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Record of environmental changes during the Holocene in the light of malacological studies of river sediments in the Łapszanka Stream valley (Spisz area, Carpathians, Southern Poland)

Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł

Annales Societatis Geologorum Poloniae

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2024

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Vol. 94, No. 2

187--204

EN

The analysis included alluvial sediments in the Łapszanka Stream valley in the Spisz area (Carpathians, Southern Poland). Seven gravel levels were distinguished in the sedimentary sequence, which is a record of periods of intense fluvial activity correlated with wet climate phases. They fall in the Early Holocene (10 100–8900 y BP), the beginning of the Middle Holocene (7900–6600 y BP), the Middle Holocene (6100–5900 y BP), the beginning of the Late Holocene (5100–4000 y BP), the Iron Age Cold Epoch, the Dark Ages Cold Period and the Little Ice Age. The gravels are separated by layers of mud, containing an abundant mollusc fauna. It was possible to distinguish five types of fauna assemblages corresponding to the environmental changes in the Spisz area during the Holocene. The malacofauna indicates that forests covered this area to a large extent during almost the entire period analysed. During the Early Holocene, the area was dominated by coniferous forests, and the fauna contained numerous cold-tolerant taxa. The Middle Holocene saw the emergence of mixed forests inhabited by mollusc communities that included species with high ecological tolerance. A malacofauna containing moisture-loving forest assemblages is characteristic of the sediments of the Late Holocene. The occurrence of muds (agricultural muds) with open-country snails at the top of the sequence indicates increased anthropogenic impact and associated deforestation during the last 500 years.

2

Malacological indicators of anthropogenic and natural environmental changes of the Podhale Basin during the last 2000 years. Studies in the Rogoźnik Stream valley (the Carpathian Mountains, Southern Poland)

Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł, Skoczylas-Śniaz Sylwia, Laskowska Paulina

Geology, Geophysics and Environment

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2023

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Vol. 49, no. 3

261--280

EN

The lithological and malacological studies covered sediments forming the low terrace of the Rogoźnik Stream in the northwest part of the Podhale Basin. This terrace is characterised by a uniform structure within a significant part of the valley. Three layers of gravel and four layers of sandy and silty muds were found there. A rich and diversified malacofauna was discovered in fine-grained sediments. Its analysis allowed us to characterise environmental conditions during sediment deposition. The age of the individual components of the sedimentary sequence was determined by radiocarbon dating. A distinct change was found in the upper intervals of the sequence, corresponding to the warm phase of the Medieval Climate Optimum. This period is associated with the robust development of agriculture, and processes related to human activities became the main factor shaping the environment, influencing the course of geological processes, and changing the taxonomical and ecological structure of the fauna and flora assemblages found in this area.

3

Application of malacological analysis to reconstruct climate fluctuations and human activity during the Middle and Late Holocene. Research in the valley of the Grajcarek stream (Pieniny Mts., southern Poland)

Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł

Acta Geologica Polonica

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2023

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Vol. 73, no. 1

85--102

EN

The scope of this analysis included fluvial sediments of the low terrace of the Grajcarek stream in the Małe Pieniny Mts. (Western Carpathians). The structure of the terrace has been surveyed in five profiles. The sedimentary sequence includes alternating layers of gravel and calcareous mud with a maximum thickness of up to 2.2 m. A rich and varied malacofauna has been found in the mud. The age of the sediments was determined using the radiocarbon method. The sediments that make up the terrace cover the younger part of the Middle Holocene and the entire Late Holocene. The analysis of the malacofauna has allowed for the characterization of environmental changes. The most important of them dates back to the Middle Ages and is associated with the phase of intensive settlement in the Pieniny Mts.. It is indicated by deforestation and the related change in the composition and structure of malacocoenoses manifested by the replacement of forest communities by ones with open-country species. Gravel horizons are records of flood periods correlated with wet climatic phases. It is possible to distinguish six such phases covering the following periods: 6600–6100 y cal BP, 5500–5100 y cal BP, 4500–4100 y cal BP, 3200–2300 y cal BP, 2000–900 y cal BP and 400–200 y cal BP. They correspond to the periods of increased fluvial activity of rivers, intensification of mass movements, advances of alpine glaciers and the increase in the water level in lakes.

