Wetlands in River Valleys as an Effect of Fluvial Processes and Anthropopression

Abstract

The aim of the article is to show how the fluvial processes in rivers and their valleys can support wetland restoration activities. The exemplary objects were localized in the Upper Vistula Basin (Poland) and dealt with riverbed stability, channel capacity as well as revitalization of rivers with their valleys regarding wetland restoration. All of the mentioned parameters depend on the intensity of fluvial processes in rivers, especially meandering, anastomozing or braided. Rivers always tend to reach the state of hydrodynamical balance reflecting the actual river dynamics. The nature of channel transformation is quite complex. For example, the curvature of natural river increases proportionally to the transported load alimentation and inversely to the slope of the river. The human-modified rivers also tend to increase the curvature of their channels. Interestingly, all rivers create wetlands in the areas naturally connected to the main channel. Those wetlands are regularly watered by flood events. As a result, the areas with wetlands are a perfect natural environment for fauna and flora. River channels which are situated close to such an environment are also rich in fish and invertebrates. Wetlands in mountainous areas are rare or unique unlike in lowlands where they are more likely to be found. The channel incision reduce a possibility of wetland formation in the river valley, especially after bank enforcement. The presented case studies are the effect of different projects running by the Department of Water Engineering and Geotechnics, the University of Agriculture in Kraków on the rivers and streams: Vistula, Nida, Porębianka, Czarny Dunajec. These rivers differ in many aspects; however, each of the them is located in an area where wetlands or wetted areas are likely to appear. Among the described rivers are lowland and mountain rivers. Some of them are managed according to the European Water Framework Directive, i.e., in a close-to-nature manner.

Changes in Physicochemical Indicators of Water Resulting from River Activities. Case Study in Nida Valley, Poland

“…The specific study area is situated within the Nadnidziański Landscape Park and is an integral part of a important ecological region (Strużyński et al, 2015). This research site surrounds the territory located from the NR to the SU branch, as illustrated in Figure 1.…”

Physicochemical properties of water in the Nida valley, Poland

“…The specific study area is situated within the Nadnidziański Landscape Park and constitutes an integral component of a consequential ecological precinct (Strużyński et al 2015). The floodplain within the Landscape experiences seasonal inundation, characterized by recurrent spring flooding and intermittent winter flooding, enduring for a span of 2 to 5 months annually and spanning a distance of 0.3 to 5 kilometers, proximate to the town of Umianowice.…”

“…This phenomenon can be elucidated by the unique topography of the Nida valley, which is a lowland area prone to prolonged flooding for many months. As a result, both the water exchange process and material transport process are intensified, as discussed by Żelazo (1993), Łajczak (2004), andStrużyński et al (2015). Additionally, research conducted by Phan et al (2023) concerning GW in the Nida valley has brought to light significant concentrations of Mn 2+ and Fe 2+,3+ .…”

Journal of Water and Land Development

“…Flowing through the central part of Poland, the Nida had created a unique multichannel system called "an inland delta". In the middle of it runs close to the town of Pińczów [STRUŻYŃSKI et al 2015].…”