• dr hab. Jan Waga
Position: adiunkt
Unit: Instytut Nauk o Ziemi
Adress: 41-200 Sosnowiec, ul. Będzińska 60
Floor: VI
Room: 616
Phone: brak
E-mail: jan.waga@us.edu.pl
Publications list: Publications by CINiBA
Publications list: Publications by OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 36141378300
Publications from the Scopus database
2023
Waga, J. M.; Szypuła, B.; Fajer, M.
The Archaeology of Unexploded World War II Bomb Sites in the Koźle Basin, Southern Poland Journal Article
In: International Journal of Historical Archaeology, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 688-713, 2023, ISSN: 10927697, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85136558604,
title = {The Archaeology of Unexploded World War II Bomb Sites in the Koźle Basin, Southern Poland},
author = { J.M. Waga and B. Szypuła and M. Fajer},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85136558604&doi=10.1007%2fs10761-022-00672-5&partnerID=40&md5=80d6207142203f2395683c6e3079c529},
doi = {10.1007/s10761-022-00672-5},
issn = {10927697},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Historical Archaeology},
volume = {27},
number = {3},
pages = {688-713},
publisher = {Springer},
abstract = {One of the largest territories affected by the aerial bombardment carried out in Europe in 1944 is located near Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Surrounded by former synthetic fuel production plants, it contains craters from the explosions of detonation and general-purpose bombs, as well as smaller craters indicating the existence of unexploded bombs. The research presented in this article was conducted in forested areas and swampy wastelands, where these forms have been preserved until today. The article includes the analysis of their distribution and morphology, as well as characteristic cases occurring in multiple geoenvironmental situations. It also provides a model for research work leading to the determination of the most likely locations of unexploded bombs. © 2022, The Author(s).},
note = {2},
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pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
One of the largest territories affected by the aerial bombardment carried out in Europe in 1944 is located near Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Surrounded by former synthetic fuel production plants, it contains craters from the explosions of detonation and general-purpose bombs, as well as smaller craters indicating the existence of unexploded bombs. The research presented in this article was conducted in forested areas and swampy wastelands, where these forms have been preserved until today. The article includes the analysis of their distribution and morphology, as well as characteristic cases occurring in multiple geoenvironmental situations. It also provides a model for research work leading to the determination of the most likely locations of unexploded bombs. © 2022, The Author(s).
Waga, J. M.; Fajer, M.; Szypuła, B.
Current and potential landscape functions of areas with the remnants of World War II bombing in the Koźle Basin, southern Poland Journal Article
In: Environmental and Socio-Economic Studies, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 29-41, 2023, ISSN: 23540079.
@article{2-s2.0-85162940824,
title = {Current and potential landscape functions of areas with the remnants of World War II bombing in the Koźle Basin, southern Poland},
author = { J.M. Waga and M. Fajer and B. Szypuła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85162940824&doi=10.2478%2fenviron-2023-0009&partnerID=40&md5=3b0244be5d480b888c971365c70e9f1c},
doi = {10.2478/environ-2023-0009},
issn = {23540079},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Environmental and Socio-Economic Studies},
volume = {11},
number = {2},
pages = {29-41},
publisher = {Sciendo},
abstract = {Wars bring civilisation and environmental disasters. In the forests and wetlands of the Koźle Basin (southern Poland), clusters of bomb craters remain, which are associated with the air campaign conducted by the USAAF to disable the Third Reich's fuel facilities. They are among the most spectacular in Europe today. There are nearly 6,000 large bomb craters with a diameter of 7-15 meters and smaller ones from the fall of unexploded ordnance. These areas, with their characteristic scarred relief, currently pose difficulties in terms of economic use. The depressions left after the bombs fell, naturally became small sedimentation basins and niches that were taken over by nature. Landscape and nature mapping of the surveyed areas, altered by the bombing, in conjunction with historical data, suggest that they require protection in the form of two landscape-nature protected complexes (a form of landscape protection in Poland). They can serve as environmental and historical education zones, wildlife sanctuaries, as well as areas for the introduction and reintroduction of species. This is important in a region where hundreds of years of agricultural dominance, as well as decades of intensive industrial development and urban settlement, have caused major changes in the natural environment and degradation of its structures. Similar historical sites, trails and cultural parks dedicated to the war campaigns have been introduced in different European countries. © 2023 Jan M. Waga et al., published by Sciendo.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Wars bring civilisation and environmental disasters. In the forests and wetlands of the Koźle Basin (southern Poland), clusters of bomb craters remain, which are associated with the air campaign conducted by the USAAF to disable the Third Reich's fuel facilities. They are among the most spectacular in Europe today. There are nearly 6,000 large bomb craters with a diameter of 7-15 meters and smaller ones from the fall of unexploded ordnance. These areas, with their characteristic scarred relief, currently pose difficulties in terms of economic use. The depressions left after the bombs fell, naturally became small sedimentation basins and niches that were taken over by nature. Landscape and nature mapping of the surveyed areas, altered by the bombing, in conjunction with historical data, suggest that they require protection in the form of two landscape-nature protected complexes (a form of landscape protection in Poland). They can serve as environmental and historical education zones, wildlife sanctuaries, as well as areas for the introduction and reintroduction of species. This is important in a region where hundreds of years of agricultural dominance, as well as decades of intensive industrial development and urban settlement, have caused major changes in the natural environment and degradation of its structures. Similar historical sites, trails and cultural parks dedicated to the war campaigns have been introduced in different European countries. © 2023 Jan M. Waga et al., published by Sciendo.