4

Stratigraphy and palaeoceanography of late Pleistocene molluscs from the northern coast of the Persian Gulf

Gholamalian Hossein, Hassani Mohammad-Javad, Keshavarz Musa

Geological Quarterly

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2022

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Vol. 66, No. 2

art. no. 17

EN

We report an extraordinary discovery of marine Pleistocene strata from the north of the Persian Gulf. The Dayyer section contains a rich molluscan fauna including 26 bivalve species, Sr87/Sr86 data showing that the succession is not older than 153 ka (late Pleistocene). These strata are time-equivalents of the Bakhtiari Formation, but have a very different fossil content and facies. Comparing the Dayyer molluscan community to the present-day fauna of the Persian Gulf shows that many fossil species are absent in the recent waters. The palaeoceanographic distribution of the identified bivalves shows the presence of many of them in the Plio-Pleistocene strata of the Mediterranean Basin. This may point to a temporary connection between the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean Basin during the late Pleistocene and the extinction of many bivalves in the past 153 ka

5

Application of malacological analysis to reconstruction of regional and local environmental changes : the Cisowa Skała locality (the Carpathians, southern Poland)

Skoczylas-Śniaz Sylwia, Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł

Geological Quarterly

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2022

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Vol. 66, No. 1

art. no. 5

EN

An isolated limestone hill (Cisowa Skała), located in the Podhale Basin in southern Poland, has yielded mollusc shells and small vertebrate bones in deposits filling small karst forms such as rock shelters, characteristic molluscan assemblages can be identified, the succession of which reflects changes in the environment and also microhabitat variations depending on local factors, such as slope exposure and type of vegetation. These local factors markedly affect regional environmental trends determined primarily by climate change and, during the last several hundred years, also by human activity. Such malacological analysis enables effective palaeogeographical reconstructions, both on the scale of geographical regions and for microhabitats.

6

Prywatny zbiór publikacji – autorefleksja pod koniec zawodowej działalności

Kasprzak Krzysztof

Polish Journal for Sustainable Development

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2020

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T. 24, cz. 2

39--44

PL

Artykuł przedstawia problem wykorzystywania prywatnych zbiorów publikacji po zakończeniu działalności zawodowej. Wskazano na brak procedur umożliwiających przekazanie prywatnego księgozbioru do biblioteki uczelni po przejściu na emeryturę.

EN

The article presents the problem of preserving private collections of publications after the end of professional activity. It pointed to the lack of procedures for transferring a private book collections to university libraries after retirement.

7

Record of environmental changes and fluvial phases in the Late Holocene within the area of Podhale (the Carpathians, southern Poland) : studies in the Falsztyński valley

Alexandrowicz Witold Paweł

Geological Quarterly

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2019

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Vol. 63, No. 4

629--642

EN

The Falsztyński valley, in the eastern part of Podhale, Poland includes a low terrace spanning the stream channel, the structure of which has been studied in nine profiles. Five gravel levels and five mud levels with plant and abundant mollusc remains are described, temporally constrained by ten radiocarbon dates. The terrace deposits represent the terminal part of the Atlantic Phase and all of the Late Holocene. The mollusc analysis helped identify phases of environmental change, notably one in the Middle Ages connected with intensive settlement activities in the area of Podhale. These include deforestation, affecting mollusc communities with replacement of forest assemblages by open-country species. The gravel levels records increased fluvial activity periods correlated with humid climate phases. It is possible to distinguish five such periods corresponding to the transition of the Atlantic and Subboreal phases, the middle part of the Subboreal Phase, the transition of the Subboreal and Subatlantic phases, the younger part of the Subatlantic Phase, and the last 200 years. These correspond to the periods of increased fluvial activity in the valleys of other Carpathian rivers.

