Western Tatra Mountains Research Articles

Microfabric diversity and grain shape analysis of fault rocks from the selected areas of the Western Tatra Mountains

Fault rocks in brittle and brittle-ductile shear zones played a key role in the evolution of the Western Tatra Mountains crystalline rocks (Poland–Slovakia). Microfabrics of these rocks, including grain shape analyses, were investigated in the six areas of the Western Tatra Mountains. Based on studies of thin sections, 14 types of fault rock microfabric are distinguished, according to the following criteria: (a) the presence and abundance levels of a cataclastic matrix and (b) the presence and form of a preferred orientation features. General tendencies observed in these areas indicate southwards increasing non-coaxial deformation as well as the domination of ultracataclasites or ultramylonites to phyllonites in areas with negative relief (e.g., sedlo Zabrat’ Pass, Dziurawa Przełęcz Pass). A model of shear zone evolution embracing following three stages is proposed: (1) deformation partitioning and block-controlled cataclastic flow, (2) matrix-controlled cataclastic flow, (3) selective leaching and deposition of silica, leading to the formation of softened and hardened deformation domains respectively. These microstructural observations were supported by statistical analyses of the grain shape indicators (compactness, isometry, ellipticity, solidity, convexity). Two trends of relationships between compactness and convexity were noted: the first, horizontal on the correlation diagrams, was interpreted as an effect of rapid cataclasis and then sericitization, the second, with a strongly negative correlation coefficient, was considered as an effect of long-term cataclastic flow. The different microfabric data and microstructural interpretations described in this paper are consistent with a new model of the tectonic history of the Western Tatra Mountains evolution, with an important role for a non-coaxial deformation during Alpine orogeny in brittle and brittle-ductile conditions.

Application of Schmidt hammer relative age dating to Late Pleistocene moraines and rock glaciers in the Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

In order to evaluate the potential of the Schmidt hammer for relative age dating of Late Pleistocene moraines and rock glaciers, rebound (R) values were collected at 38 sites in two formerly glaciated valleys in the Western Tatras in northern Slovakia. A large statistical population of measurements obtained from moraine and rock glacier surfaces was used to analyze the variability of mean R-values in the same lithology and overall southern valley exposition. Four separate sets of glacial/periglacial morphosystems are present at different positions in the Western Tatras starting from valley outlets to the highest cirques, which represent successive phases of deglaciation. R-value means and 95% confidence intervals for selected Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), and Late Glacial (LG-1, LG-2 and LG-3) stages (respectively, 40.1 ± 1.1, 46 ± 0.5, 53.5 ± 1.0 and 60.5 ± 0.3) are significantly statistically different and values for each age category are comparable for the two analyzed valleys. The results of weathering indexes used in conjunction with geomorphological relationships were taken together to reconstruct the pattern of deglaciation on southern Tatra slopes. It is stated that the Schmidt hammer technique may be successfully used as a relative age dating tool for Late Pleistocene glacial and periglacial deposits, and with this method, it is possible to differentiate between Late Glacial moraines and rock glacier systems of different age.

Megacrysts of kyanite from Baranec Mt., Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

Abstract Large crystals of kyanite (<15 cm in size) occur in quartz segregations in Paleozoic gneissses on Baranec Mt., Western Tatra Mountains, northern Slovakia. Blue kyanite crystals coexist with quartz and plagioclase. The kyanite contains inclusions of apatite, monazite. gamet, rutile and biotite and overgrowths of retrograde sillimanite. muscovite and biotite. The kyanite crystals are the largest found up to now in the Tatra crystalline massif or in the other Western Carpathians crystalline cores. Kyanite. with the co-existing mineral assemblage, is indicative of a HP stage duiing Hercynian metamorphism of the Western Tatra Mountains.

The first record of Hahnia difficilis Harm, 1966 (Araneae, Hahniidae) in Poland

Hahnia difficilis was found in Orawa-Nowy Targ Basin (Podhale) and western Sudety Mountains, these are the first records of this spider species for Poland. Its distribution and typical habitats are discussed. Moreover, Hahnia montana – a species closely related to H. difficilis – is recorded from the Western Tatra Mountains and a few diagnostic features to distinguish these two species are given.

