Western Tatra Mountains Research Articles

Does the karst spring improve fish abiotic habitat in mountain streams?

Mountain streams constitute challenging habitat for many fish species due to rapid and variable flow, cool temperature, and limited food resources. Groundwaters recharge by karst spring may however mitigate harsh habit conditions of mountain streams providing niches for different fish species. This study aims to assess the suitability of mountain streams, replenished by karst springs, for various fish species like alpine bullhead, European grayling, brown and brook trout. The study was conducted in the Chochołowski Stream in the Western Tatra Mountains, Poland. The assessment of abiotic habitat is based on different characteristics of hydrological and thermal regimes as well as water chemical composition investigated between 01.09.2012 and 31.09.2014. The findings reveal that: 1) downstream variability of habitat abiotic conditions (such as water temperature, flow, water chemical composition) may affect the distribution of fish species, 2) karst springs contribute up to 100% of the stream’s recharge during periods of winter low flow, 3) karstic groundwater reduces the variability and amplitudes of stream water temperature and weaken the periodicity in water temperature associated with daily course of air temperature and solar radiation, 4) groundwaters prevent stream freezing in winter and moderate summer temperatures, 5) increasing mineralisation of water below the spring recharge may positively affect fish distribution. The findings underscore the importance of karst springs in modifying the abiotic conditions of fish habitat in mountain streams.

Estimation of the leaf area index in a decline spruce forest in the Western Tatra Mountains for determination of rainfall interception

Estimation of the leaf area index in a decline spruce forest in the Western Tatra Mountains for determination of rainfall interception

Streamflow response to catastrophic windthrow and forest recovery in subalpine spruce forest

Windstorms account for about half of forest disturbances in Europe and are considered as drivers of natural regeneration of plant species, accompanied by significant changes in hydrological and soil moisture conditions. Our study aims to identify the effects of deforestation caused by catastrophic windthrow on streamflow characteristics in conjunction with meteorological and soil moisture data. The research was conducted in the headwater catchment (34.4 km2), in the Western Tatra Mountains, Poland. Streamflow characteristics such as average, high, and low flows, coefficient of variability, as well as flashiness of the streamflow (Richard-Baker Flashiness Index) and drought frequency (Standardised Streamflow Index) were calculated in the pre-event (2007–2013) and post-event (2013–2020) periods. The analysis was carried out for calendar months, seasons of the year, as well as for the growing and non-growing seasons. Wavelet Analysis was applied to track the changes in streamflow time series in relation to meteorological conditions (precipitation, air temperature) and remotely sensed soil wetness in the root zone. Principal Components Analysis was applied in order to identify the major drivers of the observed variability. The results revealed increasing low (+14%), average (+8%), and maximum monthly flows (16%) in the post-event period. The most significant increase in low flows (+47%, p<0.1) occurred during snowmelt. The increase in average (+31%, p<0.1) and high flows (+90%, p<0.05) occurred during mid-winter thaws. The frequency of hydrological droughts decreased by up to 36% in the post-event period, despite similar climatic conditions. The flashiness of streamflow increased during mid-winter thaws and rainfall events. The short-scale periodicity in streamflow increased in the post-event period. The results revealed the presence of 3-month periodicity in the root zone soil wetness associated with long-term soil water storage, which decreased after the catastrophic windthrow. Streamflow in the post-event period became strongly coupled with precipitation and root zone soil wetness at short period bands (∼3–16 days) in hydrologically active season. Short-scale correlation between precipitation and streamflow was decreasing with the gradual succession of vegetation.

Tracing the latest Jurassic–earliest Cretaceous paleoenvironment evolution in swell carbonate facies: a case study of the High-Tatric succession (Central Western Carpathians, Tatra Mts, Poland)

