• dr Michał Sobala
Position: adiunkt
Unit: Instytut Nauk o Ziemi
Adress: 41-200 Sosnowiec, ul. Będzińska 60
Floor: IV
Room: 415
Phone: (32) 3689 263
E-mail: michal.sobala@us.edu.pl
Publications list: Publications by CINiBA
Publications list: Publications by OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 57191724792
Publications from the Scopus database
2024
Rahmonov, O.; Sobala, M.; Środek, D.; Karkosz, D.; Pytel, S.; Rahmonov, M.
The spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoils (the Silesian Beskids, southern Poland) Journal Article
In: Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, 2024, ISSN: 20452322, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-85181241312,
title = {The spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoils (the Silesian Beskids, southern Poland)},
author = { O. Rahmonov and M. Sobala and D. Środek and D. Karkosz and S. Pytel and M. Rahmonov},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85181241312&doi=10.1038%2fs41598-023-50817-7&partnerID=40&md5=801dc2687e1ddc5f76a1af7781e5a8cd},
doi = {10.1038/s41598-023-50817-7},
issn = {20452322},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Scientific Reports},
volume = {14},
number = {1},
publisher = {Nature Research},
abstract = {Progressive industrialisation and urbanisation in recent decades have dramatically affected the soil cover and led to significant changes in its properties, which inevitably affect the functioning of other components of the forest ecosystems. The total content of Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, As, and Hg was studied in twenty-five plots at different heights in the topsoil (organic and humus horizons) formed from the Carpathian flysch in the area of the Silesian Beskids (Western Carpathians). The aim of this article is to analyse the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoil in different types of plant communities and to determine the relationship between altitude and potentially toxic elements contamination. The soils studied are acidic or very acidic, with an average range of 3.8 (H2O) and 2.9 (KCl). Concentrations of the metals Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Hg on the plots that were analysed are within the range of permissible standards for forest ecosystems in Poland, while Pb and As exceed the permissible standards for this type of ecosystem. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient showed a high correlation between Fe–Cr (r(32) = 0.879; Pb-Hg r(32) = 0.772; Ni–Cr r(32) = 0.738; Zn-Cd r(32) = 0.734; and Cu-Hg r(32) = 0.743; and a moderate statistically significant positive correlation between Cu-Pb r(32) = 0.667 and As-Pb r(32) = 0.557. No correlation was found between altitude and the occurrence of potentially toxic elements. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) index; on the other hand; indicates that Pb; As; and Cd have the highest impact on soil contamination in all study plots: it classifies soils from moderately to strongly polluted. The enrichment factor (EF) obtained for As and Hg indicates significant-to-very high enrichment in all areas studied. The potential ecological risk index (PLI) calculated for the sites indicates the existence of pollution in all areas examined. The highest risk categories (considerable to very high) are associated with cadmium and mercury. © 2024; The Author(s).},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Progressive industrialisation and urbanisation in recent decades have dramatically affected the soil cover and led to significant changes in its properties, which inevitably affect the functioning of other components of the forest ecosystems. The total content of Pb, Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, As, and Hg was studied in twenty-five plots at different heights in the topsoil (organic and humus horizons) formed from the Carpathian flysch in the area of the Silesian Beskids (Western Carpathians). The aim of this article is to analyse the spatial distribution of potentially toxic elements in the mountain forest topsoil in different types of plant communities and to determine the relationship between altitude and potentially toxic elements contamination. The soils studied are acidic or very acidic, with an average range of 3.8 (H2O) and 2.9 (KCl). Concentrations of the metals Cd, Zn, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Hg on the plots that were analysed are within the range of permissible standards for forest ecosystems in Poland, while Pb and As exceed the permissible standards for this type of ecosystem. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient showed a high correlation between Fe–Cr (r(32) = 0.879; Pb-Hg r(32) = 0.772; Ni–Cr r(32) = 0.738; Zn-Cd r(32) = 0.734; and Cu-Hg r(32) = 0.743; and a moderate statistically significant positive correlation between Cu-Pb r(32) = 0.667 and As-Pb r(32) = 0.557. No correlation was found between altitude and the occurrence of potentially toxic elements. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) index; on the other hand; indicates that Pb; As; and Cd have the highest impact on soil contamination in all study plots: it classifies soils from moderately to strongly polluted. The enrichment factor (EF) obtained for As and Hg indicates significant-to-very high enrichment in all areas studied. The potential ecological risk index (PLI) calculated for the sites indicates the existence of pollution in all areas examined. The highest risk categories (considerable to very high) are associated with cadmium and mercury. © 2024; The Author(s).
Żemła-Siesicka, A.; Sobala, M.
How does tourist development influence traditional mountain landscapes? A case study from the Western Beskids, Poland Journal Article
In: Science of the Total Environment, vol. 951, 2024, ISSN: 00489697.
@article{2-s2.0-85201410261,
title = {How does tourist development influence traditional mountain landscapes? A case study from the Western Beskids, Poland},
author = { A. Żemła-Siesicka and M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85201410261&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2024.175376&partnerID=40&md5=6801dbfb27ffaaa697677f27f52b1462},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175376},
issn = {00489697},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Science of the Total Environment},
volume = {951},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {In many mountainous regions, ongoing reforestation leads to the permanent shrinkage of traditional landscapes connected with past human activity. Tourism is often perceived as a measure for the protection of traditional landscapes. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of in-depth studies exploring the connection between mountain glade conservation and tourism development. This paper aimed to determine whether tourism development can prevent the reforestation of temperate mountain glades and to assess the extent of its influence on traditional glade landscapes. Based on the example of the Western Beskids (Poland), we investigated the change in the range of glades in relation to tourist development, which has not been analysed until now. Cartographic analyses were used to examine how the landscape has changed since 1983. To determine the influence of tourist development on the landscape, the tourism landscape footprint (TLF) index was calculated. Two trends were detected: reforestation in glades that are touristically utilized and the gradual tourist development of the remnants of traditional landscapes within preserved non-forested areas. The study reveals that despite tourism, reforestation within glades is continuing, and simultaneously, the share of tourist elements in the shrinking glades is increasing. In the case of areas intensively used for tourism, the traditional landscape is disappearing as it is transformed into a tourist landscape. Further studies are necessary to assess the level of tourism development that will provide traditional landscape conservation in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. © 2024 The Authors},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In many mountainous regions, ongoing reforestation leads to the permanent shrinkage of traditional landscapes connected with past human activity. Tourism is often perceived as a measure for the protection of traditional landscapes. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of in-depth studies exploring the connection between mountain glade conservation and tourism development. This paper aimed to determine whether tourism development can prevent the reforestation of temperate mountain glades and to assess the extent of its influence on traditional glade landscapes. Based on the example of the Western Beskids (Poland), we investigated the change in the range of glades in relation to tourist development, which has not been analysed until now. Cartographic analyses were used to examine how the landscape has changed since 1983. To determine the influence of tourist development on the landscape, the tourism landscape footprint (TLF) index was calculated. Two trends were detected: reforestation in glades that are touristically utilized and the gradual tourist development of the remnants of traditional landscapes within preserved non-forested areas. The study reveals that despite tourism, reforestation within glades is continuing, and simultaneously, the share of tourist elements in the shrinking glades is increasing. In the case of areas intensively used for tourism, the traditional landscape is disappearing as it is transformed into a tourist landscape. Further studies are necessary to assess the level of tourism development that will provide traditional landscape conservation in accordance with the principles of sustainable development. © 2024 The Authors
Sobala, M.