Slope Transformation Within Tourist Footpaths in the Western Tatra Mountains

Slope Transformation Within Tourist Footpaths in the Western Tatra Mountains

Heterogeneous extrusion and exhumation of deep-crustal Variscan assembly: Geochronology of the Western Tatra Mountains, northern Slovakia

The nature and style of mid-crustal assembly and exhumation during continental collision has been investigated in the Tatra Mountains of the Western Carpathians. The pre-Alpine basement of the Western Carpathians represents the easternmost exposure of the Variscan orogen in Europe, which marks the collision of Laurasia with Gondwanian-affiliated terranes during the Palaeozoic. The Tatric crystalline unit of the Western Tatra in northern Slovakia displays an inverted metamorphic sequence where a high-grade unit comprising migmatites with relicts of eclogite has been thrust over a lower-grade mica schist unit. New geochronological and thermochronological data together with published thermobarometry illuminate the metamorphic history of the Western Tatra. The Upper Unit eclogites with occasionally preserved omphacite record near isothermal decompression from 1.6GPa to 1.0–1.2GPa at 750–800°C which lead to intensive re-equilibration at high-pressure granulite facies conditions, comparable to the peak metamorphic conditions of the host migmatite. Both eclogite and migmatite shared a retrograde P–T path following the insertion of the eclogite assemblage into the migmatites. The metamorphic evolution of the Lower Unit mica schist is constrained to peak P–T conditions of 0.6–0.8GPa and 640 and 660°C followed by retrogression. This suggests that different rock types of the Western Tatra metamorphic core shared only their exhumation path from mid-crustal levels. ID-TIMS Sm–Nd dating of garnet from eclogite yields a whole rock-garnet isochron age of 337±10Ma, with an initial εNd isotopic composition of +8.3. In situ U–Pb dating of monazite from a migmatite surrounding the eclogite shows one age population of c. 380Ma whereas monazite from a migmatite away from the eclogite preserves a robust 340±11Ma age which is indistinguishable from Sm–Nd garnet age and U–Pb age of zircons in the anatectic leucosome of the migmatite (347±7Ma). A younger monazite age population from the migmatite of 300±16Ma is consistent with 40Ar/39Ar mica ages of c. 310Ma. This argues for a contemporaneous, and likely shared, exhumation path of the assemblage pair. In situ monazite total-Pb analyses from the Lower Unit mica schists yields xenocrystic and c. 370Ma ages, but no geochronologic evidence for peak Variscan tectonism. Exhumation of the deep crustal root occurred most probably in a two-stage process. The timing of the high-pressure, eclogite facies metamorphism before the onset of exhumation into the mid crust, was likely between c. 380Ma and 360Ma. Subsequent exhumation into the middle crust was coeval with migmatite generation at c. 340Ma and garnet diffusion modeling suggest ~30°C/Ma cooling rates. The exhumation was likely tectonically forced by the action of a rigid indentor, which prompted the weak lower crust to be heterogeneously extruded to mid-crustal levels at a time coeval with anatexis and subsequently extruded with mid-crustal material to the upper crust.

Argasid and spinturnicid mite load on swarming bats in the Tatra Mountains, Poland

Altogether 445 bats, representing nine species, caught during swarming in the Lodowa Cave in Mount Ciemniak, Western Tatra Mountains, southern Poland, were examined for ectoparasitic mites. In total, 259 spinturnicid (Spinturnix mystacina, S. andegavinus, S. kolenatii, S. plecotinus and S. myoti) and 95 argasid (Carios vespertilionis) mites were collected from seven bat species, Myotis myotis, M. mystacinus, M. brandtii, M. daubentonii, Eptesicus nilssonii, Plecotus auritus, and Vespertilio murinus. There were sex-based differences in the prevalence of mites in some hosts but no differences in their mean intensity and there was no observed relationship between the number of mites and the condition of the bats. The prevalence of mites differed significantly between years in E. nilssonii. The results suggested a very low mite load on swarming bats that had no impact on the body condition of bats.

Pre-Variscan evolution of the Western Tatra Mountains: new insights from U-Pb zircon dating.