This paper presents an interpretation of sedimentologic, paleomagnetic, and geochemical data collected in the Upper Kimmeridgian–Valanginian carbonates of the Giewont series (Giewont and Mały Giewont sections, High-Tatric succession, Western Tatra Mountains, Poland). The studied succession provides insight into the sedimentary conditions prevailing in the South Tatric Ridge (Tatricum), a submarine elevation located between the Zliechov Basin (Fatricum) and the Vahic (=South Penninic) Ocean. The sedimentary sequence includes micrites, pseudonodular limestones, cyanoid packstones, lithoclastic packstone, and encrinites. The results are discussed with regards to their significance for detrital input, paleoclimate, and paleoproductivity, which in turn are considered in the context of both local and regional paleoenvironmental trends and events. The greatest depositional depths during the latest Kimmeridgian–earliest Tithonian are documented by the occurrence of pseudonodular limestones. A Tithonian shallowing trend is demonstrated via the increasing size and roundness of cyanoids, while the final (?)emergence and erosion in the South Tatric Ridge is documented by earliest Cretaceous disconformities. This process might have been related to both falling sea-level during the major eustatic regressive cycle and tectonic uplift caused by the mutually related (re)activation in the Neotethyan Collision Belt and rifting in the Ligurian-Penninic-Vahic Oceans. The highest lithogenic influx (although still low; max 0.5% of Al content) during the Late Kimmeridgian is considered as associated with relatively humid climate conditions, whereas a subsequent decreasing trend is thought to result from aridification during the latest Kimmeridgian–earliest Tithonian. Ultimately, deposition in the High-Tatric zone was affected by both large-scale environmental perturbations characteristic of the latest Jurassic (climate changes, variations in seawater pH, monsoonal upwelling, lithogenic input, etc.), as well as local sedimentary controls, predominantly the oxygenation state of bottom waters and tectonic movements. Supplementary Material 1

Glacial geomorphology and Pleistocene glacier reconstruction in the Demänovská Valley, Low Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

In the Western Carpathians, clear evidence of the Pleistocene glaciations only occurs in two mountain massifs – the Tatra and Low Tatra Mountains. The Low Tatra Mountains (2043 m a.s.l.), contrary to the higher and more strongly glaciated Tatra Mountains (2654 m a.s.l.), have previously been much less attractive for scientific research. Hence, in these mountains, both glacial landforms and chronology, together with a detailed reconstruction of glacier geometry and resulted equilibrium line altitude (ELA), are poorly documented. The aim of this paper is to characterize the glacial relief and reconstruction of geometry and ELA of the Zadná voda glacier in the Demänovská Valley system which belongs to the category of the largest Pleistocene glaciers on the northern slope of the Low Tatra Mountains. The mapping results show that a freshly shaped, massive terminal moraine of maximal ice extent (MIE, likely formed during the global Last Glacial Maximum – LGM) occurs 4.3 km distance down-valley from the glacial cirque backwalls. There is no evidence of deposits from older glaciations beyond the terminal moraine down the valley. The terminal zone of the MIE features a fresh morainic landscape with hummocky topography with kettle hollows and the only known morainic lake in the Low Tatra Mountains – Vrbické pleso. During the MIE, the Zadná voda glacier covered 7 km2 of the area and featured a mean thickness of 48 m. The ELA of this glacier was 1433 m, determined by the area-altitude balance ratio (AABR) 1.6 method, which is a similar value to the LGM ELA calculated in the Western Tatra Mountains. The recessional stages were only recognized in the cirques area, where one or two generations of debris-covered glaciers and rock glaciers mark the final deglaciation of the study area.

Possibilities and limitations of using iPhone 13 Pro with built-in LiDAR sensor in cave research – on the example of paleoflow analysis in Mylna Cave (Western Tatra Mts, Poland)

The study tested the capabilities of the Apple iPhone 13 Pro device using two measurement techniques, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and SfM (Structure from Motion), in a cave environment by measuring scallops in Mylna Cave in Western Tatra Mountains. The tested device provides an interesting and inexpensive alternative for cave research using TLS (Terrestrial Land Scanner) type scanners or more expensive MLS (Mobile Laser Scanning) type scanners. The study used a dedicated 3D Scanner App™ application to create two terrain models: LiDAR and SfM. A comparative analysis of the models shows that the SfM model is characterised by greater detail. The results obtained for this model indicate that the scallops measured in Wielki Chodnik passage of Mylna Cave belong to at least two different generations of forms. In the LiDAR method case, the obtained models’ resolution was not precise enough to identify small (&lt;3 cm) scallops. For three LiDAR models, the average length of scallops was 10.32 cm; for three SfM models, it was 5.16 cm. The length of scallops obtained from models allowed for calculating paleoflow velocity and, thus, the flow rate. The average velocity value for LiDAR models was 28.98 cm s−1, and for SfM models – 48.10 cm s−1 and the average flow rate obtained from SfM data was 1.93 m³ s−1. It corresponds well with the today-observed Kościeliski Potok flow rate of 1.7 m³ s−1 according to the 1966–2000 period (Baścik et al. 2014). On the contrary, the average paleoflow rate obtained from the LiDAR model, which is 0.94 m³ s−1, does not match the contemporary flow rate. Based on the asymmetry of scallops, the paleoflow direction was determined. It is consistent with the current direction of the Kościeliski Potok flow. The spatial imaging techniques used with iPhone 13 Pro differ regarding the DEM creation method and model details. It is influenced by parameters related to lighting, distance, scanned surface character and microclimatic conditions of the cave.