Reconstructing of historical land cover based on contemporary cartographical materials Journal Article
In: Journal of Historical Geography, vol. 84, pp. 14-26, 2024, ISSN: 03057488, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85189347589,
title = {Reconstructing of historical land cover based on contemporary cartographical materials},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85189347589&doi=10.1016%2fj.jhg.2024.03.011&partnerID=40&md5=d29efe28de94f9e7875d4766066b15d2},
doi = {10.1016/j.jhg.2024.03.011},
issn = {03057488},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Historical Geography},
volume = {84},
pages = {14-26},
publisher = {Academic Press},
abstract = {Historical land use reconstructions help to assess climate change, interactions between ecosystems and human and strengthen the knowledge about these interactions. They are conducted on the basis of historical maps that only cover certain areas. Hence, there is a need to seek other maps enabling historical land use to be reconstructed. The aim of study is to assess the suitability of contemporary maps for reconstructing a historical non-forest area range in the Western Carpathians. The content of contemporary maps was compared with that of historical maps, including the number of glades, their area and the length of their boundaries. Over 60% of glades were reconstructed, which is 90% of the glade area inventoried based on historical maps. Over 50% glades with an area of less than 1ha were not reconstructed. However, the area they occupy does not account for 2% of the total glade area. Thus, it has no significant impact on the total area of the reconstructed glades. As much as 90% of the boundaries' length was reconstructed. The study shows that contemporary maps may be useful in reconstructing the forest and glades range and may be an additional source of information to verify the content of historical maps. © 2024 The Author(s)},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Historical land use reconstructions help to assess climate change, interactions between ecosystems and human and strengthen the knowledge about these interactions. They are conducted on the basis of historical maps that only cover certain areas. Hence, there is a need to seek other maps enabling historical land use to be reconstructed. The aim of study is to assess the suitability of contemporary maps for reconstructing a historical non-forest area range in the Western Carpathians. The content of contemporary maps was compared with that of historical maps, including the number of glades, their area and the length of their boundaries. Over 60% of glades were reconstructed, which is 90% of the glade area inventoried based on historical maps. Over 50% glades with an area of less than 1ha were not reconstructed. However, the area they occupy does not account for 2% of the total glade area. Thus, it has no significant impact on the total area of the reconstructed glades. As much as 90% of the boundaries' length was reconstructed. The study shows that contemporary maps may be useful in reconstructing the forest and glades range and may be an additional source of information to verify the content of historical maps. © 2024 The Author(s)
Rahmonov, O.; Szypuła, B.; Sobala, M.; Islamova, Z. B.
Environmental and Land-Use Changes as a Consequence of Land Reform in the Urej River Catchment (Western Tajikistan) Journal Article
In: Resources, vol. 13, no. 4, 2024, ISSN: 20799276, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85191697382,
title = {Environmental and Land-Use Changes as a Consequence of Land Reform in the Urej River Catchment (Western Tajikistan)},
author = { O. Rahmonov and B. Szypuła and M. Sobala and Z.B. Islamova},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85191697382&doi=10.3390%2fresources13040059&partnerID=40&md5=4cd13ab5d612075a341b63d478ed8313},
doi = {10.3390/resources13040059},
issn = {20799276},
year = {2024},
date = {2024-01-01},
journal = {Resources},
volume = {13},
number = {4},
publisher = {Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI)},
abstract = {Mountain societies are strongly linked to natural resources and their rational management. The growing population has led to the management of mountain areas according to emerging human needs. The study was conducted in the Urej River catchment (The Fann Mountains; Tajikistan). This paper aims to present changes in land use in 1988–2023 resulting from environmental conditions and land reform. Pasturelands predominate in the study area (93.8%), while built-up with kitchen garden and irrigated areas cover 1.8% and 4.0% of the area, respectively. Kitchen gardens and irrigated areas provide food for the residents. Significant land-use changes were observed along the Uroz River, where the irrigation system was developed in areas that have not yet been used for plant cultivation. This is typical of many areas in Tajikistan, where it is impossible to obtain crops without irrigation due to climatic conditions. Until 1988, the study area was not as intensively cultivated as it is today. Under the ongoing lease system based on the Dehkan Farm Act, grazing land is still owned by the state, but inhabitants have access to it. The leased land does little to improve the economic situation of households but contributes to preventing ecosystem degradation on the slopes caused by humans. © 2024 by the authors.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Mountain societies are strongly linked to natural resources and their rational management. The growing population has led to the management of mountain areas according to emerging human needs. The study was conducted in the Urej River catchment (The Fann Mountains; Tajikistan). This paper aims to present changes in land use in 1988–2023 resulting from environmental conditions and land reform. Pasturelands predominate in the study area (93.8%), while built-up with kitchen garden and irrigated areas cover 1.8% and 4.0% of the area, respectively. Kitchen gardens and irrigated areas provide food for the residents. Significant land-use changes were observed along the Uroz River, where the irrigation system was developed in areas that have not yet been used for plant cultivation. This is typical of many areas in Tajikistan, where it is impossible to obtain crops without irrigation due to climatic conditions. Until 1988, the study area was not as intensively cultivated as it is today. Under the ongoing lease system based on the Dehkan Farm Act, grazing land is still owned by the state, but inhabitants have access to it. The leased land does little to improve the economic situation of households but contributes to preventing ecosystem degradation on the slopes caused by humans. © 2024 by the authors.