In situ LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon geochronology combined with cathodoluminescence imaging were carried out to determine protolith and metamorphic ages of orthogneisses from the Western Tatra Mountains (Central Western Carpathians). The metamorphic complex is subdivided into two units (the Lower Unit and the Upper Unit). Orthogneisses of the Lower Unit are mostly banded, fine- to medium-grained rocks while in the Upper Unit varieties with augen structures predominate. Orthogneisses show a dynamically recrystallised mineral assemblage of Qz + Pl + Bt ± Grt with accessory zircon and apatite. They are peraluminous (ASI = 1.20–1.27) and interpreted to belong to a high-K calc-alkaline suite of a VAG–type tectonic setting. LA-MC-ICP-MS U-Pb zircon data from samples from both units, from crystals with oscillatory zoning and Th/U > 0.1, yield similar concordia ages of ca. 534 Ma. This is interpreted to reflect the magmatic crystallization age of igneous precursors. These oldest meta-magmatics so far dated in the Western Tatra Mountains could be linked to the fragmentation of the northern margin of Gondwana. In zircons from a gneiss from the Upper Unit, cores with well-developed oscillatory zoning are surrounded by weakly luminescent, low contrast rims (Th/U < 0.1). These yield a concordia age of ca. 387 Ma corresponding to a subsequent, Eo-Variscan, high-grade metamorphic event, connected with the formation of crustal-scale nappe structures and collision-related magmatism.

Dwarf Pine (Pinus mugo) and Selected Abiotic Habitat Conditions in the Western Tatra Mountains

The present paper focuses on the distribution of Pinus mugo in the Carpathians, in an area on the border between Slovakia and Poland. We analyze the response of P. mugo distribution to abiotic habitat conditions in the western Tatra Mountains and discuss possible implications for research. The source data for this study were aerial photographs from 3 periods (1965, 1986, and 2002). Mountain areas covered by dwarf pine were identified and analyzed by ArcGIS 9.2, and pine fields were classified with the help of the gray scale mode. A strip of dwarf pine above the upper limit of the forest represents a well-identifiable boundary on the aerial photographs: 25 well-recognized localities were selected to examine the changes in the tree line in the western Tatras. The distribution of dwarf pine systematically increased in the western Tatra Mountains from 1965 to 2002 on all monitored sites. The percentage of total surface area covered in P. mugo increased from 41.8% in 1965 to 51.8% in 1986 and to 58.2% in 2002. The study also analyzes the dispersal of dwarf pine over 40 years in relation with slope and elevation. The results of this study explain ongoing and future vegetation changes and can be used as an important contribution to monitoring of climate change in the mid-European mountain areas.

Assessment of frequency and areal extent of overland flow generation in a forested mountain catchment

Short time rainfall and throughfall measurements in the period May&amp;ndash;October 2009, and the calculated saturated hydraulic conductivities of soils and isotopic hydrograph separations in August 2009 were used to estimate the frequency of the infiltration excess overland flow generation and the extent of saturated areas producing the saturation excess overland flow in the forested mountain catchment of the Jaloveck&amp;yacute; Creek, Western Tatra Mountains, northern Slovakia. The rainfall intensities exceeding 0.2 mm per 10 min occurred only in 2&amp;ndash;4% of all data measured. Saturated hydraulic conductivities (K&lt;sub&gt;S&lt;/sub&gt;) of soils were calculated by means of four methods based on the relationship between K&lt;sub&gt;S&lt;/sub&gt; and soil texture. The comparison of K&lt;sub&gt;S&lt;/sub&gt; with the measured rainfall intensities indicated that the infiltration excess overland flow could have been generated for 0&amp;ndash;10% of the rainfall intensities measured. Isotopic hydrograph separation by means of the deuterium isotope indicated that the areas, where the saturated excess overland flow could have occurred, represented about 2&amp;ndash;13% of the catchment during the analysed events. Despite the uncertainties connected with the assessments, the results are consistent with empirical knowledge of the catchment and limited older data. &amp;nbsp;