8

Evolution of Early and Middle Pleistocene river valley systems in Polish-Ukraine-Belarus cross-border areas based on geological and malacological proxies

Lindner L., Szymanek M.

Geological Quarterly

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2018

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Vol. 62, No. 3

620--630

EN

The geological setting of the Bug-Pripyat interfluve and the close proximity of the source of the Pripyat River to the well-developed Middle Bug River valley suggest that these rivers may have been connected in the past. Analysis of geological cross-sections around the Polish-Ukraine-Belarus cross-border areas together with study of associated Pleistocene palaeoflora shows that buried alluvial deposits of the proto-Bug and proto-Pripyat clearly represent the Preglacial (MIS 103-23), Podlasian/Turskian-Donian/Brest Interglacial (Cromerian I-II; MIS 21-17) and the Mazovian/Likhvinian/Alexandrian Interglacial (Holsteinian; MIS 11c). Their elevated position in mid-eastern Poland suggests the possibility of accumulation by proto-Bug waters flowing eastwards, which determined the formation and development of the lower-lying proto-Pripyat valley system in northwestern Ukraine at those times. The occurrence of the Ponto-Caspian species Lithoglyphus naticoides (C. Pfeiffer, 1828), Borysthenia naticina (Menke, 1845) and Corbicula fluminalis (O.F. Müller, 1774) in the mollusc assemblages of the Mazovian/Likhvinian/Alexandrian Interglacial implies that the main watershed between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea drainage basins might have been situated in the northern part of the area studied. Presumably its main part was drained by the waters of the proto-Bug catchment connected with the proto-Pripyat and flowing farther to the east towards the Dnieper River entering the Black Sea.

9

Application of malacological analysis in local and regional palaeoenvironmental reconstructions - a study from the Holocene of Łapsze Niżne (Podhale, southern Poland)

Alexandrowicz W. P., Szymanek M., Rybska E.

Acta Geologica Polonica

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2018

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Vol. 68, no. 1

89--105

EN

This malacological analysis was conducted at a site with peat and calcareous tufas in Łapsze Niżne, Podhale (southern Poland). The study was carried out in 6 main and several complementary sections, in which 37 mollusc species were recognized represented by almost 11 000 specimens. The study enabled the reconstruction of environmental changes during the accumulation of the Holocene deposits (from the Boreal Phase till present). Conclusions drawn from these reconstructions were compared with results of malacological and palynological studies from other sites in Podhale. As a result, regional environmental reconstructions for the Holocene of the area were made. The specific composition, ecological structure and succession of molluscan assemblages from Łapsze Niżne indicate a significant role for local factors, thus demonstrating the variability of environmental conditions within a geographic region.

10

Palaeotemperature estimation in the Holsteinian Interglacial (MIS 11) based on oxygen isotopes of aquatic gastropods from eastern Poland

Szymanek M.

Acta Geologica Polonica

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2017

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Vol. 67, no. 4

585--605

EN

For quantitative estimation of past water temperature of four Holsteinian (MIS 11) palaeolakes from eastern Poland, the oxygen isotope palaeothermometer was applied to shells of the aquatic gastropods Viviparus diluVianus and Valvata piscinalis. The δ18O composition of their shells demonstrated the average growth-season water temperatures during the mesocratic stage of the interglacial (Ortel Królewski Lake), during its climatic optimum – the Carpinus–Abies Zone (Ossówka-Hrud, Roskosz and Szymanowo Lakes), and in the post-optimum (Szymanowo Lake). The calculation was based on δ18O Shell values and the δ18O Water assumed for the Holsteinian from the modern oxygen isotope composition of precipitation and the expected amount of evaporative enrichment. The mean oxygen isotope palaeotemperatures of Ortel Królewski lake waters were in the range of 18.1–21.9°C and were uniform for the Taxus and Pinus–Larix zones. Ossówka-Hrud and Roskosz Lakes had mean temperatures of 17.4–21.0°C during the climatic optimum, whereas the temperature of Szymanowo lake waters was estimated at 20.6–21.7°C at that time. These values are concordant with the pollen-inferred July air temperatures noted during the Holsteinian in eastern Poland. Relatively high values of ~25°C in the post-optimum noted at Szymanowo were connected with the presence of a shallow and warm isolated bay indicated by pollen and mollusc records.

