Studia Quaternaria

The paper was focused on the reconstruction of past-environmental conditions dynamics based on the geochemical characteristics of sediments filling kettle-hole located in the western part of the Kashubian Lakeland, North Poland). Stratigraphic variability of lithogeochemical constituents and a set of 13 elements (TOC, N, P, Na, Ca, Mg, K, Al, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn) were applied for Holocene reconstruction of certain processes and conditions in the studied kettle-hole. The detailed geochemical analysis allowed us to identify 6 phases in its development: Masz-1 stage covering sedimentation of sedge-moss peat over melting dead ice at the turn of the Preboreal and Boreal periods; Masz-2 stage of the initial phase of lake development with deep-water sedimentation; Late Boreal and Atlantic stage Masz-3 related to sedimentation of lacustrine chalk; Subboreal stage Masz-4 representing the beginning of lake terrestrialization; Subatlantic stage Masz-5 of lowland bog, and Masz-6 stage covering final phase of peatland evolution due to human activity. Principle component analysis highlighted the importance of two major factors controlling the geochemical variability of the studied sediments. These are the varied origin of supplying water reflected in the sedimentation of organic-calcareous sediments (PC1), and oxidative-reduction conditions determined by water level fluctuations (PC2).

Water quality is an important factor to determine a development of living organisms, including the presence of amphibians. It this article we compared the water quality of both, natural infield reservoirs in areas with intensive cultivation of cereals and the recently created reservoirs in the gravel pits in Central Pomerania, northern Poland. We tested all the physico-chemical properties that may impact species richness and reproductive success of amphibians. We observed that gravel ponds were better oxygenated, with higher pH and conductivity, and were less fertile in nutrients. In Pomerania, the water reservoirs in gravel pits had better breeding conditions than in-field ponds with higher total nitrogen and total phosphorus concentrations. There are many scientific papers identifying a negative role of sand and gravel mines, including a release of heavy metals from sediments, a high non-metalic minerals concentration, a destruction of native species of vegetation and occurrence of alien species. Therefore, we should be careful in assessing the role of newly emerging reservoirs in sand and gravel mines. The purpose of our research is to show that sand/gravel mines can be used to protect nature and that they can have also a positive impact. Few previous studies indicate that they may be a favorable place for creating new breeding sites for amphibians, which may ultimately help to preserve species in the face of environmental pollution and climate change.

The article summarizes results of the studies of the Coastal Clean Index (CCI) on selected Polish beaches. In 2022, an attempt was made to estimate the amount of litter on the beach in Ustka. Debris on the beach was collected during a peak season in July and August. An attempt was also made to estimate the daily increase in garbage on the beach. The main part of the research was based on the quality and quantity of litter in beach sediments to the east and west of Ustka. Litter was divided according to a type of material, use, size and origin. The collected material was dominated by a plastic waste. The largest amount of marine litter was collected on the beach, on the eastern side of the Słupia River.

Basing on the analysis of 440 vegetation plots (relevés) a classification scheme of sand biotopes of Chernihiv Polesie (Northern Ukraine) of levels IV–VI was compiled. Biotopes, protected by the Resolution 4 of the Bern Convention and Annexes II and IV of the Habitat Directive, were identified. The comparative characteristics of biotopes and syntaxa of vegetation according to floristic classification were given. Characteristics of the represented biotopes were described. The biotopes R1Q, R1P, R1M (EUNIS, 2021) appeared to be the most represented for the sands of Northern Ukraine. Fourteen biotopes of Chernihiv Polesie sands, protected by Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992, were revealed.

This paper presents details of 37 storm surges that occurred on the Polish southern Baltic Sea coast in the autumn/winter 2021–2022 season. They emerged during the passage of a larger number of low-pressure systems than usual from the SW-W direction over the Baltic Sea. Based on an assessment of meteorological and hydrological conditions during the storms, the relationship between the wind parameters, the sea level increase, and its maximum elevation was ascertained. The relationship between the sea level and the run-up elevation was ascertained. The elevation of the sea level and run-up on the onshore were compared with the beach height. Sections with a lower beach were affected by dune erosion already at a lower sea level. The dependence of dune erosion on the sea level elevation was presented. The value of the dune base retreat depended on the beach elevation and the sea level expressed by the onshore flow called run-up. The most significant erosion occurred during the storm Nadine with a sea level of 1.0–1.28 m AMSL. The average erosion varied between 1.0 and 4.5 m. The maximum erosion values reached 8–13 m.

This study is aimed to report and analyze the modern plants use in the historical rural localities of Chernihiv Polesie (Ukraine). The research materials were collected in two stages. At the first stage the main useful of the local natural flora were identified. At the second stage a sociological survey of adult local inhabitants on the plants use was conducted. The main groups of useful plants of the historical localities were established. The modern use of plants was analyzed. It was found that most plants were used by the local inhabitants for their own needs. However, certain edible, fodder and techniacal plants are a source of income for the local inhabitants. In the historical localities of Chernihiv Polesie all the traditional for the region ways of using the natural flora plants have been preserved (but to varying degrees). The degree of modern use of plants is primarily determined by the peculiarities of the vegetation (in particular, the predominance of pine, mixed forests and floodplain meadows) and financial incentives. This primarily applies to Vaccinium myrtillus gathering and laying hay in for the own use and sale. The local inhabitants use the plant resources lesser than the existining resource potential.