and the company's own drilling program. Investigation of the core material included microscopic observations of thin sections and chemical analyses using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) mass spectrometry and/or ICP optical emission spectrometry. The aim of this study was to compare available geochemical data from the documented deposits and determine the distribution patterns of the main and accompanying metals. Particular attention was paid to Cu, Ag, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni, Mo, V and Au. Each of the studied deposits is characterized by a different position of the ore mineralization in the lithological profile. Average concentrations of the analysed elements and their distribution in the ore series, both vertically and laterally, indicate that distinct mineralizing systems were responsible for the formation of each orebody. Among the main factors influencing metal distribution in the analysed deposits are: the spatial range of the epigenetic, oxidized Rote Fäule facies; composition and thickness of the source rocks for the mineralizing brines; and tectonics.

Chemical and mineralogical characteristics and origin of placer gold from fluvial deposits of Żeliszowski Creek (North Sudetic Basin, SW Poland)

Chemical and mineralogical analyses of individual detrital gold grains collected from recent channel-fill deposits of Żeliszowski Creek, located between the towns of Lwówek Śląski and Bolesławiec, were made, together with determination of the Au-bearing mineral assemblages and indication of probable source areas. The analysed gold grains have admixtures of silver, mercury and copper. Numerous inclusions of ore minerals, mainly Cu, Hg selenides and Cu, Pb and Bi sulphides were found in the detrital gold grains. These minerals are characteristic of Permian, Au-bearing, red-bed successions in the region, and of quartz veins of the Kaczawa Metamorphic Complex. This supports the hypothesis of a polygenetic origin for the Lower Silesian alluvial gold-bearing deposits. The applied research methodology may be successfully used in polymetallic ore deposit prospecting more generally.

Improvement of in situ hydraulic conductivity tests for riverbeds under the influence of infiltration intake: A case study of the Oława River, SW Poland

The vertical hydraulic conductivity (KV) of riverbeds plays a pivotal role in controlling water exchanges between the surface water and groundwater. The recent papers have focused on the spatial and temporal variability of KV (K measured in the “z” direction), while point measurement schemes seem to require more attention. The most popular measurement technique is the falling head method, in which a PVC pipe is placed in the riverbed. The most commonly used formulas to determine hydraulic conductivity are those based on the Darcy's law and its modifications. This article presents how the falling head method should be carried out and what errors need to be considered in conditions of the riverbank intake. The simultaneous measurements and analyses of the falling head vs. the riverbed head can produce satisfying outcomes and reduce errors. A full utility MS Excel spreadsheet based on an automated formula with a solver was developed.

Comparison of active and passive methods for atmospheric particulate matter collection: From case study to a useful biomonitoring tool

In this study we conducted air pollution monitoring using three different methods: active monitoring with the use of high volume aerosol sampler and biomonitoring with the use of lichens and spider webs. All of these monitoring tools were exposed to air pollution in Legnica city, a region of Cu-smelting in the SW Poland, which is well known for exceeding the environmental guidelines. Quantitative analysis was carried out for the particles collected by the three selected methods and concentrations of seven selected elements (Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, As, Fe) were obtained. Concentrations found in lichens and in spider webs were directly compared and indicated significant differences between them, with higher amounts noted for spider webs. Then, in order to recognize the main pollution sources the principal component analysis was conducted and obtained results were compared. It resulted that spider webs and aerosol sampler, despite different mechanisms of accumulation, show similar sources of pollution – in this case – copper smelter. Additionally, the HYSPLIT trajectories and the correlations between metals in the aerosol samples also confirmed that this is the most probable source of pollution. This study can be considered innovative as these three air pollution monitoring methods were compared, which has never been conducted before, and their comparison gave satisfying results.

Nuclear analytical techniques used to study the trace element content of Centaurium erythraea Rafn, a medicinal plant species from sites with different pollution loads in Lower Silesia (SW Poland).

Centaurium erythraea (Gentianaceae) is a medicinal plant species with therapeutic potential officially listed in the pharmacopoeias of many European, Asian and American countries. It has had many uses in natural medicine since ancient times and it is collected mostly from wild populations. The aim of this study is to investigate the trace element composition of C. erythraea using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The results of the performed investigations show that INAA has proved to be an efficient analytical technique for the determination of trace elements in medicinal plants. The studied plant contains elements important to the human diet and metabolism that are needed for growth, development and the prevention and curing of disease. A comparison with the reference levels of elements for plants shows that the concentrations of most elements in C. erythraea collected from all types of sites exceed those regarded as the reference. Compared to the values of the elements in C. erythraea from rural areas (LP), the concentrations of most of the investigated elements in C. erythraea collected from the lignite basin, urban areas and in the vicinity of the A4 highway (MP) were significantly higher. The results obtained can be used for control and monitoring in the production of pharmaceuticals based on natural medical plants.

The impact of seasonality and meteorological conditions on PM2.5 carbonaceous fractions coupled with carbon isotope analysis: Advantages, weaknesses and interpretation pitfalls

PM2.5 samples were collected from October 2020 to September 2021 in Legnica in the Lower Silesia Voivodeship (SW Poland), where environmental guidelines are often exceeded. In order to have a better insight into the respective inputs of local and regional sources concentrations of PM2.5, carbonaceous fractions (TC/OC/EC), carbon isotope composition (δ13CTC) and FTIR spectra of PM2.5 were studied in parallel. The objectives of this study were to (i) identify the emission sources controlling the local aerosol budget and to (ii) discuss the potential limits of the approach used. We highlighted a seasonality in the concentrations of PM2.5, TC, OC, and EC, with higher concentrations in winter resulting of an increased activity of local emission sources coupled to the occurrence of specific meteorological conditions. While we identified coal burning as the main source of pollution in winter, a mix of emissions from coal and bio/organic combustion and road traffic explains the pollution levels in summer. Coupling these findings with the study of FTIR spectra, we corroborated that incomplete combustion of fossil fuels is a major source in winter whereas biogenic particles are in summer. Despite the observed seasonal variations in the OC and EC concentrations, the OC/EC ratios did not show significant variations. It suggests that this ratio, if used as a single proxy to infer sources of carbonaceous aerosols, may lead to interpretation pitfalls. Our results strongly suggest that a multi-proxy approach that couples TC/OC/EC and FTIR to carbon isotope geochemistry provides a reliable evaluation tool for air quality and brings strong constraints on the corresponding sources of PM2.5.