11

Molluscan diversity in stream driftwood: relation to land use and river section

Čiliak M., Čejka T., Šteffek J.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2015

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Vol. 63, nr 1

124--134

EN

In stream corridors, driftwood represents mainly a dead vegetation biomass and diverse artificial material relocated along a stream by flooding. Most driftwood can contain empty molluscan shells or a minor proportion of live individuals (i.e. molluscan allocoenoses). Drifted material is important for spreading of fauna and flora. Molluscan allocoenoses can provide valuable information on molluscan fauna of the upstream area. The main objective of the study was to describe changes of the species composition, diversity and similarity in molluscan allocoenoses along the model river ecosystem in relation to land use of partial watersheds. In the years 2010–2011, 23 samples of driftwood were taken at 23 sites along the Hron River (Central Slovakia) from the spring to the mouth. Molluscan allocoenoses were composed of 135 species (95 terrestrial and 40 aquatic). The number of species found at particular sites ranged from 29 to 72 with a mean of 48. We confirmed our hypotheses that similarity in molluscan species composition of driftwood from different sampling sites is related to distance between them, the proportion of woodland species is highest in the upper course of the river with highest forest coverage and, finally, the highest total number of species (gamma diversity) in driftwood is in the most heterogeneous (in terms of land use) middle river section. Whereas alpha and gamma diversity were highest in the middle section, beta diversity was lowest. The molluscan assemblages were most variable within the lower section (the highest beta diversity). The studied river with a length of nearly 280 km appeared to be suitable to allow the changes associated with different land use to be reflected in species composition of molluscs. Changes in molluscan community structure documented by repeated driftwood sampling can reveal the changes in land use within the river watershed. Thus, sampling of driftwood can also be used in landscape ecology research.

12

A multidisciplinary study on the palaeoenvironmental history of the Resko Przymorskie Lake spit during the Late Glacial and Holocene (the southern Baltic coast, NW Poland)

Sydor P., Krzymińska J., Rzodkiewicz M., Kotrys B.

Geological Quarterly

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2015

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Vol. 59, No. 3

531--550

EN

The paper presents the results of sedimentological and biostratigraphical analyses from the Resko Przymorskie Lake spit (NW Poland), supported by radiocarbon datings. The study has aimed to recognize the geological structure of the spit and its base and to recognize the palaeoenivronmental changes. Nine sedimentary series composing the Resko Przymorskie Lake spit have been distinguished (I–IX). The oldest sediments are the Vistulian Glaciation till (series I) and fluvioglacial sand and gravel (series II). In the Early Holocene, in the study area there was a river valley (series III) followed by a shallow water basin (series IV), which was replaced by a peat bog (series V). In the Atlantic (7.4 ka cal BP), the water level rose (Littorina transgression) and accumulation of lagoonal sediments started (series VI). Biostratigraphic analysis of deposits in series VI indicates a marine influence. In the Atlantic and Subboreal, the spit moved southwards and fine sand (series VII) was deposited on lagoonal gyttja and silt (series VI). In the western part of the study area, peat accumulated (series VIII), dated at 6.7 ka cal BP (Late Atlantic). The youngest series IX is composed of aeolian fine sand in white dunes that formed in the last 400 years.

13

The application of malacological analysis in the study of slope deposits: late Pleistocene and Holocene of the Podhale Basin (Carpathians, Poland)

Alexandrowicz W. P.