Short-time measurements of interception in mountain spruce forest

Short-time measurements of interception in mountain spruce forestOpen area rainfall and throughfall measurements in the Western Tatra Mountains (altitude about 1500 m a.s.l.) made by tipping bucket gauges were used to estimate the usefulness of the short-time data in analysis of spruce interception. The 10-minute data from period 13 May-13 October 2009 did not reveal meaningful correlations between the open area rainfall and throughfall. Aggregated measurements representing individual rainfall events were more useful. They showed linear relationship between open area rainfall and throughfall for events with total rainfall depth in the open area exceeding 5 mm. Correlation between open area rainfall and throughfall for rainfall events with duration above 120 minutes was significantly better than for the shorter ones. Mean values of interception (percentage of open area rainfall which did not appear in throughfall) of individual rainfall events was high. When we excluded events for which throughfall was higher than the open area rainfall, mean interception for larger and longer rainfall events was 46% and 48%, respectively. For smaller (runoff depth below 5 mm) and shorter events (duration below 2 hours) the mean interception was 70% and 72%, respectively. However, the data revealed very high variability of interception.

A New Vent-Related Foraminifer from the Lower Toarcian Black Claystone of the Tatra Mountains, Poland

Recurvoides infernus sp. nov., one of the oldest representatives of the superfamily Recurvoidacea (Foraminifera), is described from a thin black claystone overlying the manganese deposits of the Križna Unit in the Western Tatra Mountains (Poland). These manganese carbonates/silicates were laid down around a shallow-water exhalative submarine hydrothermal vent that was active in the early Toarcian. The microfossils are possibly the first described Jurassic foraminifera associated with hydrothermal vents. The assemblage is characterized by a high abundance and dominance of this new species. The primary lamination of the black claystone, the lack of any macrofauna, and an elevated TOC content point to oxygen-deficient conditions during sedimentation of these deposits. Furthermore, the nearly exclusive occurrence of agglutinated foraminifers suggests a low pH level. It is likely that the foraminifers colonized vent-related bacterial mats which acted as a rich and stable food source. Modern shallow- and deep-w...

Population dynamics and spatial behaviour of Microtus tatricus (Arvicolinae, Rodentia)

The population dynamics of the Tatra vole Microtus tatricus (Kratochvil, 1952) (Arvicolinae, Rodentia) was monitored as part of a long-term study (1996–2008) of demography of small mammals conducted in Western Tatra Mountains—Rohace, Slovakia. We observed low abundance and population densities and a balanced sex ratio but slightly more frequent captures of females. Reproductively active Tatra voles were significantly larger and heavier than reproductively inactive voles. Reproduction in both sexes tended to begin in early spring, and females moved less than males. Individuals start to reproduce after overwintering. Spatial characteristics differed between sexes, with home range size, distance travelled, and observed range length being non-significantly greater in males than in females, suggesting greater male mobility. Females remained longer on the site than did males. Mature individuals of both sexes exhibited territoriality during the peak of breeding season in spring. Home range overlap occurred more often within females, and mainly in summer and autumn.

Impact of spruce forest on rainfall interception and seasonal snow cover evolution in the Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia

AbstractThe paper analyzes the impacts of the spruce forest on precipitation interception and evolution of snow cover in the mountain catchment of the Jalovecký creek, the Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia. Both processes were monitored at the elevation of 1420 m a.s.l.. Interception was measured from the end of August 2006 until November 2008 by a network of 13 raingauges. Mean interception over the studied period in forest window was 23%. Mean values for the dripping zone under tree branches, near stems of the trees and under the young trees were 28%, 65% and 44%, respectively. With exception of forest window, the interception at the same characteristic positions was highly variable. Calculated daily precipitation thresholds needed to fulfill the storage capacity of the canopy were about 0.8–0.9 mm.Differences in snow accumulation and melt in the open area (elevation 1500 m a.s.l.) and in the forest were measured in winters 2003–2008. Snow depths (SD) and water equivalents (SWE) were typically smaller in the forest, although the differences were getting smaller towards the end of snow season. SD and SWE in the forest were higher than in the open area for a short time before the end of season in winters 2003 and 2005. The correlations between SD and SWE in the open area and in the forest explained about 90% of variability. The energy balance snow model UEB satisfactorily simulated the evolution of snow cover in the forest and in the open area.

