Geographia Polonica (2009) vol. 82, iss. 1

Extreme Water Level Fluctuations along the Polish Coast

Bernard Wiśniewski, Tomasz Wolski, Halina Kowalewska-Kalkowska, Jerzy Cyberski

Geographia Polonica (2009) vol. 82, iss. 1, pp. 99-107 | Full text

Abstract

The paper examines annual extreme sea levels along the Polish Baltic coast. The analysisis based on water level data sets collected at gauging stations in Świnoujście, Kołobrzeg, Ustka, andGdańsk in the years 1946-2001. The article also draws upon historical data. The results of the studyshow that differences between the maximum and minimum levels have increased, particularly duringthe last 50 years. Sea level amplitudes tend to be wider in the western part of the Baltic coast than in theeastern part. Extreme sea levels occur in the autumn and winter months.

Keywords: southern Baltic, extreme sea levels, storm surges, storm falls

Bernard Wiśniewski, Maritime University of Szczecin, Wały Chrobrego 1, 70-500 Szczecin, Poland
Tomasz Wolski, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
Halina Kowalewska-Kalkowska, Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Szczecin, Wąska 13, 71-415 Szczecin, Poland
Jerzy Cyberski, Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Marszałka J. Piłsudskiego 46, 81-378 Gdynia, Poland