Acta Geologica Polonica

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2015

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Vol. 65, no. 2

245--261

EN

Slope deposits developed on calcareous sandstone and limestone formations in the eastern part of the Podhale Basin (Carpathians) were studied. In total, the analysis included fifteen profiles of such sediments, which revealed the presence of abundant malacofaunas comprising 39 mollusc species. Five faunistic assemblages differing in species composition and structure were defined in the material studied. Individual assemblages correspond to different climatic and environmental conditions, thereby making it possible to interpret the features of the sedimentary environments and specify the age of the deposits. Faunas with Pupilla loessica and Pupilla sterri containing species typical of loess formations are characteristic of deposits from the coldest phase of the last Glacial period (MIS 2). A fauna with Vertigo genesii, with a large proportion of cold-loving and moisture-loving taxa, is typical of the Younger Dryas. Associations that are dominated by shade-loving species, with Discus ruderatus and Discus perspectivus, correspond to the early and middle Holocene respectively. The investigations show that malacological analysis can be successfully applied to the research into slope deposits, enabling both the depositional conditions and the age of the sediments to be determined.

14

Impact of the Salinity Gradient on the Mollusc Fauna in Flooded Mine Subsidences (Karvina, Czech Republic)

Kašovská K., Pierzchała Ł., Sierka E., Stalmachová B.

Archives of Environmental Protection

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2014

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Vol. 40, no. 1

87--99

EN

This paper presents the impact of salinisation on the aquatic mollusc fauna in flooded mine subsidences in the Karvina region (Czech Republic). The results of the previous research on salinity in flooded mine subsidences show that some of them contain a high content of dissolved inorganic substances (above 1000 mgl-1). These substances can affect the vegetation and animals occurring in the water and the surrounding area. The phylum of Mollusca was selected as a model group for the fieldwork as it includes species with the proven bioindication potential. The occurrence of aquatic mollusc species was studied at 10 sites. The sites were selected based on the content of dissolved substances (the salinity gradient from <500 to >1000 mgl-1).. A total of 12 aquatic mollusc species were found, including one species identified as a potential bioindicator of the negative effect of salinisation on aquatic biota. The analysis showed statistically significant positive correlations between the content of dissolved inorganic substances and the presence of alien species Potamopyrgus antipodarum (J.E. Gray, 1843). The gradient of salinity significantly affects the species composition of the mollusc fauna in flooded mine subsidences and may affect the biodiversity of this group.

PL

W artykule przedstawiono reakcję wodnych gatunków mięczaków (Mollusca), jako grupy modelowej, na zasolenie wód zbiorników powstałych w nieckach osiadania rejonu Karwiny (Czechy). Analizę występowania wodnych gatunków mięczaków przeprowadzono w obrębie 10 obiektów. Wody badanych zbiorników tworzyły gradient zasolenia w zakresie od <500 do >1000 mg·l-1. W ich obrębie stwierdzono występowanie łącznie 12 gatunków wodnych mięczaków, w tym jednego gatunku, który uznano za potencjalny indykator znacznego zasolenia zbiorników. Wyniki analizy statystycznej wykazały istotną pozytywną zależność między zawartością rozpuszczonych substancji nieorganicznych i występowaniem gatunku Potamopyrgus antipodarum (J.E. Gray, 1843). Wykazano, że gradient zasolenia w istotny sposób wpływa na skład gatunkowy fauny mięczaków, kształtujących się w zbiornikach w nieckach osiadania oraz mieć wpływa na bioróżnorodność tej grupy.

15

Environmental changes of the Mazovian (Holsteinian /~MIS 11) palaeolake near Szymanowo (eastern Poland) in the light of malacological analysis

Szymanek M.

