Geographia Polonica (2025) vol. 98, iss. 2

Abstract

The expansion of cities, alongside increasing climate-related risks, requires a better understanding of urban thermal patterns for sustainable planning. This study identifies thermal hot and cold spots in Warsaw using 25 land surface temperature (LST) images (2002-2018), air temperature data from 21 sites, spatial developmentindicators, CORINE Land Cover, and local climate zones. Spatial autocorrelation (Getis-Ord Gi*) and correlation analyses reveal that LST extremes are related to land cover, spatial development, and city centre proximity. Cluster analysis highlights distinct seasonal and diurnal air temperature regimes in hot/cold spots, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches in urban climate research.

Keywords: cold spot, hot spot, land surface temperature, air temperature, land cover, local climate zones, spatial development

Kaja Czarnecka [czarnecka@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization, Climate Research Department Polish Academy of Sciences Twarda 51/55, 00-818 Warsaw: Poland

Abstract

Solid waste contamination in soils is an extremely important and relevant problem for recreational areas and sports centers. Solid wastes, such as glass, plastics, and metals, do not degrade quickly and accumulate in thes oil at shallow depths or remain on the surface. This is a particularly dangerous situation for recreational area users and may lead to cuts, which can cause severe infections. In the analyzed case, pollutants were present at the junction of a beach and a nearby area that was covered with a small amount of grassy vegetation, which further limited the visibility of solid wastes. A microscopic analysis method was used to assess the presence of hazardous waste in the soil qualitatively and quantitatively. Petrographic analysis revealed the presenceof glass and metals in the examined material, as well as other solid components. In addition, areas where the concentration of these hazardous pollutants had increased and those where they had not been identified

Keywords: soil pollution, petrography, hazardous waste, hazards at recreation areas and sports centers

Zbigniew Jelonek [zjelonek@us.edu.pl], Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Silesia in Katowice Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland; Center for Biomass Energy Research and Education University of Silesia in Katowice Będzinska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland
Iwona Jelonek [iwona.jelonek@us.edu.pl], Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Silesia in Katowice Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland; Center for Biomass Energy Research and Education University of Silesia in Katowice Będzinska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland
Dymytro Khomemenko [dymytro.khomenko@us.edu.pl], Faculty of Natural Sciences University of Silesia in Katowice Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland

Abstract

This article presents research results on the water chemistry of 16 reservoirs adjacent to post-mining waste landfills in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, sampled in 2022 and 2023. The waters of these reservoirs are anthropogenically modified; in terms of hydrochemical type, they are multi-ionic waters: Cl––SO42––Na+, Cl––SO4––HCO3––Na2–,and Cl––SO42––HCO3––Na+–Ca2+. They are characterized by high electrical conductivity (EC; up to 21.5 mS/cm), high concentrations of Cl– (up to 9.279 mg/L), SO42– (up to 5.277 mg/L), and Na+ (up to 4.783 mg/L). They are considered waters of poor quality (class V) due to their increased concentrations of Cl– and SO42– and high ECvalues. The Comprehensive Pollution Index (CPI) was also used to assess the degree of water pollution. Calculations indicated that the waters are either moderately (0.47 < CPI < 1.92) or heavily polluted (CPI > 2). Research has also shown that areas reclaimed with mining waste are informal post-mining waste dumps and should be treated as potential sources of groundwater pollution. In nearby reservoirs, there is a potential threat to shallow (0-10 m) groundwater of the first aquifer, which is especially important when the first aquifer is being used.