2022
Waga, J. M.; Szypuła, B.; Sendobry, K.; Fajer, M.
Anthropogenic Landforms Derived from LiDAR Data in the Woodlands near Kotlarnia (Koźle Basin, Poland) Journal Article
In: Sensors, vol. 22, no. 21, 2022, ISSN: 14248220.
@article{2-s2.0-85141596855,
title = {Anthropogenic Landforms Derived from LiDAR Data in the Woodlands near Kotlarnia (Koźle Basin, Poland)},
author = { J.M. Waga and B. Szypuła and K. Sendobry and M. Fajer},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85141596855&doi=10.3390%2fs22218328&partnerID=40&md5=739a25659b4a9b2350d312d0c2e6483c},
doi = {10.3390/s22218328},
issn = {14248220},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Sensors},
volume = {22},
number = {21},
publisher = {MDPI},
abstract = {Unlike farmland or urban areas, forests have long been regarded as environments that favour the preservation of valuable geological and historical sites. However, due to invasive forestry methods, the implementation of large investment projects and the development of mining, they are increasingly no longer safe spaces for the relics of human activities recorded in landforms. Data collection, including using LiDAR technology, presents an opportunity to preserve knowledge about these landforms. Through the analysis of shaded images of a 37-hectare woodland area near Kotlarnia, landforms of various ages documenting 21 different human activities were identified, including remnants of reforestation activities, the expansion and modification of hydraulic structures and road infrastructure, charcoal burning and tar distilling, exploitation of mineral resources and military activities. The results of the remote sensing work were verified in the field. © 2022 by the authors.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Unlike farmland or urban areas, forests have long been regarded as environments that favour the preservation of valuable geological and historical sites. However, due to invasive forestry methods, the implementation of large investment projects and the development of mining, they are increasingly no longer safe spaces for the relics of human activities recorded in landforms. Data collection, including using LiDAR technology, presents an opportunity to preserve knowledge about these landforms. Through the analysis of shaded images of a 37-hectare woodland area near Kotlarnia, landforms of various ages documenting 21 different human activities were identified, including remnants of reforestation activities, the expansion and modification of hydraulic structures and road infrastructure, charcoal burning and tar distilling, exploitation of mineral resources and military activities. The results of the remote sensing work were verified in the field. © 2022 by the authors.
Waga, J. M.; Fajer, M.; Szypuła, B.
In: Environmental and Socio-Economic Studies, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 57-67, 2022, ISSN: 23540079, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-85128174011,
title = {The scars of war: A programme for the identification of the environmental effects of Word War II bombings for the purposes of spatial management in the Kole Basin, Poland},
author = { J.M. Waga and M. Fajer and B. Szypuła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85128174011&doi=10.2478%2fenviron-2022-0005&partnerID=40&md5=4fe84e92061835bd87df359e1a6267bc},
doi = {10.2478/environ-2022-0005},
issn = {23540079},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Environmental and Socio-Economic Studies},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {57-67},
publisher = {De Gruyter Open Ltd},
abstract = {Poland's Kole Basin contains numerous craters created from the explosions of World War II aerial bombs as well as craters left by unexploded ordnance. The state of the local environment has been severely affected. This situation presents an obstacle to spatial management of the land to this day. This research programme studied the distribution of postmilitary anthropogenic geohazards in the area. It was intended to help to indicate the appropriate courses of action, including in the field of spatial planning, in the areas affected by former bombing. Desk studies focused on photo-interpretive analysis of archival aerial photographs and took advantage of the potential of high-resolution shaded relief rasters created from digital terrain models derived from LiDAR scanning. Field studies used classic geomorphological methods. Studies conducted so far in the bombed areas indicate the necessity of carrying out systematic, anticipatory, accurate surveys of the land and soil surface with the use of geophysical methods. Currently, the traces identified in the field suggest that the amount of unexploded ordnance remaining in the ground is very large. © 2022 Jan M. Waga et al., published by Sciendo.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Poland's Kole Basin contains numerous craters created from the explosions of World War II aerial bombs as well as craters left by unexploded ordnance. The state of the local environment has been severely affected. This situation presents an obstacle to spatial management of the land to this day. This research programme studied the distribution of postmilitary anthropogenic geohazards in the area. It was intended to help to indicate the appropriate courses of action, including in the field of spatial planning, in the areas affected by former bombing. Desk studies focused on photo-interpretive analysis of archival aerial photographs and took advantage of the potential of high-resolution shaded relief rasters created from digital terrain models derived from LiDAR scanning. Field studies used classic geomorphological methods. Studies conducted so far in the bombed areas indicate the necessity of carrying out systematic, anticipatory, accurate surveys of the land and soil surface with the use of geophysical methods. Currently, the traces identified in the field suggest that the amount of unexploded ordnance remaining in the ground is very large. © 2022 Jan M. Waga et al., published by Sciendo.