Motywacja i sposoby nominacji wybranych oronimów rejonu Czerwonych Wierchów w polskiej części Tatr Zachodnich

MOTIVATION AND METHODS OF SELECTING NAMES FOR CHOSEN ORONYMS OF THE CZERWONE WIERCHY AREA IN THE POLISH PART OF THE WESTERN TATRA MOUNTAINS The purpose of this article is to show various ways of expressing the reality which is characteristic of people who have given names of places in the mentioned area. In this article, the attempt was made to reach to the motivational meaning of 207 oronyms from the Czerwone Wierchy area which is located in the Polish part of the Western Tatra Mountains. These names origin from two detailed mountain guides of the Czerwone Wierchy area and they have been assigned to two different groups. The first group is made up of names that have been formed during the onimization process, and the second – of names that have been formed during the transonimization process. Within these groups further subcategories have been distinguished. In this article multipart names were highlighted. They are characterized by complex motivation. The study showed that a large part of the collected names is a group of oronyms, which have been formed during the onimization process with a part of them that origin from other toponyms (77 oronyms). They are localized names and they show a practical approach to the reality. It can be concluded that this feature caused a high popularity of this naming model. In this article, attention has been paid to the necessity of conducting the socio-onomastics survey.

Rainfall Thresholds of the 2014 Smutná Valley Debris Flow in Western Tatra Mountains, Carpathians, Slovakia

An extensive debris flow occurred, in the Smutná valley, Western Tatra Mts. in Slovakia on 15 May 2014. The aim of this study is to describe the morphology of the observed debris flow and to evaluate the conditions that preceded its formation as well as the previous activity of debris flows on this path. The observed debris flow is among the most extensive ones in terms of morphometric characteristics in the Roháčská valley and its tributaries (e.g., the length of the erosion-accumulation zone of ~600 m, volume &gt;1200 m3). However, compared to previous studies from the Western Tatra Mts., it belongs to the average sized debris flows, or a minor event in terms of the general size classification based on the volume of debris flows. A similarly extensive debris flow was recorded on this track in the early 1970s after which only two additional minor events have been recorded there until 2014. The monthly precipitation totals in the 2013/2014 winter season were low compared to the long-term average. The main triggering factor for debris flow initiation was continuous rainfall that lasted 29 hours resulting in ~120–135 mm of precipitation. Most of the derived global empirical thresholds for debris flow initiation were exceeded as well as rainfall thresholds suggested by the published studies for the Western Tatra Mts.

Effect of mature spruce forest on canopy interception in subalpine conditions during three growing seasons

AbstractThe interception process in subalpine Norway spruce stands plays an important role in the distribution of throughfall. The natural mountain spruce forest where our measurements of throughfall and gross precipitation were carried out, is located on the tree line at an elevation of 1,420 m a.s.l. in the Western Tatra Mountains (Slovakia, Central Europe). This paper presents an evaluation of the interception process in a natural mature spruce stand during the growing season from May to October in 2018–2020. We also analyzed the daily precipitation events within each growing season and assigned to them individual synoptic types. The amount and distribution of precipitation during the growing season plays an important role in the precipitation-interception process, which confirming the evaluation of individual synoptic situations. During the monitored growing seasons, precipitation was normal (2018), sub-normal (2019) and above-normal (2020) in comparison with long-term precipitation (1988–2017). We recorded the highest precipitation in the normal and above-normal precipitation years during the north-eastern cyclonic synoptic situation (NEc). During these two periods, interception showed the lowest values in the dripping zone at the crown periphery, while in the precipitation sub-normal period (2019), the lowest interception was reached by the canopy gap. In the central crown zone near the stem, interception reached the highest value in each growing season. In the evaluated vegetation periods, interception reached values in the range of 19.6–24.1% of gross precipitation total in the canopy gap, 8.3–22.2% in the dripping zone at the crown periphery and 45.7–51.6% in the central crown zone near the stem. These regimes are expected to change in the Western Tatra Mts., as they have been affected by windstorms and insect outbreaks in recent decades. Under disturbance regimes, changes in interception as well as vegetation, at least for some period of time, are unavoidable.

