Alfred Kaniecki

Abstract

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

Keywords: anthropopressure on water conditions, water management, drainage work, Wielkopolska Lowland, Central Poland.

Alfred Kaniecki, Institute of Physical Geography, Adam Mickiewicz University Fredry 10, 61-701 Poznań, Poland