Waga, J. M.; Szypuła, B.; Fajer, M.
HERITAGE OF WAR: ANALYSIS OF BOMB CRATERS USING LIDAR (KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE, POLAND) Journal Article
In: International Journal of Conservation Science, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 593-608, 2022, ISSN: 2067533X, (5).
@article{2-s2.0-85136580726,
title = {HERITAGE OF WAR: ANALYSIS OF BOMB CRATERS USING LIDAR (KĘDZIERZYN-KOŹLE, POLAND)},
author = { J.M. Waga and B. Szypuła and M. Fajer},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85136580726&partnerID=40&md5=fa6c79d0dbce094f1f73023e484a6b2d},
issn = {2067533X},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Conservation Science},
volume = {13},
number = {2},
pages = {593-608},
publisher = {Romanian Inventors Forum},
abstract = {One of the biggest areas in Europe with relief transformed as a result of area bombardment carried out in the 1940s is located near Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Most craters can be observed on orthophotomaps and shaded relief rasters. In land subject to intense economic activity, the bomb craters were backfilled as early as in the 1940s and 50s, however, they have been preserved in forest and swampy areas. Owing to the analysis of digital elevation models and shaded relief rasters, it was found that a 5.9-hectare detailed research site included 282 bomb craters of various types, giving an average of 48 craters per ha. However, there are crater concentrations containing almost 75 items/ha. The article presents the morphometric parameters of craters and the reconstruction of their emergence and transformation processes, which are stored in landform morphology. The usefulness and accuracy of digital elevation models and shaded relief rasters was tested for different resolutions in the analyses of craters occurring in a variety of environmental conditions. It was also suggested that this area should be protected as a terrain for interdisciplinary research into the effects of intensive WWII activities. It is significant owing to its historical value, as well as the contemporary spatial economy. © 2022 Universitatea "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" din Iasi. All rights reserved.},
note = {5},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
One of the biggest areas in Europe with relief transformed as a result of area bombardment carried out in the 1940s is located near Kędzierzyn-Koźle. Most craters can be observed on orthophotomaps and shaded relief rasters. In land subject to intense economic activity, the bomb craters were backfilled as early as in the 1940s and 50s, however, they have been preserved in forest and swampy areas. Owing to the analysis of digital elevation models and shaded relief rasters, it was found that a 5.9-hectare detailed research site included 282 bomb craters of various types, giving an average of 48 craters per ha. However, there are crater concentrations containing almost 75 items/ha. The article presents the morphometric parameters of craters and the reconstruction of their emergence and transformation processes, which are stored in landform morphology. The usefulness and accuracy of digital elevation models and shaded relief rasters was tested for different resolutions in the analyses of craters occurring in a variety of environmental conditions. It was also suggested that this area should be protected as a terrain for interdisciplinary research into the effects of intensive WWII activities. It is significant owing to its historical value, as well as the contemporary spatial economy. © 2022 Universitatea "Alexandru Ioan Cuza" din Iasi. All rights reserved.
Waga, J. M.; Szypuła, B.; Sendobry, K.; Fajer, M.
In: Czasopismo Geograficzne, vol. 93, no. 1, pp. 107-138, 2022, ISSN: 00459453, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85132521468,
title = {TRACES OF HUMAN ACTIVITY IN THE WOODLANDS OF THE "CISTERCIAN LANDSCAPE COMPOSITIONS OF RUDY WIELKIE" LANDSCAPE PARK READ FROM LIDAR DATA AND THEIR IMPORTANCE IN HERITAGE PROTECTION [SLADY DZIALALNOSCI CZLOWIEKA NA TERENACH LESNYCH PARKU KRAJOBRAZOWEGO "CYSTERSKIE KOMPOZYCJE KRAJOBRAZOWE RUD WIELKICH" ODCZYTANE Z OBRAZÓW LIDAR ORAZ ICH ZNACZENIE W OCHRONIE DZIEDZICTWA KULTUROWEGO I PRZYRODNICZEGO]},
author = { J.M. Waga and B. Szypuła and K. Sendobry and M. Fajer},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85132521468&doi=10.12657%2fczageo-93-05&partnerID=40&md5=7ef4757e8e251c5bb93410eb9c34209a},
doi = {10.12657/czageo-93-05},
issn = {00459453},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Czasopismo Geograficzne},
volume = {93},
number = {1},
pages = {107-138},
publisher = {Polish Geographical Society},
abstract = {The aim of the research was to identify the landforms created at different periods by man in seven forest areas of the "Cistercian Landscape Compositions of Rudy Wielkie" Landscape Park. These complexes of forms, which today constitute the material cultural and natural heritage, have been recognized as scientific values, important "carriers" of knowledge or valuable landscape objects, and their threats have been identified. For this purpose, shaded relief rasters with a resolution of 1 × 1 m and 0.25 × 0.25 m, generated from a digital elevation model based on laser scanning (LiDAR) were used. Remote sensing data were verified in the field. It was found that rasters of different resolutions obtained from LiDAR data are very suitable for relief analysis in forest areas. On the one hand, the conducted research allowed for an inventory of a number of well-preserved forms worthy of protection and further research, but on the other, it revealed that they are under threat due to the use of modern forest cultivation techniques that degrade the surface of the earth, soil and habitats. The forests, previously known as the natural and cultural palimpsest, are being turned into forest plantations. In this way, many functions of the forest disappear, including those promoted over the last 30 years by the State Forests, for example in the "Cistercian Landscape Compositions of Rudy Wielkie" Landscape Park. © 2022 Polish Geographical Society. All rights reserved.