Influence of vegetation cover on evapotranspiration patterns in mountainous areas

The study presents results of calculation of potential evapotranspiration based on vegetation cover and actual solar energy income modeling obtained in the Jalovecky creek experimental hydrological basin in the Western Tatra mountains. Vegetation cover in the basin is represented by Bare rock, Grass, Natural grassland, Coniferous forest and Dwarf pine. Spatial evapotranspiration patterns for vegetation cover were calculated with three different methods build in the SOLEI model. They are Simple regression model, Radiation model by FAO and Penman-Monteith model. Vegetation cover is represented in all mentioned methods by albedo maps derived from the land use grid map. Together with Digital elevation model (DEM) it is the main input value to the SOLEI model. Albedo coefficients influence mainly solar energy income to the slopes. Because the Simple regression model and Radiation model by FAO are mainly based on solar energy income, the shapes of calculated spatial evapotranspiration patterns are similar to solar energy spatial maps. Results obtained from PenmanMonteith model are more closed to vegetation maps.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal and Dark Septate Endophyte Colonization along Altitudinal Gradients in the Tatra Mountains

The evaluation of fungal root endophytes of two multizonal mountain plant species (Soldanella carpatica and Homogyne alpine) in relation to altitude was conducted. The comparison of root colonization by coarse arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and the fine AMF endophyte (Glomus tenue), as well as the presence of dark septate endophytes (DSE) were assessed along altitudinal gradients (1000–2050 m a.s.l.) on calcareous and non-calcareous substrata in the Tatra Mts. (Western Carpathians). Additionally, AMF species composition in the rhizosphere of the investigated plants was determined. Coarse AMF dominated over the fine endophyte in roots of S. carpatica and H. alpina. In the case of S. carpatica, there was a tendency for coarse AMF colonization decline with increasing altitude, while the reverse trend was observed for the fine endophyte. In contrast, the altitudinal patterns of the two types were opposite in H. alpina. Fifteen AMF species associated with the rhizosphere of S. carpatica were identified at the sites located in the Western Tatra Mountains, whereas spores of only four species were isolated from the rhizosphere of H. alpina in the High Tatra Mountains. None of the identified AMF species was observed to occur both in the High and Western Tatra Mts. DSE accompanied AMF in the roots of S. carpatica and H. alpina at each site; however, the root colonization by this group of fungi was low. The DSE colonization did not have a consistent relationship with altitude in both plant species. The results suggest that at the investigated altitudes factors such as the type of substrata, host plants, and local plant species composition may play a more important role in determining root colonization as well as the establishment of a local AMF community than the climatic changes with increasing elevation above sea level.

Negative impact of nitrogen deposition on soil buffering capacity

Sustained nitrogen deposition has had a detrimental effect on ecosystems in Europe and North America. Now a grassland in Slovakia is showing symptoms of extreme soil acidification not previously observed in association with nitrogen deposition. Anthropogenic nitrogen deposition over the past half century has had a detrimental impact on temperate ecosystems in Europe and North America, resulting in soil acidification and a reduction in plant biodiversity1,2. During the acidification process, soils release base cations, such as calcium and magnesium, neutralizing the increase in acidity. Once these base cations have been depleted, aluminium is released from the soils, often reaching toxic levels. Here, we present results from a nitrogen deposition experiment that suggests that a long legacy of acid deposition in the Western Tatra Mountains of Slovakia has pushed soils to a new threshold of acidification usually associated with acid mine drainage soils. We show that increases in nitrogen deposition in the region result in a depletion of both base cations and soluble aluminium, and an increase in extractable iron concentrations. In conjunction with this, we observe a nitrogen-deposition-induced reduction in the biomass of vascular plants, associated with a decrease in shoot calcium and magnesium concentrations. We suggest that this site, and potentially others in central Europe, have reached a new and potentially more toxic level of soil acidification in which aluminium release is superseded by iron release into soil water.