Tracing proto-Rheic - Qaidam Ocean vestiges into the Western Tatra Mountains and implications for the Palaeozoic palaeogeography of Central Europe

Zircon petrochronology from amphibolites and retrogressed eclogites from the basement of the Western Tatra Mountains (Central Western Carpathians) reveals a complex rock evolution. An island-arc related basaltic amphibolite from Žiarska Valley shows three distinct zircon forming events: igneous zircon growth at ca. 498 Ma (Middle/Late Cambrian) and two phases of amphibolite-facies metamorphism at ca. 470 Ma (Early Ordovician) and at ca. 344 Ma (Early Carboniferous). A retrogressed eclogite from Baranèc Mountain records two zircon forming events: metamorphic zircon growth under eclogite-facies conditions at ca. 367 Ma (Late Devonian) and amphibolite-facies metamorphism at ca. 349 Ma (Early Carboniferous). These data contribute towards understanding and correlating major tectonothermal events that shaped the eastern margin of Gondwana in the Early Palaeozoic and its subsequent Variscan evolution. The metabasites record vestiges of two completely independent oceanic domains preserved within the Central Western Carpathians: (1) An Ediacaran to Cambrian oceanic arc related to the proto-Rheic - Qaidam oceans and metamorphosed to amphibolite-facies in the Early Ordovician subduction of the proto-Rheic - Qaidam arc during the Cenerian orogeny (ca. 470 Ma) and (2) Late Devonian oceanic crust related to a back-arc basin (Pernek-type), formed by the opening of the Paleotethys and metamorphosed to eclogite-facies during Devonian subduction (ca. 367 Ma). The common Variscan and later evolution of these oceanic remnants commenced with amphibolite-facies metamorphic overprinting in the Early Carboniferous (amphibolite: ca. 344 Ma; retrogressed eclogite: ca. 349 Ma) related to an Early Variscan consolidation and the formation of Pangea. None of the investigated rocks of the Central Western Carpathians show any evidence of being chronologically or palaeogeographically related to the Rheic Ocean, therefore any prolongation of the Rheic suture from the Sudetes into the Alpine-Carpathian realm is highly problematic. Instead, the Southern and Central Alpine Cenerian orogeny can be traced into the Central Western Carpathians.

Bryoerythrophyllum alpigenum (Bryophyta, Pottiaceae) confirmed in the moss flora of Poland, with a review of the nomenclatural issues associated with this species name

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; Occurrence of Bryoerythrophyllum alpigenum (Jur.) P.C.Chen in Poland is confirmed. The species is known from a single record from the Western Tatra Mountains in the Polish Western Carpathians. A description and illustrations of the Polish material of this species is provided and its distribution mapped. Taxonomic and nomenclatural comments on B. alpigenum are presented and its global geographical distribution is reviewed. This species was first recognised as a variety, Didymodon rubellus var. dentatus Schimp., in 1860 by W. P. Schimper. It was subsequently described in 1882 by J. Juratzka as Didymodon alpigenus Jur., and its name should be ascribed to Juratzka alone, not to Venturi as suggested in Index muscorum and D. alpigenus Jur. is the basionym of Bryoerythrophyllum alpigenum. The epithet alpigenus appeared in the literature for the first time as Trichostomum alpigenum Venturi in Pfeffer’s work of 1869 dealing with the mosses of the Rhaetian Alps, but the name was not validly published under Art. 36.1, because Pfeffer did not accept it. Likewise, the name Didymodon alpigenus was not validly published by Venturi ten years later under Art. 38.1, because no description or diagnosis or a reference to a previously and effectively published description or diagnosis were provided. The current statistics of the moss flora of Poland is given. Since the publication of the catalogue of Polish mosses in 2003, some 17 species, one subspecies and three varieties of moss have been added to and two species were excluded from the moss flora of Poland, so currently some 715 species, nine subspecies and 90 varieties are known to occur in the country.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Uncertainty in the Number of Calibration Repetitions of a Hydrologic Model in Varying Climatic Conditions