},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The aim of the research was to identify the landforms created at different periods by man in seven forest areas of the "Cistercian Landscape Compositions of Rudy Wielkie" Landscape Park. These complexes of forms, which today constitute the material cultural and natural heritage, have been recognized as scientific values, important "carriers" of knowledge or valuable landscape objects, and their threats have been identified. For this purpose, shaded relief rasters with a resolution of 1 × 1 m and 0.25 × 0.25 m, generated from a digital elevation model based on laser scanning (LiDAR) were used. Remote sensing data were verified in the field. It was found that rasters of different resolutions obtained from LiDAR data are very suitable for relief analysis in forest areas. On the one hand, the conducted research allowed for an inventory of a number of well-preserved forms worthy of protection and further research, but on the other, it revealed that they are under threat due to the use of modern forest cultivation techniques that degrade the surface of the earth, soil and habitats. The forests, previously known as the natural and cultural palimpsest, are being turned into forest plantations. In this way, many functions of the forest disappear, including those promoted over the last 30 years by the State Forests, for example in the "Cistercian Landscape Compositions of Rudy Wielkie" Landscape Park. © 2022 Polish Geographical Society. All rights reserved.
2021
Waga, J. M.; Fajer, M.
The heritage of the Second World War: Bombing in the forests and wetlands of the Koźle Basin Journal Article
In: Antiquity, vol. 95, no. 380, pp. 417-434, 2021, ISSN: 0003598X, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-85103549973,
title = {The heritage of the Second World War: Bombing in the forests and wetlands of the Koźle Basin},
author = { J.M. Waga and M. Fajer},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85103549973&doi=10.15184%2faqy.2020.154&partnerID=40&md5=fc652d598fc679da37e0dbde8be42cdb},
doi = {10.15184/aqy.2020.154},
issn = {0003598X},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Antiquity},
volume = {95},
number = {380},
pages = {417-434},
publisher = {Cambridge University Press},
abstract = {The Koźle Basin in Poland was radically transformed by aerial bombardment during the Second World War. Today, the region has approximately 6000 well-preserved bomb craters with diameters ranging from 5-15m and depths often exceeding 2m. Combining remote-sensing data and fieldwork with historical accounts, this article analyses these craters, demonstrating that their varied morphologies derive from the weight of the bombs that created them, and on the type and moisture content of the soil on which the bombs fell. Based on their results, the authors issue a call for the official protection of the Koźle landscape, which has particular historical, educational and ecological value. Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Antiquity Publications Ltd.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Koźle Basin in Poland was radically transformed by aerial bombardment during the Second World War. Today, the region has approximately 6000 well-preserved bomb craters with diameters ranging from 5-15m and depths often exceeding 2m. Combining remote-sensing data and fieldwork with historical accounts, this article analyses these craters, demonstrating that their varied morphologies derive from the weight of the bombs that created them, and on the type and moisture content of the soil on which the bombs fell. Based on their results, the authors issue a call for the official protection of the Koźle landscape, which has particular historical, educational and ecological value. Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Antiquity Publications Ltd.
2017
Fajer, M.; Malik, I.; Waga, J. M.; Wistuba, M.; Woskowicz-Ślęzak, B.
In: Przeglad Geograficzny, vol. 89, no. 3, pp. 467-489, 2017, ISSN: 00332143, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-85030717980,
title = {Contemporary adaptation of anthropogenically-transformed river valleys by European beavers Castor fiber (examples from Poland’s Opole Plain and Woźniki-Wieluń Upland) [Współczesne wykorzystanie przez bobra europejskiego Castor fiber antropogenicznie przekształconych dolin rzecznych (przykłady z Równiny Opolskiej i Wyżyny Woźnicko-Wieluńskiej)]},
author = { M. Fajer and I. Malik and J.M. Waga and M. Wistuba and B. Woskowicz-Ślęzak},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85030717980&doi=10.7163%2fPrzG.2017.3.7&partnerID=40&md5=6d5c5b380cd2008c305f128d2736b003},
doi = {10.7163/PrzG.2017.3.7},
issn = {00332143},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Przeglad Geograficzny},
volume = {89},
number = {3},
pages = {467-489},
publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},