Variation of nitrates in runoff from mountain and rural areas

The paper presents results of temporal and spatial variation of nitrates in streamwater in the small mountain catchment of the Jalovecký creek, the Western Tatra Mountains, Slovakia. Water samples were collected between October 2003 and April 2005 in areas with contrasting catchments. Water samples collected at the outlet of the mountain part (almost no human activities) had lower concentrations of nitrates than the samples collected donwstream in the rural area. The differences were smaller during the warm period of the year. The highest concentrations of nitrates and the highest differences among the uninhabited and inhabited areas were observed at the time of snowmelt. Samples collected along the creek in March and April 2005 showed increasing concentrations with increasing urbanization. Concentrations of nitrates measured during springs 1992, 2004 and 2005 were in similar range. Higher frequency sampling during the summer rainfall-runoff event indicated that concentrations of nitrates in the creek varied during the event. Water samples from snow had low concentrations of nitrates.

Radionuclides in two rised peat profiles collected from Kościeliska Valley in the Tatra Mountains

The activities of 239+240 Pu, 238 Pu, 241 Am, 90 Sr, 137 Cs, 40 K, 228 Ac were measured as wel l as the activity ratios of 228 Th to 232 Th and 230 Th to 232 Th in samples of two rised peat profiles collected from Kocieliska Valley in the Western Tatra Mountains in 2002 and 2003. Results show some differences in the vertical distribution of examined radionuclides. Calculated cumulated deposition in the deeper profile is equal to 6.9 ±0.2 kBq/m 2 ( 137 Cs), 168 ±11 Bq/m 2 ( 239+240 Pu), 4.3 ±0.8 Bq/m 2 ( 238 Pu), 33 ±3 Bq/m 2 ( 241 Am) and 607 ±11 Bq/m 2 ( 90 Sr). Therefore, it seems that radiostrontium was partially removed from the examined part of the profile. The peat grow -up rate was estimated from the position of the maxima of the vertical distribution of radiocesium and plutonium (6 to 8 mm/y), and from the determination of the vertical distribution of 210 Pb (1.25 mm/y). The discrepancy seems to be due to the solubility of lead. 0-1 36.4 0.505 0.42 1-2 17.4 0.370 0.31 2-3 13.3 0.285 0.31 3-4 13.3 0.247 0.25 4-5 14 0.201 0.24 5-6 10.6 0.163 0.23 5-7.5 36.7 0.313 0.32 7.5 -9.5 40.7 0.310 0.32 9.5 -11 23.4 0.331 0.29 11 -13.5 27.3 0.263 0.29 13.5 -15 18.6 0.307 0.22 15 -17 21.9 0.083 0.22 17 -19.5 15 .7 0.095 0.17 19.5 -22 12.9 0.079 0.14 22 -26 25 0.091 0.24

Origin of organic matter from tectonic zones in the Western Tatra Mountains Crystalline Basement, Poland: An example of bitumen—source rock correlation

Solid bitumens of unknown origin, found in brittle tectonic shear zones cutting the crystalline basement of the Western Tatra Mts, show uniform geochemical characteristics that suggest a uniform source for the original hydrocarbons. On the basis of GC–MS data, a similarity between these solid bitumens and organic matter dispersed in the Mesozoic source rocks of Podhale Trough and sedimentary cover of the northern Tatra Mts is observed. The organic matter in the Mesozoic source rocks shows a higher maturation level than that in the solid bitumens. The molecular composition of the organic matter in both the solid bitumens and the basement rocks is significantly different from that in the Paleogene sedimentary rocks infilling the Podhale Trough. These immature to early mature Paleogene sedimentary rocks contain organic compounds typical of terrestrial plants, both conifers (simonellite and retene) and angiosperms (lupane, oleanane and taraxastene), which are absent in the solid bitumens and in the Mesozoic source rocks. Water–CO 2 fluid inclusions in quartz sealing the shear zones have marine-like salinity, a dominance of CaCl 2 and Mg 2+ depletion, suggesting genetic affinity to dolomitised carbonate rocks such as potential Middle Triassic source rocks. The low maturity of the solid bitumen in the shear zones relative to its Mesozoic source can be explained by continued maturation of the Mesozoic source rocks after expulsion and migration into the shear zones. The results of hydrocarbon-generation modeling indicate that oil expulsion from the Mesozoic source rocks, its migration through the shear zones, and the subsequent maturation of the Mesozoic source rocks all occurred within a short Oligocene time interval.