The objective of this study is to examine the impact of the number of calibration repetitions on hydrologic model performance and parameter uncertainty in varying climatic conditions. The study is performed in a pristine alpine catchment in the Western Tatra Mountains (the Jalovecký Creek catchment, Slovakia) using daily data from the period 1989–2018. The entire data set has been divided into five 6-years long periods; the division was based on the wavelet analysis of precipitation, air temperature and runoff data. A lumped conceptual hydrologic model TUW (“Technische Universität Wien”) was calibrated by an automatic optimisation using the differential evolution algorithm approach. To test the effect of the number of calibrations in the optimisation procedure, we have conducted 10, 50, 100, 300, 500 repetitions of calibrations in each period and validated them against selected runoff and snow-related model efficiency criteria. The results showed that while the medians of different groups of calibration repetitions were similar, the ranges (max–min) of model efficiency criteria and parameter values differed. An increasing number of calibration repetitions tend to increase the ranges of model efficiency criteria during model validation, particularly for the runoff volume error and snow error, which were not directly used in model calibration. Comparison of model efficiencies in climate conditions that varied among the five periods documented changes in model performance in different periods but the difference between 10 and 500 calibration repetitions did not change much between the selected time periods. The results suggest that ten repetitions of model calibrations provided the same median of model efficiency criteria as a greater number of calibration repetitions and model parameter variability and uncertainty were smaller.

Heavy Minerals as Indicators of the Source and Stratigraphic Position of the Loess-Like Deposits in the Orava Basin (Polish Western Carpathians)

This study is focused on the loess-like deposits accumulated on glaciofluvial fans of the Czarny Dunajec River in the Orava Basin (Southern Poland). The deposition of these sediments took place during three cold intervals of the Pleistocene: Würm, Riss, and Günz/Mindel. So far, the provenance and age of the deposits has not been precisely defined, even though the development of each fan is believed to be related to the successive glacial periods in the Tatra Mountains. Heavy minerals were studied to determine the source of the deposits. Heavy mineral analyses revealed that zircon, tourmaline, rutile, garnet, amphibole, epidote, and apatite are the typical constituents of the heavy mineral fraction. Abundances of heavy minerals differ in each of the Pleistocene fans of the Czarny Dunajec River, especially the amphibole content. However, the chemical composition of garnet, amphibole, and tourmaline is rather uniform. This research showed that mainly medium-grade metamorphic rocks with a subordinate share of high-grade metamorphics, and granitic rocks are the dominant source rocks of the deposits studied. Such rocks are exposed in the Western Tatra Mountains, which most probably supplied the Orava Basin with clastic material. Change in abundances of heavy minerals in the succession may reflect the progressive erosion of the source area. Grain-size distribution and textural features of the sampled sediments suggest fluvial and aeolian modes of transportation. Additionally, this study indicated that heavy minerals may be used to correlate the loess covers in the Orava Basin.

Early Cretaceous ammonites and dinoflagellates from the Western Tatra Mountains, Poland

Early Cretaceous ammonites and dinoflagellates from the Western Tatra Mountains, Poland

Wietrzenie mrozowe wybranych skał tatrzańskich w świetle badań laboratoryjny = Frost weathering of selected Tatra rocks in the light of laboratory tests