Radon activity concentration in a public utility facility in Bolesławów (SW Poland) in an area with a medium radon potential

According to the hypothesis of radiation hormesis, in appropriate doses, radon may have a positive effect on the human body, but it’s too high concentration becomes harmful. According to the applicable provisions of law, some employers are obliged to measure the concentration of radon activity in the air. The article presents the results of long-term measurements (with CR-39 detectors) and the results of short-term measurements made by the author (using the AlphaGuard device) in a public utility facility - a kindergarten in Bolesławów. It is located in an area with moderate radon potential. The article presents the results for two rooms. In one of them, construction works took place before the measurements, during which the floor was protected with a foil, on which a screed was made. In the second, this procedure is only planned. Based on the results, it was found that the floor insulation can reduce the concentration of radon activity in indoor air even three times. Short-term measurements also showed a significant influence of air exchange on the concentration of radon activity. Thanks to airing the room, the concentration of radon activity can be reduced two or even three times.

Hieracium lomniczkianum (Asteraceae), a new species in the H. wiesbaurianum aggregate from the Sudetes in Poland

Hieracium lomniczkianum is a new, apomictic species, discovered in the Karkonosze Mountains (Giant Mountains) in the Sudetes, SW Poland. It belongs to the H. wiesbaurianum aggregate which comprises taxa intermediate in characters between H. bifidum s.lat. and H. schmidtii s.lat. The new species is distinguished by a slender stem with small capitula, and by narrow, weakly dentate rosette leaves which are gradually tapered to a winged petiole.

Combined approach for assessing metal(loid)s leaching, mobility and accumulation in a specific near-neutral (pH) environment of a former Cu-smelting area in the Old Copper Basin, Poland

Topsoils, soil profiles, water, and stream sediments as well as slags and rocks were analyzed to assess the extent and severity of environmental pollution resulting from historical Cu mining and smelting in the vicinity of Leszczyna, Old Copper Basin, SW Poland. Numerous tailings, smelting wastes, and Cu-rich rocks were disposed in the study area, causing long-term leaching and accumulation of various metal(loid)s. Surrounding the anthropogenically impacted area, two types of geochemical background are distinguished, one of which is associated with rocks and soils that are naturally enriched in metal(loid)s and the second one is free of them. The presence of significant anthropogenic changes combined with natural enrichment creates a highly complex environmental situation with regard to different sources of metal(loid)s. Additionally, the ore-hosting carbonate rocks are responsible for specific near-neutral (pH) conditions. With a focus on numerous elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, As, Cd, Co, Ba, and Cr) we studied spatial and vertical metal(loid)s distributions in soils to determine elements fate under near-neutral conditions. We applied the Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP) to evaluate the leaching potential of geogenic and anthropogenic materials and the Acid Neutralization Potential (ANP) test to measure the impact of slags on the pH of local soils. The EDTA extraction indicated high (bio)availability of Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn, and suggested that metals from Cu-rich rocks are substantially more mobile than these of metallurgical origin. Our data indicate significant metal(loid)s mobility from surface-deposited wastes, especially into soils and stream sediments. The study proves that in the near-neutral conditions wastes are mainly subjected to short-time, rainfall-associated leaching, which is responsible for mobilization of labile metal(loid)s fractions (especially Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd).

Intercomparison of equipment measuring radon activity concentration in the air—an example from a hydrotechnical structure in Dobromierz (SW Poland)

The semi-conductor SRDN-3a probe, an AlphaE detector with a silicon diode in a diffusion chamber, an AlphaGUARD monitor with an ionization chamber and CR-39 track detectors had been tested simultaneously in long-term measurements conducted in the technical corridor of Dobromierz dam. The passive detectors were exposed twice: for 56 days, and 117 days, others in parallel, with a 1-h data recording interval. The data distribution was tested with the Shapiro–Wilk test and outliers in the critical region were identified using Shewhart control charts. The correctness was evaluated by a z-score test recommended by the IAEA. The characteristics of outliers for each detectors are determined by the location of the critical region (a two-sided region and a positive skew). These are 13.0% and 13.5% for AlphaE, and 9.81% for SRDN-3a. For the reference device, these are 15.8% and 10.5%. The z-score test confirm that all the detectors can be successfully used both in commercial and scientific monitoring measurements.

Geomorphology of the Sowie Mountains (Sudetes, SW Poland) – Landform patterns and anthropogenic impact

The Sowie Mountains in the central part of the Sudetes range are an under-researched area in terms of geomorphology, despite their potential representativeness for a large number of terrains within the Bohemian Massif, built of metamorphic bedrock. Apart from providing an overview of past work, the paper summarizes the main topographic features of the massif using visualizations of the digital terrain model, and outlines the wide range of anthropogenic impacts on relief. Characteristic landforms of the Sowie Mountains include faultgenerated lithology-controlled escarpments, ridge-and-valley topography near the escarpments, water-divide flats, gneissic tors, agrarian terraces and various landforms related to former mining and military use.