Acta Geologica Polonica

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2014

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Vol. 64, no. 2

249--260

EN

The malacofauna of the palaeolake deposits at Szymanowo (eastern Poland) was investigated. It represents the younger part of the climatic optimum of the Mazovian (Holsteinian) Interglacial (~MIS 11) and possibly the postoptimal period. The mollusc assemblage is composed of both standing and running water species, mostly connected with temperate climate. The presence of biostratigraphical indicators of the Mazovian, Viviparus diluvianus (Kunth, 1865), Lithoglyphus jahni Urbański, 1975 and Pisidium clessini Neumayr, 1875, is noteworthy. Variability in the structure and composition of the assemblage enables palaeoecological reconstruction. Changes in the water-level, vegetation and energy conditions are inferred from the malacological succession. Three stages of the lake development were distinguished. The first one is connected with deeper conditions and predominance of V. diluvianus and L. jahni. The second one, dominated by Bithynia tentaculata (Linnaeus, 1758), records a fall of the water-level and the growth of aquatic plants, evidenced by high frequencies of Valvata cristata Müller, 1774 and Acroloxus lacustris (Linnaeus, 1758). The third stage corresponds to another rise of the water-level and an increase in V. diluvianus, L. jahni, Valvata piscinalis Müller, 1774 and Pisidium henslowanum (Sheppard, 1823), which evidence some higher energy conditions.

16

In mud forgotten: Old Kingdom palaeoecological evidence from Abusir

Bárta M.

Studia Quaternaria

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2013

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Vol. 30, Nr 2

75--82

EN

The present study aims to summarise the major evidence on the climate development in the pyramid fields based on the Abusir data and dating to the Old Kingdom (2700-2200 BCE). The interpretation of the latest evidence presented in the article is based on the identification and evaluation of molluscs, beetles, Lake of Abusir sediments, small vertebrae and archaeological evidence documented during the research of several Old Kingdom tomb complexes and the seasonal Lake of Abusir. The study shows that this climate change was of a long-term nature and its origins may be dated to at least the latter half of the Fifth Dynasty.

17

Palaeoecology of the Holsteinian lake in vicinity of Wilczyn (eastern Poland) based on molluscan studies

Szymanek M.

Geological Quarterly

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2013

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Vol. 57, No. 4

637–-648

EN

Malacological studies of two profiles of the Holsteinian (Mazovian) Interglacial from eastern Poland – Roskosz and Wilczyn 1/12 – are presented. They are connected with the northern part of the Wilczyn palaeolake and seems to document palaeoecological changes in the part of the climatic optimum and the post-optimal period. Mollusc communities are typical of lake environs. The latter is supported by biometry of Pisidium moitessierianum. Higher energy conditions are evidenced by rheophile species P. henslowanum and P. nitidum in the lowermost part of the Roskosz section. Mollusc assemblages with Lithoglyphus jahni, with Valvata piscinalis and Bithynia tentaculata as well as with Valvata piscinalis are distinguished at Roskosz. They record changes in aquatic vegetation and depth conditions. Malacofauna from Wilczyn 1/12 is dominated by V. piscinalis, V. piscinalis f. antiqua and B. tentaculata. Limited contribution of temperate gastropods Viviparus diluvianus and L. jahni as well as the occurrence of some cold-loving forms indicate a deterioration of thermal conditions. Shallow-water habitats and expansion of reed zones are inferred from proportions of Bithynia shells and opercula.

18

Malacofauna of the Holsteinian lake deposits at Hrud II (Eastern Poland) and its palaeoecological significance

Szymanek M.

Geological Quarterly

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2012

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Vol. 56, No 1

117-126

EN

Mollusc-bearing deposits at Hrud II (Eastern Poland) accumulated in the western part of a palaeolake of Holsteinian age (MIS 11). The faunal assemblage is typical of freshwater environments and presumably represents a part of the interglacial climatic optimum (Carpinus–Abies Zone). On the basis of its varied composition, the evolution of the water body is described. Reinterpretation of the data from the eastern part of the lake (Hrud I) and combining of the results from both sites enable a wider palaeoecological reconstruction. Fluctuations in lake level, water dynamics and changes in the aquatic vegetation are inferred from quantitative relations between selected molluscs, especially Lithoglyphus jahni, Valvata piscinalis and Bithynia tentaculata, which prevail in the deposits investigated. A predominance of Valvata piscinalis indicates a rise in water level, whereas the communities with abundant Bithynia opercula are typical of a more shallow lake with rich reed fields. Amelioration of the trophic conditions between the pre-optimal and optimal part of the Holsteinian Interglacial can also be recognised.

