Field course - Geoecosystems

elective courses

Analysis of state of the environment, especially in the process of planning and analysis of correct functioning of geoecosystems requires knowledge in physical geology, geochemistry, hydrogeology, environmental protection and management.

The aim of the field course is to present complex mechanisms of functioning of selected landscape types, representative for the Polish Lowlands. The importance of the primary origin of the presented area for the functioning and evolution of its ecosystems is discussed, as well as the direct and indirect impact of human activity on them. Elements of the natural environment, which can have an indication function in the evaluation of its conditions and transformations, are shown in the presented sites.

Tykocin – 2 nights

- Narew National Park - complex origins of geomorphological units, specifics of the Narew River multi-channel system, human impact on water runoff conditions in the Narew valley near Tykocin (e.g. impact of the road embankment);

- Supraśl River valley between Supraśl and Wasilków – another example of a polygenic river valley – impact of hydraulic structures on diversity of channel deposition,

- Jurowce intake – hydrogeological conditions, intake protection zones,

- Studzianki and Zapiecek – glacial morphogenesis and differentiation of its importance for the susceptibility to contamination of topsoils, groundwater circulation conditions and their relationship to primary places of worship,

- Origin of the Biebrza meltwater valley, lacustrine sediment studies in the Maliszewskie lake,

- Biebrza Wetlands. Swamps drainage system from the communist era, current protection of the swamps, including care for small retention. Examples of completely degraded ecosystems.

- Grzędy – analysis of drainage of surface and groundwater systems in the area of the Red Swamp reservation,

- Strękowa Góra – role of the geological background of the Wizna area in the 1939 defensive war.

Szurpiły – 1 night

- Góra Zamkowa – history of the Yotvingian settlement in archeology and palaeolimnology. View of the lakes of different origins from the hilltop – the last bastion of Yotvingian resistance,

- Field of boulders – Scandinavian glacial erratic boulders.

- Rospuda River valley – discussion whether the protest against the construction of a highway through the valley was justifiable? Holy Place – example of a young valley shaped by erosion (above the HP) and accumulation (below the HP),

- Construction of the Augustów Canal (Museum in Augustów) and its impact on the natural environment of the area.

Mikołajki (Hydrobiological Station of the Nencki Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences) – 2 nights

- Miłki Lake – history of Teutonic colonization of the area recorded in palaeolimnology and historical sources. Anthropogenic eutrophication of lakes and lake reclamation projects (Ecoflox, Olszewski siphon).

- Kruklin Lake – Kruklin lacustrine sediments, exploited for liming of fields after drying-up of the lake. Sediments were dug up during exploitation and an instructional exposure was prepared, where lithological and palinological studies were conducted.

- Types of lakes. Boat trip on the Tałty Lake to Ryn castle.

- History of anthropogenic landscape transformation. Majcz Lake area and further along the Jork River valley to the Tałty Lake. Natural and anthropogenic ecosystems.

- Giżycko fortifications (Boyen) and relationship of their distribution with the morphogenesis of the Masurian Lake District.

- Nietlice Swamp Reserve – reserve created during the drying of the area with Wąż Lake, the largest low bog in the region, refuge for many bird species: black grouse, corncrake, aquatic warbler, a crane dormitory, etc. Risks (desiccation, overgrowing).

On completion of the course, the student has the ability and competence in the field of:

- identification of ecosystems in the Polish Lowlands,

- impact of geological factors on the natural environment,

- analysis of the directions of changes in ecosystems caused by human activity.

Final written assessment.