Changes in the Meandering Upper Odra River as a Result of Flooding Part I. Morphology and Biodiversity

摘要

Several changes have been observed in the meandering river channel of the Upper Odra River as a result of the many floods in its drainage basin that have occurred since 1903. In 1966 and 1997 the high stages, velocities, and flow rates caused the waters to break through the banks of two meanders on the Polish-Czech border in the vicinity of Chalupki (Poland) and Bohumin (Czech Republic). New distributaries were thus created. River erosion combined with the settling and sedimentation of deposits contributed to silting up of the original meanders, cutting them off and forming two oxbow lakes. In 2008 the site was acknowledged to be unique because of the presence of rare natural habitats and fauna and flora species. Consequently, it was entered into the Natura 2000 network. After the floods in 1997 and 2010 the valley of the meandering Odra underwent further morphological and biodiversity changes.