2017
Gądek, B.; Kaczka, R. J.; Rączkowska, Z.; Rojan, E.; Casteller, A.; Bebi, P.
Snow avalanche activity in Żleb Żandarmerii in a time of climate change (Tatra Mts., Poland) Journal Article
In: Catena, vol. 158, pp. 201-212, 2017, ISSN: 03418162, (17).
@article{2-s2.0-85022343699,
title = {Snow avalanche activity in Żleb Żandarmerii in a time of climate change (Tatra Mts., Poland)},
author = { B. Gądek and R.J. Kaczka and Z. Rączkowska and E. Rojan and A. Casteller and P. Bebi},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85022343699&doi=10.1016%2fj.catena.2017.07.005&partnerID=40&md5=bf2c35fcbf0a4c01aadea55a43274f69},
doi = {10.1016/j.catena.2017.07.005},
issn = {03418162},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {Catena},
volume = {158},
pages = {201-212},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {This paper reports from a survey of the occurrence of large avalanches in Żleb Żandarmerii. This couloir is known to be one of the most hazardous avalanche paths in the Tatra Mountains and has one of the longest histories of avalanche observation. This survey looked at the runout distance, return period, dynamics and geoecological implications of avalanches in the context of current climate change. The study took advantage of the longest record of meteorological data available in the Tatra Mountains, as well as archival avalanche observations, topographical maps, orthophotomaps and a high-resolution digital terrain model. Avalanche data were obtained using geomorphological and dendrogeomorphic methods and through modelling with the RAMMS numerical avalanche dynamics simulation software. The largest avalanches reach the foot of its counter slope. Their length, release volume, flow velocity and pressure can exceed respectively 1000 m, 80 000 m3, 45 m/s and 600 kPa. The results of our study suggest that current climate warming has been accompanied by thinning and shortening of the duration of snow cover, as well as by an upward expansion of the timberline (including in the large-avalanche runout zones) of up to 80 m since the mid-1920s. No distinct temporal trend was identified in the large avalanche return period since 1909, but their mass and intensity have declined. Forests and timberline expansion were found to have no influence on the extent of the avalanches in our study, while ground relief could determine both their downward extent and lateral expansion. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {17},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper reports from a survey of the occurrence of large avalanches in Żleb Żandarmerii. This couloir is known to be one of the most hazardous avalanche paths in the Tatra Mountains and has one of the longest histories of avalanche observation. This survey looked at the runout distance, return period, dynamics and geoecological implications of avalanches in the context of current climate change. The study took advantage of the longest record of meteorological data available in the Tatra Mountains, as well as archival avalanche observations, topographical maps, orthophotomaps and a high-resolution digital terrain model. Avalanche data were obtained using geomorphological and dendrogeomorphic methods and through modelling with the RAMMS numerical avalanche dynamics simulation software. The largest avalanches reach the foot of its counter slope. Their length, release volume, flow velocity and pressure can exceed respectively 1000 m, 80 000 m3, 45 m/s and 600 kPa. The results of our study suggest that current climate warming has been accompanied by thinning and shortening of the duration of snow cover, as well as by an upward expansion of the timberline (including in the large-avalanche runout zones) of up to 80 m since the mid-1920s. No distinct temporal trend was identified in the large avalanche return period since 1909, but their mass and intensity have declined. Forests and timberline expansion were found to have no influence on the extent of the avalanches in our study, while ground relief could determine both their downward extent and lateral expansion. © 2017 Elsevier B.V.
2016
Gądek, B.; Grabiec, M.; Kedzia, S.; Rączkowska, Z.
Reflection of climate changes in the structure and morphodynamics of talus slopes (the Tatra Mountains, Poland) Journal Article
In: Geomorphology, vol. 263, pp. 39-49, 2016, ISSN: 0169555X, (19).