2023
Sobala, M.
Assessment of the traditional landscapes’ state in mountain areas as the basis for their restoration (the Western Beskids, Poland) Journal Article
In: Applied Geography, vol. 161, 2023, ISSN: 01436228, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85174011725,
title = {Assessment of the traditional landscapes’ state in mountain areas as the basis for their restoration (the Western Beskids, Poland)},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85174011725&doi=10.1016%2fj.apgeog.2023.103123&partnerID=40&md5=2e0acc0837bf56fe4b140569cdd2e1fc},
doi = {10.1016/j.apgeog.2023.103123},
issn = {01436228},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Applied Geography},
volume = {161},
publisher = {Elsevier Ltd},
abstract = {The dynamic and magnitude of landscape changes have increased since the 18 and 19th centuries and accelerated after the Second World War. As a result, traditional landscapes are vanishing rapidly. In this paper, the problems of difficulties in traditional landscape restoration and conservation are discussed, based on studies conducted in the Western Beskids. In this area, the vanishing of the traditional landscape of seasonal mountain economy is observed mainly as a result of land abandonment. The method of historical analysis which draws from varied contemporary and historical data was used. The range of non-forest areas has decreased by more than half since 1848 in two study sites. The traditional landscape is relatively durable in areas that are still utilised by residents or protected using nature conservation activities. Nevertheless, individual landscape elements (terrain forms and objects) are relatively well preserved also in abandoned areas covered with forest. Preserved traces of past human activity are mainly connected with tillage and settlement as past mowing and grazing did not lead to the creation of tough terrain forms. Despite this region's traditional landscape was shaped by seasonal animal grazing and land cultivation, only pastures located in the higher parts of the study area are contemporarily protected. If the current nature conservation in the Western Beskids is continued, only small fragments of the traditional landscape will be preserved as a relic landscape. The study results show that landscape restoration and conservation is still a source of many questions concerning the possibilities, approaches, and effectiveness of these activities. Further studies should focus on assessing the possibility of restoring the historical state of the landscape, which can be the basis for the selection of elements to be protected, spatial range, and methods used. This will allow the development of effective strategies for preserving the traditional landscape. © 2023 The Author},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The dynamic and magnitude of landscape changes have increased since the 18 and 19th centuries and accelerated after the Second World War. As a result, traditional landscapes are vanishing rapidly. In this paper, the problems of difficulties in traditional landscape restoration and conservation are discussed, based on studies conducted in the Western Beskids. In this area, the vanishing of the traditional landscape of seasonal mountain economy is observed mainly as a result of land abandonment. The method of historical analysis which draws from varied contemporary and historical data was used. The range of non-forest areas has decreased by more than half since 1848 in two study sites. The traditional landscape is relatively durable in areas that are still utilised by residents or protected using nature conservation activities. Nevertheless, individual landscape elements (terrain forms and objects) are relatively well preserved also in abandoned areas covered with forest. Preserved traces of past human activity are mainly connected with tillage and settlement as past mowing and grazing did not lead to the creation of tough terrain forms. Despite this region's traditional landscape was shaped by seasonal animal grazing and land cultivation, only pastures located in the higher parts of the study area are contemporarily protected. If the current nature conservation in the Western Beskids is continued, only small fragments of the traditional landscape will be preserved as a relic landscape. The study results show that landscape restoration and conservation is still a source of many questions concerning the possibilities, approaches, and effectiveness of these activities. Further studies should focus on assessing the possibility of restoring the historical state of the landscape, which can be the basis for the selection of elements to be protected, spatial range, and methods used. This will allow the development of effective strategies for preserving the traditional landscape. © 2023 The Author
Sobala, M.
Detection of past landscape elements in marginal mountain areas—the example of the Western Carpathians Journal Article
In: Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, vol. 15, no. 4, 2023, ISSN: 18669557, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85150923804,
title = {Detection of past landscape elements in marginal mountain areas—the example of the Western Carpathians},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85150923804&doi=10.1007%2fs12520-023-01750-3&partnerID=40&md5=03de54da9af6e39b032f69ab901cf6a7},
doi = {10.1007/s12520-023-01750-3},
issn = {18669557},
year = {2023},
date = {2023-01-01},
journal = {Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences},
volume = {15},
number = {4},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {There has been a growing interest in applying airborne laser scanning (ALS) in studies on past landscapes. This includes in marginal mountain areas; however, the usefulness of using ready-made ALS data has not been assessed quantitatively this type of area. This paper aims to compare the usefulness of different visualisation techniques of ready-made digital elevation model (DEM) to detect landscape elements connected with past human activity in marginal mountain areas in the Western Carpathians. Six different DEM visualisation techniques were compared, and some problems were identified in the detection of landscape elements using ALS data and field mapping. This study illustrates that it is impossible to point out the most useful DEM visualisation technique that could be applied in marginal mountain areas characterised by varied natural conditions. However, the results confirmed the usefulness of negative openness in road detection and positive openness during the detection of embankments of agricultural terraces and balks. Furthermore, it was indicated that DEM visualisation techniques provide the possibility to measure the length of detected embankments of agricultural terraces and balks on abandoned land and it is impossible to measure them during field mapping due to dense vegetation. On the contrary, in most cases it is impossible to detect stone mounds using DEM visualisation techniques due to their varied size. This study emphasises the necessity of being aware of limitations during using ready-made ALS data. © 2023, The Author(s).},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
There has been a growing interest in applying airborne laser scanning (ALS) in studies on past landscapes. This includes in marginal mountain areas; however, the usefulness of using ready-made ALS data has not been assessed quantitatively this type of area. This paper aims to compare the usefulness of different visualisation techniques of ready-made digital elevation model (DEM) to detect landscape elements connected with past human activity in marginal mountain areas in the Western Carpathians. Six different DEM visualisation techniques were compared, and some problems were identified in the detection of landscape elements using ALS data and field mapping. This study illustrates that it is impossible to point out the most useful DEM visualisation technique that could be applied in marginal mountain areas characterised by varied natural conditions. However, the results confirmed the usefulness of negative openness in road detection and positive openness during the detection of embankments of agricultural terraces and balks. Furthermore, it was indicated that DEM visualisation techniques provide the possibility to measure the length of detected embankments of agricultural terraces and balks on abandoned land and it is impossible to measure them during field mapping due to dense vegetation. On the contrary, in most cases it is impossible to detect stone mounds using DEM visualisation techniques due to their varied size. This study emphasises the necessity of being aware of limitations during using ready-made ALS data. © 2023, The Author(s).
