The influence of anthropopressure on water relations in the Wielkopolska Lowland

Authors:

• Alfred Kaniecki

Abstract

This contribution describes the influence of anthropopressure on water conditions in the Wielkopolska Lowland. In particular this is connected with gaining new areas for agriculture: firstly through deforestation and then through drainage of marshy areas. As an effect of this hydro-economic activity of man the natural cycle and balance of hydrological processes have often been interrupted. This is particularly visible in the modification of the hydrographic network; e.g. changes in river routes, the elimination of some rivers and lakes, the loss of marsh areas and the regulation of outflow conditions in rivers. Dewatering of the Wielkopolska Lowland has progressed for around 1000 years and is manifested in the form of increasing water shortages.