Changes in the thermal regime of rivers in Poland with different sizes and level of human impact based on daily data (1961-2020)

Tomalski, Przemysław; Pius, Bożena; Jokiel, Paweł; Marszelewski, Włodzimierz

doi:0016-7282 (print)

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Changes in the thermal regime of rivers in Poland with different sizes and level of human impact based on daily data (1961-2020) Tomalski, PrzemysławPius, BożenaJokiel, PawełMarszelewski, Włodzimierz

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Changes in the thermal regime of rivers in Poland with different sizes and level of human impact based on daily data (1961-2020)

Geographia Polonica Vol. 98 No. 1 (2025)

Tomalski, Przemysław : Autor ; Pius, Bożena : Autor ; Jokiel, Paweł : Autor ; Marszelewski, Włodzimierz : Autor

The article examines thermal parameters of rivers during climate warming, focusing on quasi-natural rivers and those heavily impacted by humans. It compares two periods (1961-1992 and 1993-2020) based on daily water temperatures. Results show rivers warmed by 0.7-1.0°C in the second period, except those strongly polluted, like the Przemsza River, which cooled by up to -1.2°C. In quasi-natural rivers, the largest temperature rise occurred in spring (up to 3.5°C). In contrast, heavily impacted rivers showed lower, often negative changes. The study highlights the impact of climate warming and human activity on river thermal regime.

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