2022
Myga-Piątek, U.; Sobala, M.; Szypuła, B.
Do national parks protect natural landscapes? Journal Article
In: Journal for Nature Conservation, vol. 68, 2022, ISSN: 16171381, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85133338298,
title = {Do national parks protect natural landscapes?},
author = { U. Myga-Piątek and M. Sobala and B. Szypuła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85133338298&doi=10.1016%2fj.jnc.2022.126229&partnerID=40&md5=3e3404d11848f147f6de9e559bf27072},
doi = {10.1016/j.jnc.2022.126229},
issn = {16171381},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Journal for Nature Conservation},
volume = {68},
publisher = {Elsevier GmbH},
abstract = {Establishing national parks should result from a desire to protect natural or near natural landscapes with the lowest degree of anthropogenic transformation. This paper tries to ascertain whether national parks in Poland protect the most natural landscapes and how far they have been affected by humans. The level of anthropogenic transformation of natural landscapes was assessed based on an analysis of the percentage of natural, semi-natural and anthropogenic land cover. The vast majority of national parks in Poland (21 out of 23) protect landscapes which have been minimally transformed by humans (RATTNP ranges from 1.01 to 1.16). Only two kinds of natural landscapes, those that are the most transformed by humans, are not represented within the set of the Polish national parks. Hence, the distribution of national parks reflects the degree of anthropogenic landscape transformation. The proposed method could be applied to any type of spatial unit and thus be the basis for designating areas that should be protected. © 2022 The Author(s)},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Establishing national parks should result from a desire to protect natural or near natural landscapes with the lowest degree of anthropogenic transformation. This paper tries to ascertain whether national parks in Poland protect the most natural landscapes and how far they have been affected by humans. The level of anthropogenic transformation of natural landscapes was assessed based on an analysis of the percentage of natural, semi-natural and anthropogenic land cover. The vast majority of national parks in Poland (21 out of 23) protect landscapes which have been minimally transformed by humans (RATTNP ranges from 1.01 to 1.16). Only two kinds of natural landscapes, those that are the most transformed by humans, are not represented within the set of the Polish national parks. Hence, the distribution of national parks reflects the degree of anthropogenic landscape transformation. The proposed method could be applied to any type of spatial unit and thus be the basis for designating areas that should be protected. © 2022 The Author(s)
Sobala, M.
Determinants of marginal area reforestation in the Western Carpathians in the light of consecutive aerial photographs Journal Article
In: Applied Geomatics, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 135-145, 2022, ISSN: 18669298, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85123593048,
title = {Determinants of marginal area reforestation in the Western Carpathians in the light of consecutive aerial photographs},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85123593048&doi=10.1007%2fs12518-022-00418-2&partnerID=40&md5=4fd26f0f49b1bc77b721d81423162a72},
doi = {10.1007/s12518-022-00418-2},
issn = {18669298},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Applied Geomatics},
volume = {14},
number = {2},
pages = {135-145},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {The quantification of reforestation on abandoned land is of high importance due to various environmental and socio-economic consequences. This article aims to determine the role of different factors in the reforestation of abandoned plots in particular mid-forest glades in the higher parts of the Western Carpathians and to detect the feature of plots covered prevalently with forest. The Reforestation Index (RI) was used to detect changes in reforestation. Bayesian multilevel zero-one inflated beta regression was used to determine the predictors of reforestation. Using the series of consecutive aerial photographs enabled the differences between features of plots with a faster rate of reforestation and plots covered entirely with forest to be shown. The most rapid changes in the RI were observed in plots with the lowest level of solar radiation (north exposure). In contrast, the highest RI concerns plots with south exposure, the highest mean slope, and within plots partly forested in the first year of observation. Such an attitude is crucial for areas where the precise date of land abandonment is unknown because it enables a determination of which type of plot was abandoned first. © 2022, The Author(s).},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The quantification of reforestation on abandoned land is of high importance due to various environmental and socio-economic consequences. This article aims to determine the role of different factors in the reforestation of abandoned plots in particular mid-forest glades in the higher parts of the Western Carpathians and to detect the feature of plots covered prevalently with forest. The Reforestation Index (RI) was used to detect changes in reforestation. Bayesian multilevel zero-one inflated beta regression was used to determine the predictors of reforestation. Using the series of consecutive aerial photographs enabled the differences between features of plots with a faster rate of reforestation and plots covered entirely with forest to be shown. The most rapid changes in the RI were observed in plots with the lowest level of solar radiation (north exposure). In contrast, the highest RI concerns plots with south exposure, the highest mean slope, and within plots partly forested in the first year of observation. Such an attitude is crucial for areas where the precise date of land abandonment is unknown because it enables a determination of which type of plot was abandoned first. © 2022, The Author(s).
2021
Pukowiec-Kurda, K.; Rahmonov, O.; Sobala, M.; Myga-Piątek, U.