Keywords: mining waste dumps, water reservoirs, Upper Silesian Coal Basin, environmental hazards

Marek Sołtysiak [marek.soltysiak@us.edu.pl], Institute of Earth Sciences University of Silesia in Katowice Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland
Jacek Różkowski [jacek.rozkowski@us.edu.pl], Institute of Earth Sciences University of Silesia in Katowice Będzińska 60, 41-200 Sosnowiec: Poland

Abstract

Reservoirs created by damming rivers significantly modify abiotic and biotic environmental components. A major consequence is the accumulation of sediments and nutrients, degrading water quality through eutrophication.This study focused on the Sulejów Reservoir in Central Poland, examining nutrient balance,phytoplankton blooms using Sentinel-2 satellite data, and wind-driven surface currents with the CCHE2D hydrodynamic model. Eight Sentinel-2 images from the 2020 vegetation season and the Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI) were used to assess phytoplankton distribution. Results indicate the reservoirmainly acts as a nutrient sink, but under low-flow and intense bloom conditions, it can become a nutrient source. Coupling remote sensing with hydrodynamic modeling effectively interpreted flow patterns and nutrient dynamics. For the first time, the influence of eddy structures and wind on phytoplankton distribution in the lacustrine zone was demonstrated.

Keywords: eutrophication, phytoplankton blooms, Sentinel-2, hydrodynamic modelling, Pilica River, Sulejów Reservoir, NDCl, CCHE2D

Peshang Hama Karim [peshang.hamakarim@student.uw.edu.p], Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences Discipline of Earth and Related Environmental Sciences, University of Warsaw Stefana Banacha 2c, 02-097 Warsaw: Poland
Monika Kalinowska [mkalinow@igf.edu.pl], Institute of Geophysics Polish Academy of Sciences Księcia Janusza 64, 01-452 Warsaw: Poland
Aleksandra Ziemińska-Stolarska [aleksandra.zieminska-stolarska@p.lodz.pl], Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering Technical University of Lodz Wólczańska 213, 93-005 Łódź: Poland
Artur Magnuszewski [asmagnus@uw.edu.pl], Faculty of Geography and Regional Studies University of Warsaw Krakowskie Przedmieście 30, 00-927 Warsaw: Poland

Abstract

During roadworks on Bulwar Filadelfijski in Toruń, the foundations of a Benedictine monastery and the Holy Spirit Church were uncovered. Geoarchaeological research analyzed fluvial, denudational, and anthropogenic layers in the Vistula riverbank. The aim was to determine the spatial and stratigraphic relationships between fluvial and denudational sedimentsand anthropogenic embankments in the Vistula riverbank zone. Key findings:(1) Early medieval fluvial and denudational processes shaped sediments, with Bronze Age and Roman artifacts redeposited by medieval floods. (2) Late medieval construction (monastery, perimeter wall) led toanthropogenic embankments dominating the area. (3) After the monastery’s mid-17th-century destruction, major floods deposited overbank alluvium. The study clarifies the site’s stratigraphic evolution under naturaland human influence.

Keywords: geoarchaeological reconstruction, fluvial and denudational processes, anthropogenic embankments deposits, medieval town, Vistuli River valley

Jacek B. Szmańda [jacek.szmanda@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Kopernika 19, 87-100 Toruń: Poland
Piotr J. Gierszewski [piotr.gierszewski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Kopernika 19, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
Mateusz Kramkowski [mateusz.kramkowski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Kopernika 19, 87-100 Toruń: Poland
Karol Witkowski [karol.witkowski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Św. Jana 22, 31-018 Kraków: Poland
Sebastian Tyszkowski [sebastian. tyszkowski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Kopernika 19, 87-100 Toruń: Poland
Michał Fojutowski [michał.fojutowski@twarda. pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences Kopernika 19, 87-100 Toruń: Poland
Piotr Kittel [piotr.kittel@geo.uni.lodz.pl], Faculty of Geographical Sciences University of Lodz Narutowicza 88, 90-139 Łódź: Poland
Marek Krąpiec [mkrapiec@agh.edu.pl], Faculty of Geology, Geophysics and Environmental Protection AGH University of Science and Technology Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Kraków: Poland
Wojciech Chudziak [wojchud@umk.pl], Institute of Archaeology Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń Szosa Bydgoska 44/48, 87-100 Toruń: Poland
Ryszard Kaźmierczak [rynius@umk.pl], Institute of Archaeology Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń Szosa Bydgoska 44/48, 87-100 Toruń: Poland
Małgorzata Luc [malgorzata.luc@uj.edu.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Management Jagiellonian University in Kraków Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Kraków: Poland