abstract = {Many of Poland’s valleys resemble those of the Mala Panew and Liswarta (and their tributaries) in featuring the remains of old hydrotechnical infrastructure formerly used by gristmills, steel plants and sawmills. As the importance of water as their main source of energy declined, such earlier industrial plants were gradually closed down, with a steady process of deterioration of hydrotechnical infrastructure then set in train. Beavers were reintroduced into the catchments of the Mala Panew and Liswarta in the 1990s, with the rodents immediately commencing with the adaptation of anthropogenically-transformed habitats to better meet their needs. Against this background, research was conducted to determine: • the number of beaver sites in the river valleys in question, and especially the number within or near disused items of hydrotechnical infrastructure, • the ways in which beavers have “managed“ the infrastructural items in question, •the impact beavers’ activities have had on the environment in the valleys studied. The locations and functions of old items of hydrotechnical infrastructure were determined by reference to archival maps. To assess beavers’ activities, 6 sections of watercourse of lengths 0.5-7 km were selected, with locations of beaver dams and ponds, as well as other traces of activity by the animals, documented and described. With a view to findings being summarized, distinctions were drawn between various methods of adaptation of former hydrotechnical objects by beavers , i.e. 1 - dams built in the channels of regulated rivers, 2- dams built in culverts, 3 -former millrace/water channels (used by gristmills or ironworks) occupied and adapted, 4 -banks of retention ponds occupied, 5 -waters in river channels dammed and basins of old ponds flooded, 6 -banks of ponds serving fire-fighting purposes occupied, 7 -former pond dams restored. Beavers can adapt successfully to -and also themselves adapt -anthropogenically-transformed environments in river valleys. In this regard, the rodents were found to be more eager to occupy the tributaries of the Mala Panew and Liswarta than the rivers themselves. The valleys offer suitable conditions for beavers, given channels that are shallow (of 0.3-0.6 m), slightly sloping (2.2-6.7 m/km), with sandy or sandy-sludgy bottoms, as well as access to deciduous trees growing nearby. Along the Mala Panew and Liswarta themselves, beavers make use of side channels and millraces. Most numerous traces of beavers’ activity were to be observed along forested stretches of the Lenca and Olszynka Valleys, which are found to have been transformed by beavers along 28-35% of their lengths. The animals made instinctive use of relic items of hydrotechnical infrastructure, with an interesting case involving the “restoration” by beavers of old embankments of anthropogenic ponds on the Rów Kokocki and the Lenca. Above beaver ponds (on the Rów Kokocki) or between ponds (on the Olszynka and Lenca), reduced channel slope and increased channel sinuosity contribute to the creation of side channels. Along these sections, transport channels made by beavers are vulnerable to avulsion and the emergence of multi-channel sections of watercourses. © 2017, Polska Akademia Nauk. All rights reserved.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Many of Poland’s valleys resemble those of the Mala Panew and Liswarta (and their tributaries) in featuring the remains of old hydrotechnical infrastructure formerly used by gristmills, steel plants and sawmills. As the importance of water as their main source of energy declined, such earlier industrial plants were gradually closed down, with a steady process of deterioration of hydrotechnical infrastructure then set in train. Beavers were reintroduced into the catchments of the Mala Panew and Liswarta in the 1990s, with the rodents immediately commencing with the adaptation of anthropogenically-transformed habitats to better meet their needs. Against this background, research was conducted to determine: • the number of beaver sites in the river valleys in question, and especially the number within or near disused items of hydrotechnical infrastructure, • the ways in which beavers have “managed“ the infrastructural items in question, •the impact beavers’ activities have had on the environment in the valleys studied. The locations and functions of old items of hydrotechnical infrastructure were determined by reference to archival maps. To assess beavers’ activities, 6 sections of watercourse of lengths 0.5-7 km were selected, with locations of beaver dams and ponds, as well as other traces of activity by the animals, documented and described. With a view to findings being summarized, distinctions were drawn between various methods of adaptation of former hydrotechnical objects by beavers , i.e. 1 - dams built in the channels of regulated rivers, 2- dams built in culverts, 3 -former millrace/water channels (used by gristmills or ironworks) occupied and adapted, 4 -banks of retention ponds occupied, 5 -waters in river channels dammed and basins of old ponds flooded, 6 -banks of ponds serving fire-fighting purposes occupied, 7 -former pond dams restored. Beavers can adapt successfully to -and also themselves adapt -anthropogenically-transformed environments in river valleys. In this regard, the rodents were found to be more eager to occupy the tributaries of the Mala Panew and Liswarta than the rivers themselves. The valleys offer suitable conditions for beavers, given channels that are shallow (of 0.3-0.6 m), slightly sloping (2.2-6.7 m/km), with sandy or sandy-sludgy bottoms, as well as access to deciduous trees growing nearby. Along the Mala Panew and Liswarta themselves, beavers make use of side channels and millraces. Most numerous traces of beavers’ activity were to be observed along forested stretches of the Lenca and Olszynka Valleys, which are found to have been transformed by beavers along 28-35% of their lengths. The animals made instinctive use of relic items of hydrotechnical infrastructure, with an interesting case involving the “restoration” by beavers of old embankments of anthropogenic ponds on the Rów Kokocki and the Lenca. Above beaver ponds (on the Rów Kokocki) or between ponds (on the Olszynka and Lenca), reduced channel slope and increased channel sinuosity contribute to the creation of side channels. Along these sections, transport channels made by beavers are vulnerable to avulsion and the emergence of multi-channel sections of watercourses. © 2017, Polska Akademia Nauk. All rights reserved.
2016
Fajer, M.; Foltyn, E. M.; Waga, J. M.
Different models of settlement of the upper paleolithic cultures in the northern foreland of the moravian gate (central europe) Journal Article
In: Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 51-64, 2016, ISSN: 15630110.