The assessment of hydrogeosites in the Fann mountains, Tajikistan as a basis for sustainable tourism Journal Article
In: Resources, vol. 10, no. 12, 2021, ISSN: 20799276, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-85121655212,
title = {The assessment of hydrogeosites in the Fann mountains, Tajikistan as a basis for sustainable tourism},
author = { K. Pukowiec-Kurda and O. Rahmonov and M. Sobala and U. Myga-Piątek},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85121655212&doi=10.3390%2fresources10120126&partnerID=40&md5=1dd206fa24b4143c18511d4ac42eb209},
doi = {10.3390/resources10120126},
issn = {20799276},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Resources},
volume = {10},
number = {12},
publisher = {MDPI},
abstract = {Despite the fact that the Fann Mountains are among the most popular tourist destinations in Tajikistan, they are still in the first stage of tourism development. This represents a great opportunity for the implementation of the principles of sustainable tourism, which will avoid the mistakes associated with the uncontrolled tourism development currently observed in other mountain areas of the world. The aim of this article is to demonstrate, using the example of the Fann Mountains, how hydrogeosites in mountain areas can be valorised for the needs of cognitive tourism. The valorisation methods used in previous research to this point have focused on the evaluation of the objects themselves. This study additionally takes into account features of the surroundings of hydrogeostations, such as the visibility range, the vertical development of the view, and the diversity of the landscape. The conducted value assessments of the sites and their surroundings show that in both internal and external assessments the highest values were achieved by lakes and wetlands. This means that the evaluation of the surroundings has a strong influence on the results obtained and the choice of hydrogeotourism attractions. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Despite the fact that the Fann Mountains are among the most popular tourist destinations in Tajikistan, they are still in the first stage of tourism development. This represents a great opportunity for the implementation of the principles of sustainable tourism, which will avoid the mistakes associated with the uncontrolled tourism development currently observed in other mountain areas of the world. The aim of this article is to demonstrate, using the example of the Fann Mountains, how hydrogeosites in mountain areas can be valorised for the needs of cognitive tourism. The valorisation methods used in previous research to this point have focused on the evaluation of the objects themselves. This study additionally takes into account features of the surroundings of hydrogeostations, such as the visibility range, the vertical development of the view, and the diversity of the landscape. The conducted value assessments of the sites and their surroundings show that in both internal and external assessments the highest values were achieved by lakes and wetlands. This means that the evaluation of the surroundings has a strong influence on the results obtained and the choice of hydrogeotourism attractions. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Sobala, M.
Do historical maps show the maximal anthropopressure in the Carpathians? Journal Article
In: Journal of Mountain Science, vol. 18, no. 8, pp. 2184-2200, 2021, ISSN: 16726316, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85112645700,
title = {Do historical maps show the maximal anthropopressure in the Carpathians?},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85112645700&doi=10.1007%2fs11629-021-6680-z&partnerID=40&md5=76aab56fa6ecdc83ccb2487c0a2d8353},
doi = {10.1007/s11629-021-6680-z},
issn = {16726316},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Mountain Science},
volume = {18},
number = {8},
pages = {2184-2200},
publisher = {Science Press},
abstract = {Many landscapes bear the marks of historical land use. These marks can be the basis for a reconstruction of a historical land use structure as some of them are typical of different types of human activity. The aim of this paper is to determine whether Austrian cadastral maps from the 19th century present the image of the most transformed environment in the Western Carpathians as a result of agricultural activity. Land use structure and terrain forms were detected based on Austrian cadastral maps from 1848, airborne laser scanning and field studies. In two of the test areas, the percentage of arable fields was higher among the plots with stone mounds than the percentage among the plots without them. In the third test area, the relationship was reversed. Also, lynchets, terraces and stone walls sometimes occur in plots that were not arable fields in 1848. Thus, the Austrian cadastral maps from 1848 could not reflect the maximal range of arable fields in the Carpathians in the 19th century. However, it is impossible to determine the historical structure of land use precisely. Nevertheless, an inventory of terrain forms can be used to assess land use when historical maps have not preserved or when available maps do not present land use in detail. © 2021, The Author(s).},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Many landscapes bear the marks of historical land use. These marks can be the basis for a reconstruction of a historical land use structure as some of them are typical of different types of human activity. The aim of this paper is to determine whether Austrian cadastral maps from the 19th century present the image of the most transformed environment in the Western Carpathians as a result of agricultural activity. Land use structure and terrain forms were detected based on Austrian cadastral maps from 1848, airborne laser scanning and field studies. In two of the test areas, the percentage of arable fields was higher among the plots with stone mounds than the percentage among the plots without them. In the third test area, the relationship was reversed. Also, lynchets, terraces and stone walls sometimes occur in plots that were not arable fields in 1848. Thus, the Austrian cadastral maps from 1848 could not reflect the maximal range of arable fields in the Carpathians in the 19th century. However, it is impossible to determine the historical structure of land use precisely. Nevertheless, an inventory of terrain forms can be used to assess land use when historical maps have not preserved or when available maps do not present land use in detail. © 2021, The Author(s).
Myga-Piątek, U.; Żemła-Siesicka, A.; Pukowiec-Kurda, K.; Sobala, M.; Nita, J.
Is there urban landscape in metropolitan areas? An unobvious answer based on corine land cover analyses Journal Article
In: Land, vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 1-20, 2021, ISSN: 2073445X, (5).
@article{2-s2.0-85099830120,
title = {Is there urban landscape in metropolitan areas? An unobvious answer based on corine land cover analyses},
author = { U. Myga-Piątek and A. Żemła-Siesicka and K. Pukowiec-Kurda and M. Sobala and J. Nita},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85099830120&doi=10.3390%2fland10010051&partnerID=40&md5=18b635154e7057708de9084d32995b7d},
doi = {10.3390/land10010051},
issn = {2073445X},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Land},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {1-20},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {The recent increase in urban areas has stimulated landscape urbanization. One of the ways to study this process is an analysis based on the structure of land cover. The aim of this paper is to assess the intensity of the urban landscape on the basis of the CORINE in the seven largest metropolitan areas in Poland and in the Ruhr Metropolis in Germany. To this end, an urban landscape intensity indicator (ULII) was used based on Corine Land Cover at three levels of detail: the metropolitan area, municipalities and hexagons. There are similarities in landscape structure in areas with similar origin (industrial function) and spatial organization (mono-and polycentric agglomerations). The landscape of the Upper Silesia-Zagłębie Metropolis differs from the landscape of other metropolitan areas in Poland and simultaneously shows similarities to the landscape of the Ruhr Metropolis. The results of the ULII also revealed a dependency: the dominance of rural and transitional landscapes in a majority of the study areas. Urban landscapes occur only in the central zones of the metropolitan areas. This proves that determining the range of a metropolitan area in terms of landscape factors is different from doing it with formal or legal ones. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},
note = {5},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The recent increase in urban areas has stimulated landscape urbanization. One of the ways to study this process is an analysis based on the structure of land cover. The aim of this paper is to assess the intensity of the urban landscape on the basis of the CORINE in the seven largest metropolitan areas in Poland and in the Ruhr Metropolis in Germany. To this end, an urban landscape intensity indicator (ULII) was used based on Corine Land Cover at three levels of detail: the metropolitan area, municipalities and hexagons. There are similarities in landscape structure in areas with similar origin (industrial function) and spatial organization (mono-and polycentric agglomerations). The landscape of the Upper Silesia-Zagłębie Metropolis differs from the landscape of other metropolitan areas in Poland and simultaneously shows similarities to the landscape of the Ruhr Metropolis. The results of the ULII also revealed a dependency: the dominance of rural and transitional landscapes in a majority of the study areas. Urban landscapes occur only in the central zones of the metropolitan areas. This proves that determining the range of a metropolitan area in terms of landscape factors is different from doing it with formal or legal ones. © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
2020
Sobala, M.; Myga-Piątek, U.; Szypuła, B.