The aim of the work described here was to determine the rate of frost weathering for selected types of rock, and the manner in which this proceeds. The authors attempts to answer questions regarding progress with the disintegration of a given type of rock over time; the size and shape of weathered grains; the role played by fissures in rock and rock texture; and further relevant properties like compressive and tensile strength, porosity and water absorption. The rock samples used in laboratory testing were collected in the catchment area of the Chochołowski Stream in the Western Tatra Mountains of Poland. The seven types of rock analysed were white and brown granite, organodetric limestone, fine-grained conglomerate, dolomite breccia, quartzite sandstone and amphibolite. Samples were subjected to simulated frost weathering via the impact of repeated thermal cycles across a temperature range of -5 to +10°C. The simulation was carried out at the Low Temperatures Laboratory of the Institute of Geography and Spatial Management of Kraków’s Jagiellonian University, using a CI/1400/LT/2D cooling device. As testing was in progress, changes in the states of samples were determined through the measurement of dry and saturated mass and water absorption, as well as the speed at which an ultrasonic wave passed through. By reference to results for these measures, it was possible to calculate the frost weathering index after Matsuoke, i.e.:Rf= (Vp0-Vpk)/(Vp0*k) [cykle -1],where Vp0 is wave speed at cycle 0 (in km/s), Vpk is wave speed at cycle k (km/s) and k is the number of cycles. Rock dissolution tests and measurements of the products of weathering were also carried out. Values obtained for the index were used to rank the rocks tested for their resistance to frost weathering, as was the percentage of material in the initial mass that became subject to rock weathering. The least-resistant rock proved to be dolomite breccia, and the most-resistant amphibolites and quartzite sandstones. The rankings of other rocks varied in line with the indicative parameter referred to. The testing of physical properties suggested several reasons for high resistance to frost weathering among the analysed types of rock from the Western Tatras, i.e. the limited (&lt;5%) open porosity noted for all types, limited water absorption, high compressive and tensile strength, compactness and homogeneity, low densities of fissures in samples in their initial state, almost complete filling of pores with matrix (e.g. in sandstone and conglomerate), re-filling of cracks (e.g. in limestone), and a significant component of resistant quartz. No effect of rock texture on resistance to frost weathering could be observed, but the presence of carbon matrix and carbonate rock fragments is important. The latter dissolve steadily, creating more favourable conditions for physical weathering (e.g. of amphibolites and conglomerates). The occurrence of mineral veins within rocks determines disintegration routes (e.g. in conglomerates). Given that rocks were subjected to an average of 850 repeated thermal cycles in the laboratory, the simulation achieved was of approx. 50 years of frost weathering under natural conditions in the study area. Experiments of this kind thus offer insight into processes running very slowly under natural conditions.

Valorization of Geosites in Western Tatra Mountains (Chochołowska Valley) with Focus on Tourist Activity of People with Physical Disabilities

In this work, we present the results of valorisation of geosites for the geotourist path in the lower part of the Chochołowska Valley, with particular emphasis on tourist activity of people using wheelchairs and elderly people with motor disabilities. Five geosites were valorized: (1) Siwiańskie Turnie Outcrop, (2) Wielkie Koryciska Rock Gate, (3) Chochołowski Stream Riverbed, (4) Niżna Chochołowska Gate, (5) Chochołowskie Karst Spring. Selected geosites are easily accessible by people with limited mobility, including wheelchairs. They are located along a wide, flat asphalt road on the distance of 3.5 km and the altitude difference of 100 metres. Various sedimentary rocks, such as limestones, marls, and dolomites can be seen in geosites. These rocks represent two geological-tectonic structures, the so-called: Choč Nappe (geosies: Siwiańskie Turnie Outcrop, Wielkie Koryciska Rock Gate) and Krížna Nappe (geosite Niżna Chochołowska Gate). Two more characteristic phenomena can be observed: hydrogeological phenomena related to the karst processes seen in Chochołowskie Karst Spring, and geomorphological phenomena observed in Chochołowski stream riverbed. The results of valorisation showed that the evaluated geosites of the geoturistic path have very high geotouristic values. This indicates that the lower part of the Chochołowska Valley has a high geotouristic potential for people using wheelchairs and elderly people with motor disabilities who already are, or want to become active geoturists. Benefit of creating of this type of geotourist paths is the expansion of the tourist offer and the development of services in the Podhale region, with particular emphasis on the people with physical disabilities.