@article{2-s2.0-85112289459,
title = {Different models of settlement of the upper paleolithic cultures in the northern foreland of the moravian gate (central europe)},
author = { M. Fajer and E.M. Foltyn and J.M. Waga},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85112289459&doi=10.17746%2f1563-0102.2016.44.1.051-064&partnerID=40&md5=2031598708a7873b49daf94cfc1ff368},
doi = {10.17746/1563-0102.2016.44.1.051-064},
issn = {15630110},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {51-64},
publisher = {Institute of Archaeology and Enthnography of the Siberian Branch of The Russian Academy of Sciences},
abstract = {On the basis of 94 sites of the Bohunician, Szeletian, Aurignacian, and Gravettian cultures, marking the Neanderthal to Homo sapiens sapiens transition, stages in the evolution of the Paleolithic settlement north of the Moravian Gate are described, with special reference to environmental adaptation. Relevant factors include climate, relief, altitude, proximity of water sources, availability of lithic raw material and fl oral and faunal resources, as well as the sociocultural level of the respective groups. While similar in terms of habitat choice, these cultures differed in placement of sites and the exploitation of resources. The most conservative style of exploiting the environment is evidenced by Bohunician sites, which are mostly situated on southeastern, eastern, and southern slopes, 205.5-310.0 m a.s.l. The typical feature of Szeletian sites is central placement on elevations; they are situated in lowland slopes facing north and southwest, mostly at 217-316 m a.s.l. The areas preferred by Aurignacians and Gravettians were larger, with diverse, often rugged terrains. Aurignacians preferred northern mountain slopes, 205-378 m a.s.l. Gravettians settled mostly in lowlands, on southern slopes and terraces, 220-286 m a.s.l. This territorial expansion testifi es to growing opportunities due to higher socio-cultural potential, enabling people to inhabit formerly uninhabited zones. © 2016 Institute of Archaeology and Enthnography of the Siberian Branch of The Russian Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
On the basis of 94 sites of the Bohunician, Szeletian, Aurignacian, and Gravettian cultures, marking the Neanderthal to Homo sapiens sapiens transition, stages in the evolution of the Paleolithic settlement north of the Moravian Gate are described, with special reference to environmental adaptation. Relevant factors include climate, relief, altitude, proximity of water sources, availability of lithic raw material and fl oral and faunal resources, as well as the sociocultural level of the respective groups. While similar in terms of habitat choice, these cultures differed in placement of sites and the exploitation of resources. The most conservative style of exploiting the environment is evidenced by Bohunician sites, which are mostly situated on southeastern, eastern, and southern slopes, 205.5-310.0 m a.s.l. The typical feature of Szeletian sites is central placement on elevations; they are situated in lowland slopes facing north and southwest, mostly at 217-316 m a.s.l. The areas preferred by Aurignacians and Gravettians were larger, with diverse, often rugged terrains. Aurignacians preferred northern mountain slopes, 205-378 m a.s.l. Gravettians settled mostly in lowlands, on southern slopes and terraces, 220-286 m a.s.l. This territorial expansion testifi es to growing opportunities due to higher socio-cultural potential, enabling people to inhabit formerly uninhabited zones. © 2016 Institute of Archaeology and Enthnography of the Siberian Branch of The Russian Academy of Sciences. All rights reserved.
Fajer, M.; Foltyn, E. M.; Waga, J. M.
Different models of settlement of the upper Paleolithic cultures in the northern foreland of the Moravian Gate (Central Europe) Journal Article
In: Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia, vol. 44, no. 1, pp. 51-64, 2016, ISSN: 15630110.