Assessment of changes in a viewshed in the Western carpathians landscape as a result of reforestation Journal Article
In: Land, vol. 9, no. 11, pp. 1-17, 2020, ISSN: 2073445X, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85096052826,
title = {Assessment of changes in a viewshed in the Western carpathians landscape as a result of reforestation},
author = { M. Sobala and U. Myga-Piątek and B. Szypuła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85096052826&doi=10.3390%2fland9110430&partnerID=40&md5=1c6da6825de379ecd3f3aed6fe2960bd},
doi = {10.3390/land9110430},
issn = {2073445X},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Land},
volume = {9},
number = {11},
pages = {1-17},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {A viewshed analysis is of great importance in mountainous areas characterized by high landscape values. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of reforestation occurring on former pasturelands on changes in the viewshed, and to quantify changes in the surface of glades. We combine a horizontal and a vertical approach to landscape analysis. The changes in non-forest areas and the viewshed from viewpoints located in glades were calculated using historical cartographic materials and a more recent Digital Elevation Model and Digital Surface Model. An analysis was conducted using a Visibility tool in ArcGIS. The non-forest areas decreased in the period 1848–2015. The viewshed in the majority of viewpoints also decreased in the period 1848–2015. In the majority of cases, the maximal viewsheds were calculated in 1879/1885 and 1933 (43.8% of the analyzed cases), whereas the minimal ones were calculated in 2015 (almost 57.5% of analyzed cases). Changes in the viewshed range from 0.2 to 23.5 km2 with half the cases analyzed being no more than 1.4 km2 . The results indicate that forest succession on abandoned glades does not always cause a decline in the viewshed. Deforestation in neighboring areas may be another factor that has an influence on the decline. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A viewshed analysis is of great importance in mountainous areas characterized by high landscape values. The aim of this research was to determine the impact of reforestation occurring on former pasturelands on changes in the viewshed, and to quantify changes in the surface of glades. We combine a horizontal and a vertical approach to landscape analysis. The changes in non-forest areas and the viewshed from viewpoints located in glades were calculated using historical cartographic materials and a more recent Digital Elevation Model and Digital Surface Model. An analysis was conducted using a Visibility tool in ArcGIS. The non-forest areas decreased in the period 1848–2015. The viewshed in the majority of viewpoints also decreased in the period 1848–2015. In the majority of cases, the maximal viewsheds were calculated in 1879/1885 and 1933 (43.8% of the analyzed cases), whereas the minimal ones were calculated in 2015 (almost 57.5% of analyzed cases). Changes in the viewshed range from 0.2 to 23.5 km2 with half the cases analyzed being no more than 1.4 km2 . The results indicate that forest succession on abandoned glades does not always cause a decline in the viewshed. Deforestation in neighboring areas may be another factor that has an influence on the decline. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Sobala, M.
In: Sustainability (Switzerland), vol. 12, no. 9, 2020, ISSN: 20711050, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85085286624,
title = {Mountain meadows and glades of the carpathians-type or element of landscape? the problem of delimitation and typology of mountain pasture landscapes},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85085286624&doi=10.3390%2fsu12093707&partnerID=40&md5=bd09cc35401410aede937a3bb667c189},
doi = {10.3390/su12093707},
issn = {20711050},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Sustainability (Switzerland)},
volume = {12},
number = {9},
publisher = {MDPI},
abstract = {The typologies of landscapes of individual states that have ratified the European Landscape Convention do not include mountain pasture landscapes. Pasture landscapes in the Carpathians are preserved in a relatively good condition, although their spatial extent has considerably shrunk over the last few decades. The article demonstrates that mountain meadows and glades in the Carpathians meet all the conditions that allow them to be classified as a type of landscape, and thus they should be included in national typologies of landscapes. Firstly, they constitute a set of natural (non-forest vegetation) and anthropogenic (traditional shepherding buildings) objects. Secondly, they are a dynamic system in which natural, social and economic processes take place. They are also a source of stimuli, affecting different human senses and values and are a system that provides various real and potential services. The inclusion of mountain pasture landscapes in national typologies may provide a stronger basis for their protection. © 2020 by the authors.},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The typologies of landscapes of individual states that have ratified the European Landscape Convention do not include mountain pasture landscapes. Pasture landscapes in the Carpathians are preserved in a relatively good condition, although their spatial extent has considerably shrunk over the last few decades. The article demonstrates that mountain meadows and glades in the Carpathians meet all the conditions that allow them to be classified as a type of landscape, and thus they should be included in national typologies of landscapes. Firstly, they constitute a set of natural (non-forest vegetation) and anthropogenic (traditional shepherding buildings) objects. Secondly, they are a dynamic system in which natural, social and economic processes take place. They are also a source of stimuli, affecting different human senses and values and are a system that provides various real and potential services. The inclusion of mountain pasture landscapes in national typologies may provide a stronger basis for their protection. © 2020 by the authors.
Sobala, M.; Rahmonov, O.
