Hydromorphological conditions of the lower Vistula in the development of navigation and hydropower

Abstract

The article presents general principles of development of the lower Vistula channel in the Holocene period, with a particular emphasis on the unintentional human interference in the fluvial processes associated with deforestation and cultivation of cereals and root crops. It also characterises the basic hydraulic engineering works in the form of construction of embankments, adjustment of the bed and construction of the Włocławek barrage as factors of deliberate human interference and their impact on channel changes. The article characterises morphological and morphodynamic conditions of the basic bed forms, i.e. sandy and gravel bars and pools determining the possibility of river transport, and its development in time and space (depth of navigable route). Perspectives of multi-directional hydraulic development are presented, including the main cascade developments of the lower Vistula. The article presents the opportunities for a comprehensive use of the waterway, which forms route E40 in the section of the lower Vistula, taking into account sustainable development and compensation in the form of restoration of the valley bottom.

Determinants of change in the duration of ice phenomena on the Vistula River in Toruń

“…Since the completion of the river control work, sandy shoals move along the riverbed at an average speed of several hundred meters per year. They cause frequent changes in the transverse shape of the river and greatly hinder water transport (Babiński and Habel, 2013). Shallow places in the riverbed (leading to ice bridges) can also initiate the progression of frontal ice cover.…”

“…The bed scour that has developed downstream of the dam presently reaches Toruń. Peak demand from the power plant triggers short-term variations in the water discharge; hourly fluctuations reach 160 km down the river (Babiński and Habel, 2013). Variations in the water level hinder the formation of ice cover and may lead to breakup of the ice cover and ice run (e.g.…”

Internal structure and sources of selected ice jams on the lower Vistula River

“…At present, ice jams on the Vistula River most frequently occur in low water level (Babiński and Habel, ). The absence of thick snow cover do lower the risk of spring flooding caused by snowmelt and ice jams.…”

Impact of meteorological drought on hydrological drought in Toruń (central Poland) in the period of 1971–2015

“…The changes were taking place in intervals of 2 to 3 hours [STĘPIEŃ 1977]. Since 2002, the hydropower plant has been working in a flow through regime [BABIŃSKI, HABEL 2013]. An important external factor, which contributes to the water level increase in the Vistula River in Toruń is underground water recharge.…”