@article{2-s2.0-84962028438,
title = {Reflection of climate changes in the structure and morphodynamics of talus slopes (the Tatra Mountains, Poland)},
author = { B. Gądek and M. Grabiec and S. Kedzia and Z. Rączkowska},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84962028438&doi=10.1016%2fj.geomorph.2016.03.024&partnerID=40&md5=a19f20c098d4d35af623800c8dba2c8e},
doi = {10.1016/j.geomorph.2016.03.024},
issn = {0169555X},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Geomorphology},
volume = {263},
pages = {39-49},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {Talus slopes beside glaciers are among the best objects to research on climate change. In the Tatra Mountains, the highest mountains of central Europe, no glaciers remain, only glacierets and permafrost. For that reasona complex investigation of talus slopes was conducted there in the years 2009-2010. This paper presents the results of GPR and lichenometric measurements of the talus slopes in six glacial cirques located in the High and Western Tatras. The thickness and internal structure of talus slopes were identified along with the variability and conditions of their development. Maximum thickness of the talus slopes ranges from 20 to 35 m, reaching higher values in the High Tatras. The diversity of the thickness of the talus slopes within the Tatras is mostly explained by differences in the relief conditioned by lithology. The diverse altitudinal locations of the talus slopes, and the exposure and inclinations are not reflected in the size and thickness. The thickness of the studied slopes depends primarily on the activity of the processes supplying rock material and on the size and shape of the sediment supply area. The results of the lichenometric testing together with the analysis of the long-term precipitation data imply a several hundred-year-long deterioration of the climate during the Little Ice Age, which is reflected in the increased activity of morphogenetic processes on the talus slopes across the whole massif of the Tatras. In the last 200 years, the talus slopes of the Tatras were most active in three periods: at the end of the Little Ice Age, in the 1930s and 1940s, and in the early 1970s. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {19},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Talus slopes beside glaciers are among the best objects to research on climate change. In the Tatra Mountains, the highest mountains of central Europe, no glaciers remain, only glacierets and permafrost. For that reasona complex investigation of talus slopes was conducted there in the years 2009-2010. This paper presents the results of GPR and lichenometric measurements of the talus slopes in six glacial cirques located in the High and Western Tatras. The thickness and internal structure of talus slopes were identified along with the variability and conditions of their development. Maximum thickness of the talus slopes ranges from 20 to 35 m, reaching higher values in the High Tatras. The diversity of the thickness of the talus slopes within the Tatras is mostly explained by differences in the relief conditioned by lithology. The diverse altitudinal locations of the talus slopes, and the exposure and inclinations are not reflected in the size and thickness. The thickness of the studied slopes depends primarily on the activity of the processes supplying rock material and on the size and shape of the sediment supply area. The results of the lichenometric testing together with the analysis of the long-term precipitation data imply a several hundred-year-long deterioration of the climate during the Little Ice Age, which is reflected in the increased activity of morphogenetic processes on the talus slopes across the whole massif of the Tatras. In the last 200 years, the talus slopes of the Tatras were most active in three periods: at the end of the Little Ice Age, in the 1930s and 1940s, and in the early 1970s. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
Gądek, B.; Grabiec, M.; Rączkowska, Z.; Maciata, A.
Variability of the snow avalanche danger in the Tatra Mountains during the past nine decades Journal Article
In: Geographia Polonica, vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 65-77, 2016, ISSN: 00167282, (6).
@article{2-s2.0-84962024797,
title = {Variability of the snow avalanche danger in the Tatra Mountains during the past nine decades},
author = { B. Gądek and M. Grabiec and Z. Rączkowska and A. Maciata},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84962024797&doi=10.7163%2fGPol.0046&partnerID=40&md5=0e101cb2cc991350bc726e6686db236b},
doi = {10.7163/GPol.0046},
issn = {00167282},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Geographia Polonica},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {65-77},
publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},
abstract = {In order to recognise the variability of the snow avalanche danger in the Tatra Mountains, the danger levels on consecutive days with snow cover over the last nine decades were calculated. To accomplish this task, the longest series of meteorological data were used from the Tatras along with an empirical method for determining the regional avalanche danger on the basis of elementary meteorological data. The results point to the fact that over the last 25 years the number of days with a level 2 avalanche danger significantly decreased, whereas the number of days with level 1 increased. This should result in a decreasing trend in the incidence of small and medium-sized natural avalanches. In the structure of snow cover, the percentage of melt forms might increase. However, this should not correlate with a significant increase in wet-snow avalanches, because the number of days with wet snow also reduces. The contemporary changes in the snow conditions and avalanche danger in the subalpine belt of the Tatras have been primarily associated with an increase in the air temperature (shorter winters and less snow). © 2016, Bogdan Gądek et al.},
note = {6},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
In order to recognise the variability of the snow avalanche danger in the Tatra Mountains, the danger levels on consecutive days with snow cover over the last nine decades were calculated. To accomplish this task, the longest series of meteorological data were used from the Tatras along with an empirical method for determining the regional avalanche danger on the basis of elementary meteorological data. The results point to the fact that over the last 25 years the number of days with a level 2 avalanche danger significantly decreased, whereas the number of days with level 1 increased. This should result in a decreasing trend in the incidence of small and medium-sized natural avalanches. In the structure of snow cover, the percentage of melt forms might increase. However, this should not correlate with a significant increase in wet-snow avalanches, because the number of days with wet snow also reduces. The contemporary changes in the snow conditions and avalanche danger in the subalpine belt of the Tatras have been primarily associated with an increase in the air temperature (shorter winters and less snow). © 2016, Bogdan Gądek et al.