The human impact on changes in the forest range of the silesian beskids (Western carpathians) Journal Article
In: Resources, vol. 9, no. 12, pp. 1-20, 2020, ISSN: 20799276, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85097291974,
title = {The human impact on changes in the forest range of the silesian beskids (Western carpathians)},
author = { M. Sobala and O. Rahmonov},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85097291974&doi=10.3390%2fresources9120141&partnerID=40&md5=94fe8c394d93abc10a1f9480d4169775},
doi = {10.3390/resources9120141},
issn = {20799276},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Resources},
volume = {9},
number = {12},
pages = {1-20},
publisher = {MDPI AG},
abstract = {Changes in forest range are caused by human activity in many regions of the world. The aim of this paper is an attempt to determine the impact of pastoral and forest management on changes in forest cover and their fragmentation in the Silesian Beskids (southern Poland) in 1848–2015. Historical maps and landscape metrics were used to study changes in forest cover. Using a digital map of forests, analyses of the distribution of forest communities, site types and their condition were conducted. Since 1848 the forest area has increased by 11.8%, while the area of forest core zones has increased by 16.2%, accompanied by a 4.5% reduction in the forest’s internal buffer zone. From the mid-nineteenth century, the forest range has been systematically growing from 82.1 to 93.9% because of the pastureland abandonment and forest regeneration, despite temporary logging resulting in forest fragmentation. Minor changes in core area index (CAI) from 80.41 to 87.55 indicate that pastoral economy did not result in considerable fragmentation of forests. The impact of forest management was greater as the sites characterised by natural condition occupy only 28% of the forest land and anthropogenically transformed ones dominate occupying over 50%. An artificial spruce monoculture was died-off and large felling areas were created at the beginning of the twenty-first century covering almost 40% of the study area. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Changes in forest range are caused by human activity in many regions of the world. The aim of this paper is an attempt to determine the impact of pastoral and forest management on changes in forest cover and their fragmentation in the Silesian Beskids (southern Poland) in 1848–2015. Historical maps and landscape metrics were used to study changes in forest cover. Using a digital map of forests, analyses of the distribution of forest communities, site types and their condition were conducted. Since 1848 the forest area has increased by 11.8%, while the area of forest core zones has increased by 16.2%, accompanied by a 4.5% reduction in the forest’s internal buffer zone. From the mid-nineteenth century, the forest range has been systematically growing from 82.1 to 93.9% because of the pastureland abandonment and forest regeneration, despite temporary logging resulting in forest fragmentation. Minor changes in core area index (CAI) from 80.41 to 87.55 indicate that pastoral economy did not result in considerable fragmentation of forests. The impact of forest management was greater as the sites characterised by natural condition occupy only 28% of the forest land and anthropogenically transformed ones dominate occupying over 50%. An artificial spruce monoculture was died-off and large felling areas were created at the beginning of the twenty-first century covering almost 40% of the study area. © 2020 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
2019
Sobala, M.; Pukowiec-Kurda, K.; Żemła-Siesicka, A.
The delimitation of landscape units for the planning of protection - The example of the Forests by Upper Liswarta Landscape Park Journal Article
In: Quaestiones Geographicae, vol. 38, no. 1, pp. 97-105, 2019, ISSN: 0137477X, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85064148907,
title = {The delimitation of landscape units for the planning of protection - The example of the Forests by Upper Liswarta Landscape Park},
author = { M. Sobala and K. Pukowiec-Kurda and A. Żemła-Siesicka},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85064148907&doi=10.2478%2fquageo-2019-0002&partnerID=40&md5=d522fcfd95ad4faa693bf6f72e5d7ba4},
doi = {10.2478/quageo-2019-0002},
issn = {0137477X},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Quaestiones Geographicae},
volume = {38},
number = {1},
pages = {97-105},
publisher = {Sciendo},
abstract = {The delimitation of landscape units can be helpful in the preparation of studies related to landscape protection and landscaping. The aim of this article is to propose the modification of the method of local landscape delimitation developed for the landscape audit for the needs of protected areas. The comparison of two methods of delimitation indicates that the same area can be assigned to different landscape types and subtypes. The proposed modification of the method of landscape unit delimitation allows a more detailed reflection of the landscape and its links to the administrative boundaries of administrative communities. © 2019 Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University 2019.},
note = {3},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The delimitation of landscape units can be helpful in the preparation of studies related to landscape protection and landscaping. The aim of this article is to propose the modification of the method of local landscape delimitation developed for the landscape audit for the needs of protected areas. The comparison of two methods of delimitation indicates that the same area can be assigned to different landscape types and subtypes. The proposed modification of the method of landscape unit delimitation allows a more detailed reflection of the landscape and its links to the administrative boundaries of administrative communities. © 2019 Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University 2019.
2018
Sobala, M.
Pasture landscape durability in the beskid mountains (Western Carpathians, Poland) Journal Article
In: Geographia Polonica, vol. 91, no. 2, pp. 197-215, 2018, ISSN: 00167282, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-85049593062,
title = {Pasture landscape durability in the beskid mountains (Western Carpathians, Poland)},
author = { M. Sobala},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85049593062&doi=10.7163%2fGPol.0117&partnerID=40&md5=f5269a5a934ff20881a27f9ef626deb6},
doi = {10.7163/GPol.0117},
issn = {00167282},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {Geographia Polonica},
volume = {91},
number = {2},
pages = {197-215},
publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},
abstract = {The agricultural abandonment and reforestation taking place over the last few decades in the Carpathians has led to accelerated transformation of pasture landscape. The trajectories of pasture landscape changes, the factors threatening and supporting the pastures’ traditional use have been established on the basis of archival and contemporary cartographic materials, historical scientific works and archival photographs. An attempt has also been made to assess pasture landscape durability. The major part of the former pasture landscape has evolved into forest or settlement landscapes. The pasture landscape durability will only be possible if the operations supporting the traditional mountain grazing are continued. © Michał Sobala Geographia Polonica Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw 2018. © 2018, Polska Akademia Nauk. All Rights Reserved.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The agricultural abandonment and reforestation taking place over the last few decades in the Carpathians has led to accelerated transformation of pasture landscape. The trajectories of pasture landscape changes, the factors threatening and supporting the pastures’ traditional use have been established on the basis of archival and contemporary cartographic materials, historical scientific works and archival photographs. An attempt has also been made to assess pasture landscape durability. The major part of the former pasture landscape has evolved into forest or settlement landscapes. The pasture landscape durability will only be possible if the operations supporting the traditional mountain grazing are continued. © Michał Sobala Geographia Polonica Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Warsaw 2018. © 2018, Polska Akademia Nauk. All Rights Reserved.