@article{2-s2.0-84992268848,
title = {Different models of settlement of the upper Paleolithic cultures in the northern foreland of the Moravian Gate (Central Europe)},
author = { M. Fajer and E.M. Foltyn and J.M. Waga},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84992268848&doi=10.17746%2f1563-0110.2016.44.1.051-064&partnerID=40&md5=4ce343dac7b714b050fe0e5a0f03db71},
doi = {10.17746/1563-0110.2016.44.1.051-064},
issn = {15630110},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Archaeology, Ethnology and Anthropology of Eurasia},
volume = {44},
number = {1},
pages = {51-64},
publisher = {Institute of Archaeology and Enthnography of the Siberian Branch of The Russian Academy of Sciences},
abstract = {On the basis of 94 sites of the Bohunician, Szeletian, Aurignacian, and Gravettian cultures, marking the Neanderthal to Homo sapiens sapiens transition, stages in the evolution of the Paleolithic settlement north of the Moravian Gate are described, with special reference to environmental adaptation. Relevant factors include climate, relief, altitude, proximity of water sources, availability of lithic raw material and floral and faunal resources, as well as the sociocultural level of the respective groups. While similar in terms of habitat choice, these cultures differed in placement of sites and the exploitation of resources. The most conservative style of exploiting the environment is evidenced by Bohunician sites, which are mostly situated on southeastern, eastern, and southern slopes, 205.5-310.0 m a.s.l. The typical feature of Szeletian sites is central placement on elevations; they are situated in lowland slopes facing north and southwest, mostly at 217-316 m a.s.l. The areas preferred by Aurignacians and Gravettians were larger, with diverse, often rugged terrains. Aurignacians preferred northern mountain slopes, 205-378 m a.s.l. Gravettians settled mostly in lowlands, on southern slopes and terraces, 220-286 m a.s.l. This territorial expansion testifies to growing opportunities due to higher socio-cultural potential, enabling people to inhabit formerly uninhabited zones. © 2016 Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
On the basis of 94 sites of the Bohunician, Szeletian, Aurignacian, and Gravettian cultures, marking the Neanderthal to Homo sapiens sapiens transition, stages in the evolution of the Paleolithic settlement north of the Moravian Gate are described, with special reference to environmental adaptation. Relevant factors include climate, relief, altitude, proximity of water sources, availability of lithic raw material and floral and faunal resources, as well as the sociocultural level of the respective groups. While similar in terms of habitat choice, these cultures differed in placement of sites and the exploitation of resources. The most conservative style of exploiting the environment is evidenced by Bohunician sites, which are mostly situated on southeastern, eastern, and southern slopes, 205.5-310.0 m a.s.l. The typical feature of Szeletian sites is central placement on elevations; they are situated in lowland slopes facing north and southwest, mostly at 217-316 m a.s.l. The areas preferred by Aurignacians and Gravettians were larger, with diverse, often rugged terrains. Aurignacians preferred northern mountain slopes, 205-378 m a.s.l. Gravettians settled mostly in lowlands, on southern slopes and terraces, 220-286 m a.s.l. This territorial expansion testifies to growing opportunities due to higher socio-cultural potential, enabling people to inhabit formerly uninhabited zones. © 2016 Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
2013
Betleja, J.; Waga, J. M.; Wilczek, Z.; Fajer, M.; Rzętała, M.
vol. 1, 2013, ISSN: 13142704.
@proceedings{2-s2.0-84892564575,
title = {The "Upper Vistula Valley" Natura 2000 area - A key element of the most important ecological corridor in Central Europe},
author = { J. Betleja and J.M. Waga and Z. Wilczek and M. Fajer and M. Rzętała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84892564575&partnerID=40&md5=d2899712524e3c50a4b0fb30dacb1ab0},
issn = {13142704},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference Surveying Geology and Mining Ecology Management, SGEM},
volume = {1},
pages = {1085-1092},
abstract = {This paper presents the "Upper Vistula Valley" Natura 2000 area with valuable plant communities and a bird refuge. The area's natural environment provides advantageous conditions for their development as a result of its location in the foreland zone of the mountains in the neighbourhood of the Moravian Gateway (the most important longitudinal ecological corridor in Central Europe), the diversity of the substratum lithology and soils as well as the pattern of the local hydrographic system. From the middle ages onwards the local rural economy has been centred on the development of ponds, which also reinforced and developed the habitat structure which is dominated by water features. Birds and the natural habitats which they occupy are the nature resources of greatest value in the region. The habitats and avifauna complexes found in the neighbourhood of the Goczałkowice Reservoir (built in the 1950s) provide one of the most important bird refuges and these have been surveyed and are evaluated in this report. Two habitat complexes play a key role in maintaining the bird refuges in good condition: A - Goczałkowice Reservoir, with nearby ponds, marshes and wet meadows and B - forests, plantations and scrub. © SGEM2013 All Rights Reserved by the International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
This paper presents the "Upper Vistula Valley" Natura 2000 area with valuable plant communities and a bird refuge. The area's natural environment provides advantageous conditions for their development as a result of its location in the foreland zone of the mountains in the neighbourhood of the Moravian Gateway (the most important longitudinal ecological corridor in Central Europe), the diversity of the substratum lithology and soils as well as the pattern of the local hydrographic system. From the middle ages onwards the local rural economy has been centred on the development of ponds, which also reinforced and developed the habitat structure which is dominated by water features. Birds and the natural habitats which they occupy are the nature resources of greatest value in the region. The habitats and avifauna complexes found in the neighbourhood of the Goczałkowice Reservoir (built in the 1950s) provide one of the most important bird refuges and these have been surveyed and are evaluated in this report. Two habitat complexes play a key role in maintaining the bird refuges in good condition: A - Goczałkowice Reservoir, with nearby ponds, marshes and wet meadows and B - forests, plantations and scrub. © SGEM2013 All Rights Reserved by the International Multidisciplinary Scientific GeoConference SGEM.
2012
Fajer, M.; Waga, J. M.; Rzętała, M.; Szymczyk, A.; Nita, M.; Machowski, R.; Rzętała, M. A.; Ruman, M.
The Late Vistulian and Holocene evolution of Jezioro Lake: A record of environmental change in southern Poland found in deposits and landforms Journal Article
In: Journal of Paleolimnology, vol. 48, no. 4, pp. 651-667, 2012, ISSN: 09212728, (18).