19

Effects of habitat conditions on the diversity and abundance of molluscs in floodplain water bodies of different permanence of flooding

Jurkiewicz-Karnkowska E.

Polish Journal of Ecology

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2011

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Vol. 59, nr 1

165-178

EN

Riverine floodplains are regarded as one of the most heterogenous and dynamic ecosystems. In natural state they encompass a variety of wetland sites like pools, lakes, channels etc. related and linked with the flood pulses; being the hot spots of high and specific biodiversity they are often under protection. The diversity and abundance of molluscs in the floodplain water bodies were investigated in order to find the shaping impact of chemical factors of water and sediments. The water bodies were located within 140 km section of the lower Bug River valley (eastern Poland, 190 to 50 km of the river course). The investigations were carried out in the years 2007-2009 in 25 permanently flooded, 25 semi-permanent sites (i.e. habitats partly dried-up because the water volume has decreased significantly during low river discharge) and 24 temporary water bodies holding water for at least few months (up to 8-9 months). The first group of sites consisted of large water bodies (the area above 1000 m2, depth mostly exceeded 2 m) representing earlier and middle successional stages. The second group contained relatively shallow (1-1.5 m) water bodies of medium or large size (from below 500 to above 1000 m2) representing more advanced successional stages. Temporary water bodies were very diverse in size (from about 100 to 1000 m2) their depth ranged from below 0.5 m to about 1 m and they mostly represented less advanced successional stages. Molluscs were collected from the bottom (using a hand net) and from macrophytes (using a frame). Concentrations of oxygen, nitrate and ammonia nitrogen, phosphates, calcium, chlorides, as well as BOD[5], pH and conductivity were measured in water. Organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content in bottom sediments were determined, as well as C/N and N/P ratio.Permanent water bodies supported the richest malacofauna - 52 species (over 91% of all species found within the study area), whereas in semipermanent sites and temporary ones 29 and 36 mollusc species were found. Mean number of species per site amounted to 18.7 [plus or minus] 4.0, 7.7 [plus or minus]3.2 and 9.6 [plus or minus] 5.1 in permanent, semi-permanent and temporary water bodies respectively. Mean values of Shannon-Weaver index (H.) in three site groups mentioned amounted to 3.18 [plus or minus] 0.55, 2.18 [plus or minus] 0.72 and 2.07 [plus or minus] 0.83, respectively. Mean density of molluscs significantly differed among site groups (from 80 indiv. m[^-2] in semi-permanent sites to 292 indiv. m[^-2] in temporary ones) being the highest in temporary habitats (the range of values from 34 to 1840 indiv. m[^-2]). Phosphates, ammonia nitrogen and pH of water significantly influenced the abundance of molluscs, whereas oxygen concentration and BOD[5] affected species richness, diversity and abundance of molluscs within the permanent water bodies. In the other site groups chemical parameters of water did not affect significantly the mollusc communities. The influence of organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorus content in bottom sediments on malacocoenoses was not significant. The quality of organic matter contained in bottom sediments expressed as C/N (the range of values from 8 to over 40) showed structuring influence on malacocoenoses. Low food quality (C/N> 17), especially in many semi-permanent habitats, may constrain the development of molluscan communities.

20

Malacostratigraphy of Late Glacial and Holocene in Poland

Alexandrowicz W.P.

Studia Quaternaria

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2009

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Vol. 26

55-63

EN

Assemblages of molluscs have been used for stratigraphy of Late Glacial and Holocene deposits in Poland. Changes of the climate as well as migration of species are main factors which control the recompositions of molluscan communities in this time. Thirteen malacostratigraphical zones have been definied. Eight of them corresponds with land environments, while the remaining ones (five) with water habitats. The succesions of these zones gives the malacostratigraphical subdivisions, which can be compared with similar schemes proposed in some other countries of Central Europe. They supplement palynostratigraphical zones or even can be used as main way of stratigraphical intrepretations.