2017
Sobala, M.; Rahmonov, O.; Myga-Piątek, U.
Historical and contemporary forest ecosystem changes in the Beskid mountains (Southern Poland) between 1848 and 2014 Journal Article
In: IForest, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 939-947, 2017, ISSN: 19717458, (16).
@article{2-s2.0-85039743059,
title = {Historical and contemporary forest ecosystem changes in the Beskid mountains (Southern Poland) between 1848 and 2014},
author = { M. Sobala and O. Rahmonov and U. Myga-Piątek},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85039743059&doi=10.3832%2fifor2418-010&partnerID=40&md5=a5ba0ce7c7e3b66b30a004e6186af3b9},
doi = {10.3832/ifor2418-010},
issn = {19717458},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {IForest},
volume = {10},
number = {6},
pages = {939-947},
publisher = {SISEF - Italian Society of Silviculture and Forest Ecology},
abstract = {Landscape changes in the Carpathians are related to centuries of human activity, which can be regarded as the key component of global change. Changes in mountainous regions are mainly caused by agriculture, urbanization, forest cutting for production and land abandonment. This paper aimed to assess the impact of natural and historical-cultural factors on forest ecosystem transformations occurred in the period 1848-2014 in two small areas (about 45 km2) on the Beskid Mountains (southern Poland). The comparison of historical and current maps, along with the application of GIS and field verification, allowed a full interpretation of changes in land use in the studied areas. A decrease of 58.0% in non-forest areas was observed in the considered period, while the forested area grew systematically by 28.3% and the forest-field boundary lowered in altitude. Current forest ecosystems are distributed as a mosaic and mainly consist of Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum, Luzulo nemorosae-Fagetum, Abieti-Piceetum montanum, with logged sites taking up large areas. Forest ecosystems include valuable semi-natural meadows such as Gladiolo-Agrostietum, Hieracio-Nardetum, Arrhenatheretum medioeuropaeum, Cirsietum rivularis or Juncetum effusi, whose extension is reducing and fragmentation increasing due to the recolonization of forest tree species after abandonment. We concluded that trends in land use in the Carpathians were mainly determined by non-environmental factors related to the development of farming-pasturing and forest management. The applied approach could be extended to other regions in the Carpathians which were subject to analogous historical cultural influences. Moreover, our results allow for a comparison with other regions which are subject to similar impacts of natural processes, but to different impact of historical and cultural processes. © SISEF.},
note = {16},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Landscape changes in the Carpathians are related to centuries of human activity, which can be regarded as the key component of global change. Changes in mountainous regions are mainly caused by agriculture, urbanization, forest cutting for production and land abandonment. This paper aimed to assess the impact of natural and historical-cultural factors on forest ecosystem transformations occurred in the period 1848-2014 in two small areas (about 45 km2) on the Beskid Mountains (southern Poland). The comparison of historical and current maps, along with the application of GIS and field verification, allowed a full interpretation of changes in land use in the studied areas. A decrease of 58.0% in non-forest areas was observed in the considered period, while the forested area grew systematically by 28.3% and the forest-field boundary lowered in altitude. Current forest ecosystems are distributed as a mosaic and mainly consist of Dentario glandulosae-Fagetum, Luzulo nemorosae-Fagetum, Abieti-Piceetum montanum, with logged sites taking up large areas. Forest ecosystems include valuable semi-natural meadows such as Gladiolo-Agrostietum, Hieracio-Nardetum, Arrhenatheretum medioeuropaeum, Cirsietum rivularis or Juncetum effusi, whose extension is reducing and fragmentation increasing due to the recolonization of forest tree species after abandonment. We concluded that trends in land use in the Carpathians were mainly determined by non-environmental factors related to the development of farming-pasturing and forest management. The applied approach could be extended to other regions in the Carpathians which were subject to analogous historical cultural influences. Moreover, our results allow for a comparison with other regions which are subject to similar impacts of natural processes, but to different impact of historical and cultural processes. © SISEF.
2016
Sobala, M.; Myga-Piątek, U.
The Optimization of Rural Landscape in the Light of the Idea of Sustainable Development-The Example of Poland Journal Article
In: Quaestiones Geographicae, vol. 35, no. 3, pp. 61-73, 2016, ISSN: 0137477X, (7).
@article{2-s2.0-84992612606,
title = {The Optimization of Rural Landscape in the Light of the Idea of Sustainable Development-The Example of Poland},
author = { M. Sobala and U. Myga-Piątek},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84992612606&doi=10.1515%2fquageo-2016-0027&partnerID=40&md5=503831af2f1eb53d3a3a1ee80f64edd9},
doi = {10.1515/quageo-2016-0027},
issn = {0137477X},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Quaestiones Geographicae},
volume = {35},
number = {3},
pages = {61-73},
publisher = {Adam Mickiewicz University Press},
abstract = {Contemporary rural landscapes in Poland are being changed intensively and adversely. These changes lead to landscape disharmony, spatial disorder, the blurring of individual and specific features and disruption to the ecological equilibrium. This article aims to present general rules for the optimization of rural landscapes. It discusses the causes and consequences of unfavourable changes within Poland's rural landscapes which constitute a threat to their sustainable development. The authors attempt to identify the major factors to be considered in taking steps aimed at landscape optimization. Landscape equilibrium may be assessed through the sustainable development dimensions: ethical, ecological, social, economic, technical, political and legal. Landscape optimization consists in maintaining the balance within these dimensions. © 2016 Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University.},
note = {7},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Contemporary rural landscapes in Poland are being changed intensively and adversely. These changes lead to landscape disharmony, spatial disorder, the blurring of individual and specific features and disruption to the ecological equilibrium. This article aims to present general rules for the optimization of rural landscapes. It discusses the causes and consequences of unfavourable changes within Poland's rural landscapes which constitute a threat to their sustainable development. The authors attempt to identify the major factors to be considered in taking steps aimed at landscape optimization. Landscape equilibrium may be assessed through the sustainable development dimensions: ethical, ecological, social, economic, technical, political and legal. Landscape optimization consists in maintaining the balance within these dimensions. © 2016 Faculty of Geographical and Geological Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University.