Lempa, M.; Kaczka, R. J.; Rączkowska, Z.; Janecka, K.
In: Geographia Polonica, vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 31-45, 2016, ISSN: 00167282, (8).
@article{2-s2.0-84962018947,
title = {Combining tree-ring dating and geomorphological analyses in the reconstruction of spatial patterns of the runout zone of snow avalanches, Rybi Potok Valley, Tatra Mountains},
author = { M. Lempa and R.J. Kaczka and Z. Rączkowska and K. Janecka},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84962018947&doi=10.7163%2fGPol.0044&partnerID=40&md5=0ef0d8a9c530a6841438c35920a4d1ee},
doi = {10.7163/GPol.0044},
issn = {00167282},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Geographia Polonica},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {31-45},
publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},
abstract = {The snow avalanche is one of the major processes that shapes the landscape of high mountains. A significant manifestation of its activity is changing the course of the timberline, whose course and growth disturbances constitute a good source of information about the history of avalanche activity. The aim of this study was to: i) detail the temporal and spatial reconstruction of snow avalanche events within the three surveyed couloirs in the Rybi Potok Valley, in the High Tatras, ii) analyse of the relationship between the relief of the runout zone and the course of the avalanches. Dendrogeomorphological, geomorphological and cartographic methods were employed here. Detailed geomorphological maps comprising the runout zone were prepared and use to divide the runout zone into subzones of similar relief. The dendrogeomorphological reconstructions of avalanche events were carried out on two scales, i.e. for the entire runout zone and for the determined subzones. The courses of major avalanche events in the studied couloirs over the past 100 years were reconstructed. A detailed dendrogeomorphological analysis in the subzones allowed the identification of additional local avalanche events whose extent had not covered the entire avalanche path. © 2016, Michał Lempa et al.},
note = {8},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The snow avalanche is one of the major processes that shapes the landscape of high mountains. A significant manifestation of its activity is changing the course of the timberline, whose course and growth disturbances constitute a good source of information about the history of avalanche activity. The aim of this study was to: i) detail the temporal and spatial reconstruction of snow avalanche events within the three surveyed couloirs in the Rybi Potok Valley, in the High Tatras, ii) analyse of the relationship between the relief of the runout zone and the course of the avalanches. Dendrogeomorphological, geomorphological and cartographic methods were employed here. Detailed geomorphological maps comprising the runout zone were prepared and use to divide the runout zone into subzones of similar relief. The dendrogeomorphological reconstructions of avalanche events were carried out on two scales, i.e. for the entire runout zone and for the determined subzones. The courses of major avalanche events in the studied couloirs over the past 100 years were reconstructed. A detailed dendrogeomorphological analysis in the subzones allowed the identification of additional local avalanche events whose extent had not covered the entire avalanche path. © 2016, Michał Lempa et al.
Spyt, B.; Kaczka, R. J.; Lempa, M.; Rączkowska, Z.
Application of timberline morphometric analysis for detecting snow avalanche paths: A case study of the Tatra Mountains Journal Article
In: Geographia Polonica, vol. 89, no. 1, pp. 91-111, 2016, ISSN: 00167282, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-84961999187,
title = {Application of timberline morphometric analysis for detecting snow avalanche paths: A case study of the Tatra Mountains},
author = { B. Spyt and R.J. Kaczka and M. Lempa and Z. Rączkowska},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84961999187&doi=10.7163%2fGPol.0048&partnerID=40&md5=45dea6b8f13bd17af27a4b43feecf305},
doi = {10.7163/GPol.0048},
issn = {00167282},
year = {2016},
date = {2016-01-01},
journal = {Geographia Polonica},
volume = {89},
number = {1},
pages = {91-111},
publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},
abstract = {The upper forest limit is principally controlled by climate factors, mainly temperature but locally also other factors, such as snow avalanches, debris flows, and wind throw. Therefore, the timberline course may be use as a proxy of these drivers. The aim of the study was to employ the morphometric features of the upper for- est limit for remote detection of avalanche paths. We introduced the Morphometric Avalanche Index (MAI), which combine simple parameters such as: Perimeter Development, Altitudinal Difference, Elongation Ratio, Area, and the existence forest patches. This tool was tested in four valleys in the Tatra Mountains, wherein 103 known avalanche paths. The employment of MAI resulted in remote identification of 90% of avalanche paths existing and acknowledged in this region. Additionally 28 avalanche paths that had not been previously indicated as such were detected. © 2016, Barbara Spyt et al.},
note = {2},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The upper forest limit is principally controlled by climate factors, mainly temperature but locally also other factors, such as snow avalanches, debris flows, and wind throw. Therefore, the timberline course may be use as a proxy of these drivers. The aim of the study was to employ the morphometric features of the upper for- est limit for remote detection of avalanche paths. We introduced the Morphometric Avalanche Index (MAI), which combine simple parameters such as: Perimeter Development, Altitudinal Difference, Elongation Ratio, Area, and the existence forest patches. This tool was tested in four valleys in the Tatra Mountains, wherein 103 known avalanche paths. The employment of MAI resulted in remote identification of 90% of avalanche paths existing and acknowledged in this region. Additionally 28 avalanche paths that had not been previously indicated as such were detected. © 2016, Barbara Spyt et al.