A source of loess-like deposits and their attendant palaeoenvironment – Orava Basin, Western Carpathian Mountains, S Poland

Abstract Loess-like deposits in the Orava Basin are aeolian sediments that were laid down during Pleistocene three cold periods: MIS 2-5d, MIS 6-10, and MIS 12-19. These deposits lie at the upper portion of glaciofluvial fans associated with the Czarny Dunajec River in the Orava Basin and are the youngest lithostratigraphic division that is present there. Results of granulometric analyses place their modal grain size in the coarse silt and fine sand fractions (sediment type 1.a). Geomorphic interactions between local topography, aeolian movements of sand and distribution of dust played the leading role in formation of these deposits. Two series of sediments have been distinguished: Series A which represents proximal depositional provenance, and Series B – distal depositional provenance. The source of the loess-like deposit material must have been local as the Orava Basin is isolated from foreland by highly elevated mountain ranges. Glaciofluvial sediments were deflated then laid down on fans at the bottom of the Orava Basin by rivers draining the western Tatra Mountains. Also ‘cannibalized’ were top portions of loess-like deposits that had accumulated during earlier Pleistocene cold periods. Fine sediment was also deflated from regolith mantle that formed on the slopes of surrounding hills. This conclusion is based on the results of analyses of microtextures of sand- and silt-sized grains. Grains with surfaces that were primarily shaped by chemical weathering (coated) and by mechanical weathering (fresh fractured) predominate both fractions. These sand grains were transported over a short distance; they were not subject to repeated redeposition.

Breaking seed dormancy of Astragalus penduliflorus Lam.

&lt;em&gt;Astragalus penduliflorus&lt;/em&gt; Lam. is an alpine-subalpine species. Several isolated populations occur in Europe: in the Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians and in central Sweden. &lt;em&gt;Astragalus penduliflorus&lt;/em&gt; is considered as critically endangered species in Poland, growing only at the locality in the Smytnia Valley, in the Western Tatra Mountains. The population is at risk, due to the limited reproduction caused by law rate of seed germination, periodically shortened vegetation period that prevent seed development and gnawing the aerial plant parts by deer. The aim of the study was to explain the reason for the poor germination of &lt;em&gt;A. penduliflorus&lt;/em&gt; seeds. As a result of mechanical scarification, 100% of &lt;em&gt;A. penduliflorus&lt;/em&gt; seeds germinated, which proved that these seeds are characterized by a water-impermeable seed coat, which classified them as hard seeds that go through physical dormancy. Results obtained in this work can be used for effective reproduction and active conservation of threatened &lt;em&gt;A. penduliflorus&lt;/em&gt;.

The role of topography, canopy gaps, and forest edges in the distribution of windthrow damage in the Western Tatra Mountains, Poland

The role of topography, canopy gaps, and forest edges in the distribution of windthrow damage in the Western Tatra Mountains, Poland

Upper Jurassic bacteria from the Raptawicka Turnia Limestone Formation in the Mały Giewont area (Western Tatra Mountains, Poland)

Fossil filamentous and non-filamentous bacteria are reported from the Upper Jurassic limestones of the Raptawicka Turnia Limestone Formation in the Maly Giewont sections of the Western Tatra Mountains (Poland). The filamentous bacteria are subdivided into five groups: thin uniseriate, large multi-cell, large spiral, tapering and branched forms. The thin uniseriate filaments are the main microbial component of the peloids and micro-oncoids from the studied formation, mainly in the Upper Kimmeridgian–Tithonian limestones. The presence of the heterocyte-like terminal cells suggests their interpretation as cyanobacteria similar to the modern order Nostocales and perhaps to the family Nostocaceae. The large multi-cell and tapering filaments are uncommon in the studied limestones. The branched filaments found in the Tithonian limestones, although thinner, probably also may be compared with some modern representatives of the order Nostocales. Non-filamentous fossil bacteria found in the studied limestones consist of rod-shaped bacilli, monotrichous bacilli and spirilla; they belong mainly to the phylum Proteobacteria. Some microborings observed in the microfossils occurring in the micro-oncoids remind the ichnotaxon Scolecia filosa Radtke known to be of wide palaeobathymetric range. The thinnest microborings resemble another group of ichnofossils named “Pygmy form”, probably also of bacterial origin. The Upper Kimmeridgian–Tithonian micro-oncoids were formed mainly by filamentous bacteria (Cyanobacteria) that overgrew successively their nuclei with a few to several laminae. Frequent occurrence of pelagic microfossils as nuclei of micro-oncoids does not match a transport of these coated grains from much shallower sedimentary environments. The fossil filamentous bacteria filling up the peloids and micro-oncoids could be adapted to conditions that existed in the sublittoral zone below the wave base.