Tree ring data reveal that Podhale’s floods often originate in the Beskidy Mountains, influenced by human land use and infrastructure.
Researchers have analyzed tree rings, historical records, and hydrological data to study floods in the Tatra Mountains over the past 150 years. Surprisingly, they found that major floods threatening Podhale did not always originate in the high mountains.
Shifting the Focus: Beskidy, Not Tatras
A major flood in 1934 was long thought to have begun in the Tatras. However, scientists from the Polish-Swiss Research Program revealed that floods often originated in the Beskidy Mountains. Despite heavy rainfall in the Tatras, the flood risk was due to human-modified landscapes in the lower, less steep Beskidy.
Human Impact and Risk Management
Deforestation, road networks, and improper land use accelerate water flow during heavy rains, increasing flood risk. Roads and machinery compact the soil, reducing its ability to absorb water. Addressing these issues can guide flood management strategies, highlighting the role of basic research in policy development.