2015
Kaczka, R. J.; Lempa, M.; Czajka, B.; Janecka, K.; Rączkowska, Z.; Hreško, J.; Bugar, G.
The recent timberline changes in the tatra mountains: A case study of the mengusovská valley (Slovakia) and the rybi potok valley (Poland) Journal Article
In: Geographia Polonica, vol. 88, no. 2, pp. 71-83, 2015, ISSN: 00167282, (24).
@article{2-s2.0-84933576309,
title = {The recent timberline changes in the tatra mountains: A case study of the mengusovská valley (Slovakia) and the rybi potok valley (Poland)},
author = { R.J. Kaczka and M. Lempa and B. Czajka and K. Janecka and Z. Rączkowska and J. Hreško and G. Bugar},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84933576309&doi=10.7163%2fGPol.0016&partnerID=40&md5=12a900dc86469ed24725cf4d684c4f0d},
doi = {10.7163/GPol.0016},
issn = {00167282},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Geographia Polonica},
volume = {88},
number = {2},
pages = {71-83},
publisher = {Polska Akademia Nauk},
abstract = {A comparison was done of the timberline course from the mid-20th and beginning of 21st century, in Mengusovská Valley (Slovakia) and Rybi Potok Valley (Poland). These are two valleys in the High Tatra Mts. Aerial photos and satellite images were used to assess the changes of the timberline in the two valleys. The course of the timberline ecotone in both valleys is similar. In both valleys, the stable timberline section is almost half of the total timberline length. In both valleys there has been an increase in the elevation of the timberline (on average by 10 m in the Mengusovská Valley and 15 m in the Rybi Potok Valley), and free spaces have been increasingly closing up. The progressive changes of the timberline are mainly due to the limit placed on human economic activity, and to climate warming. Inactive avalanche paths have led to an enlargement of the forest area in both valleys. The reduction of avalanche activity is the direct result of climate warming in the Tatra Mts. and from the decrease in the amount of snow in winters. © 2015 Polska Akademia Nauk. All rights reserved.},
note = {24},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
A comparison was done of the timberline course from the mid-20th and beginning of 21st century, in Mengusovská Valley (Slovakia) and Rybi Potok Valley (Poland). These are two valleys in the High Tatra Mts. Aerial photos and satellite images were used to assess the changes of the timberline in the two valleys. The course of the timberline ecotone in both valleys is similar. In both valleys, the stable timberline section is almost half of the total timberline length. In both valleys there has been an increase in the elevation of the timberline (on average by 10 m in the Mengusovská Valley and 15 m in the Rybi Potok Valley), and free spaces have been increasingly closing up. The progressive changes of the timberline are mainly due to the limit placed on human economic activity, and to climate warming. Inactive avalanche paths have led to an enlargement of the forest area in both valleys. The reduction of avalanche activity is the direct result of climate warming in the Tatra Mts. and from the decrease in the amount of snow in winters. © 2015 Polska Akademia Nauk. All rights reserved.
2009
Gądek, B.; Rączkowska, Z.; Żogała, B.
Debris slope morphodynamics as a permafrost indicator in the zone of sporadic permafrost, high Tatras, Slovakia Journal Article
In: Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie, vol. 53, no. SUPPL. 2, pp. 79-100, 2009, ISSN: 03728854, (12).