@article{2-s2.0-84869865123,
title = {The Late Vistulian and Holocene evolution of Jezioro Lake: A record of environmental change in southern Poland found in deposits and landforms},
author = { M. Fajer and J.M. Waga and M. Rzętała and A. Szymczyk and M. Nita and R. Machowski and M.A. Rzętała and M. Ruman},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84869865123&doi=10.1007%2fs10933-012-9634-1&partnerID=40&md5=82168d72d51f3f4d57fa98ca04d5a1ad},
doi = {10.1007/s10933-012-9634-1},
issn = {09212728},
year = {2012},
date = {2012-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Paleolimnology},
volume = {48},
number = {4},
pages = {651-667},
abstract = {Jezioro Lake is the only natural lake in southern Poland outside mountainous areas to have existed continuously since the Pleistocene. The record of environmental change in the Late Vistulian (Weichselian) and Holocene is preserved in the deposits and landforms around the lake. This paper presents the results of paleogeographical and paleoecological research that emabled us to reconstruct the history of the Jezioro Lake. At the end of the Vistulian period, the outlet of the lake was blocked by a parabolic dune moving in from the west. Limnic sedimentation was evident in the sediment core at all levels from the Holocene, with remains of Cladocera, Chironomidae larvae, and aquatic plants. The lake did not disappear at that time, although its area decreased by a factor of 12 by the end of the period. Paleobotanical research permitted the reconstruction of sequences of plant communities and changes in nutrient status and water level. An initial oligotrophic lake, as indicated by the presence of Isoëtes lacustris L., changed to a eutrophic lake, as indicated by the presence of Potamogeton natans L. and Nuphar sp., then the lake progressed to the present-day dystrophic lake that is surrounded by a swamp. The profile of organic deposits contains a record of environmental change at least since the Younger Dryas in southern Poland. © 2012 The Author(s).},
note = {18},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Jezioro Lake is the only natural lake in southern Poland outside mountainous areas to have existed continuously since the Pleistocene. The record of environmental change in the Late Vistulian (Weichselian) and Holocene is preserved in the deposits and landforms around the lake. This paper presents the results of paleogeographical and paleoecological research that emabled us to reconstruct the history of the Jezioro Lake. At the end of the Vistulian period, the outlet of the lake was blocked by a parabolic dune moving in from the west. Limnic sedimentation was evident in the sediment core at all levels from the Holocene, with remains of Cladocera, Chironomidae larvae, and aquatic plants. The lake did not disappear at that time, although its area decreased by a factor of 12 by the end of the period. Paleobotanical research permitted the reconstruction of sequences of plant communities and changes in nutrient status and water level. An initial oligotrophic lake, as indicated by the presence of Isoëtes lacustris L., changed to a eutrophic lake, as indicated by the presence of Potamogeton natans L. and Nuphar sp., then the lake progressed to the present-day dystrophic lake that is surrounded by a swamp. The profile of organic deposits contains a record of environmental change at least since the Younger Dryas in southern Poland. © 2012 The Author(s).
2010
Foltyn, E.; Foltyn, E. M.; Jochemczyk, L.; Nawrocki, J.; Nita, M.; Waga, J. M.; Wójcik, A.
The oldest human traces north of the Carpathians (Kończyce Wielkie 4, Poland) Journal Article
In: Journal of Archaeological Science, vol. 37, no. 8, pp. 1886-1897, 2010, ISSN: 03054403, (5).
@article{2-s2.0-77953961851,
title = {The oldest human traces north of the Carpathians (Kończyce Wielkie 4, Poland)},
author = { E. Foltyn and E.M. Foltyn and L. Jochemczyk and J. Nawrocki and M. Nita and J.M. Waga and A. Wójcik},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77953961851&doi=10.1016%2fj.jas.2010.02.014&partnerID=40&md5=2b1c626de66371d22aee7077c6b3daef},
doi = {10.1016/j.jas.2010.02.014},
issn = {03054403},
year = {2010},
date = {2010-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Archaeological Science},
volume = {37},
number = {8},
pages = {1886-1897},
publisher = {Academic Press},
abstract = {In the area of the Kończyce Wielkie quarry (middle-southern Poland), the Quaternary deposits of different genesis crop out. The lower fluvial series is overtopped with the glacigenic sediments occurring below the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary. This ice-sheet advance is correlated with the Günz and with the oldest traces of glaciations in Western Europe. Culture materials were located within layer of fluvial sands with fine-grained gravels, below the boulder pavement and diamicton - interpreted as till. Raw materials inventory are local flint and hornstone, also foreign flint, hornstone, quartzite, opalite and gneissose granite. The inventory contained macrolithic and microlithic cores, flakes and tools. The tools are made from pebbles, flakes and microlithic-flakes. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.},
note = {5},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In the area of the Kończyce Wielkie quarry (middle-southern Poland), the Quaternary deposits of different genesis crop out. The lower fluvial series is overtopped with the glacigenic sediments occurring below the Matuyama-Brunhes boundary. This ice-sheet advance is correlated with the Günz and with the oldest traces of glaciations in Western Europe. Culture materials were located within layer of fluvial sands with fine-grained gravels, below the boulder pavement and diamicton - interpreted as till. Raw materials inventory are local flint and hornstone, also foreign flint, hornstone, quartzite, opalite and gneissose granite. The inventory contained macrolithic and microlithic cores, flakes and tools. The tools are made from pebbles, flakes and microlithic-flakes. © 2010 Elsevier Ltd.