@article{2-s2.0-77953278781,
title = {Debris slope morphodynamics as a permafrost indicator in the zone of sporadic permafrost, high Tatras, Slovakia},
author = { B. Gądek and Z. Rączkowska and B. Żogała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-77953278781&doi=10.1127%2f0372-8854%2f2009%2f0053S3-0079&partnerID=40&md5=97543fac95aed474082023a6dad5410b},
doi = {10.1127/0372-8854/2009/0053S3-0079},
issn = {03728854},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
journal = {Zeitschrift fur Geomorphologie},
volume = {53},
number = {SUPPL. 2},
pages = {79-100},
abstract = {The aim of the paper is to identify morphodynamic features of the debris slope that might serve as permafrost indicators in the zone of its sporadic occurrence. The studies were performed in the Medena kotlina valley, the Slovak High Tatras. The identification was based on geophysical investigations (monitoring of GST; FEM and VES) which resulted in recognition of horizontal and vertical extend of permafrost as well as active layer depth. The geophysical examination was complied with geomorphological studies (detailed geomorphological mapping; measurement of debris fabric and transfer). Analysis of the slope relief in the study area does not provide unequivocal evidences of permafrost influence. Neither permafrost indicative landforms nor large periglacial forms were found. The presence of permafrost in debris slope is reflected by a significant slope surface instability - lack of compaction, cracks around boulders submerged in fine material (loosing of material), mobility of debris and clast fabric.},
note = {12},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The aim of the paper is to identify morphodynamic features of the debris slope that might serve as permafrost indicators in the zone of its sporadic occurrence. The studies were performed in the Medena kotlina valley, the Slovak High Tatras. The identification was based on geophysical investigations (monitoring of GST; FEM and VES) which resulted in recognition of horizontal and vertical extend of permafrost as well as active layer depth. The geophysical examination was complied with geomorphological studies (detailed geomorphological mapping; measurement of debris fabric and transfer). Analysis of the slope relief in the study area does not provide unequivocal evidences of permafrost influence. Neither permafrost indicative landforms nor large periglacial forms were found. The presence of permafrost in debris slope is reflected by a significant slope surface instability - lack of compaction, cracks around boulders submerged in fine material (loosing of material), mobility of debris and clast fabric.
Stanimirova, I.; Kita, A.; Małkowski, E.; John, E.; Walczak, B.
N-way exploration of environmental data obtained from sequential extraction procedure Journal Article
In: Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems, vol. 96, no. 2, pp. 203-209, 2009, ISSN: 01697439, (13).
@article{2-s2.0-64249103472,
title = {N-way exploration of environmental data obtained from sequential extraction procedure},
author = { I. Stanimirova and A. Kita and E. Małkowski and E. John and B. Walczak},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-64249103472&doi=10.1016%2fj.chemolab.2009.02.004&partnerID=40&md5=474e6cb746e1331474fbc52fe8a78d12},
doi = {10.1016/j.chemolab.2009.02.004},
issn = {01697439},
year = {2009},
date = {2009-01-01},
journal = {Chemometrics and Intelligent Laboratory Systems},
volume = {96},
number = {2},
pages = {203-209},
abstract = {The Tucker method, extended to cope with five-way data, was considered to study the effectiveness of a chosen remediation procedure and the effect of so-called 'aging' on the fractionation of heavy metals like Cu, Cd, Zn, Al, Pb, Fe and Mn in contaminated soil. Specifically, the goal was to understand the influence of soil pH (way 1) on the process of immobilization of those heavy metals (way 2) supposedly bound in different forms (way 3) in heavily contaminated soil samples amended with different amounts of organic matter (way 4) over time (way 5). The huge amount of data collected can be seen as a five-way array as - pH × heavy metals × extractions × organic content × time. The results obtained through the use of the five-mode Tucker model of definite complexity showed that the changes in mobility and bioavailability of metals over time are beneficial. In general, the potentially toxic elements that were analysed became less 'available' over time. The same tendency was observed with an increase in soil pH. It is worth noting that the amendment of soil with organic matter seems to have no influence on the mobility reduction of heavy metals in this case. This effect was probably masked by the predominant changes in mobility of metals over time. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.},
note = {13},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The Tucker method, extended to cope with five-way data, was considered to study the effectiveness of a chosen remediation procedure and the effect of so-called 'aging' on the fractionation of heavy metals like Cu, Cd, Zn, Al, Pb, Fe and Mn in contaminated soil. Specifically, the goal was to understand the influence of soil pH (way 1) on the process of immobilization of those heavy metals (way 2) supposedly bound in different forms (way 3) in heavily contaminated soil samples amended with different amounts of organic matter (way 4) over time (way 5). The huge amount of data collected can be seen as a five-way array as - pH × heavy metals × extractions × organic content × time. The results obtained through the use of the five-mode Tucker model of definite complexity showed that the changes in mobility and bioavailability of metals over time are beneficial. In general, the potentially toxic elements that were analysed became less 'available' over time. The same tendency was observed with an increase in soil pH. It is worth noting that the amendment of soil with organic matter seems to have no influence on the mobility reduction of heavy metals in this case. This effect was probably masked by the predominant changes in mobility of metals over time. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.