Europa XXI (2015) vol. 29

Abstract This paper presents contemporary climatic conditions over the years 2000-2014, as well as predictions for climate change up to 2100 in the cases of 6 meteorological stations located in Poland and 6 in Bulgaria. The present climates of Poland and Bulgaria differ markedly in terms of ranges of air temperature, numbers of non-frosty days and sums for active temperatures above 5 and 10°C, though they prove to be similar as regards rainfall totals. In contrast, predictions suggest that climatic differences between the two countries will grow, most especially as a consequence of the forecast reduction in precipitation totals for Bulgaria.

Keywords: climate change, prognosis, air temperature, precipitation, Bulgaria, Poland

Magdalena Kuchcik [mkuchcik@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Kuchcik, M. (2015). The present and future state of the climate in Poland and Bulgaria. Europa XXI, 29, 7-22. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.1
MLA: Kuchcik, Magdalena. "The present and future state of the climate in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 7-22. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.1
Chicago: Kuchcik, Magdalena. "The present and future state of the climate in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 7-22. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.1
Harvard: Kuchcik, M. 2015. "The present and future state of the climate in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 7-22. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.1

Abstract The sole factors of major importance to Bulgaria’s agrarian output are temperature, and water probability. Between these two factors it is the component relating to soil moisture that proves more limiting. Probabilities of occurrence of water and of given temperatures are estimated by reference to summed temperatures and total rainfall, but also in relation to certain more specific indicators. Heat conditions and heat resources can be summed up by reference to the continuity of the vegetation period or growing season, which are limited for each type of plant, with thresholds for each crossed over the spring-autumn period in relation to biological minima. In the case of agricultural crops in Bulgaria, the biological minima are taken to be: 5°C - for wheat, barley, oats, peas, lentils and sunflowers; 10°C for corn, haricot beans and soybeans, and 15°C for cotton, vegetables and other spring cultures. The durations of cold and warm periods are of course interrelated characteristics. In the first period a key further issue is to determine the number of days with snow fall and with snow cover, these being fundamental to the shaping of soil-moisture reserves after the spring snow melt. Defining regions with thermal stress during the vegetation season is a further priority in describing agroclimatic conditions. Values indicative of limitations on crop growth would be one or more periods of at least 10 consecutive days with maximal air temperature over 35°C. Temperatures over 28°C are considered stresses that slow growth, and may even destroy plants if heat stress develops. The components most limiting the growth, development and formation of yields from agricultural crops are conditions as regards moisture represented in relation to atmospheric and soil moisture. The most apparent indicator is the annual total rainfall, or else the rainfall total in periods with average daily temperatures over 5 or over 10°C. A cross correlation matrix between the meteorological elements upon which evapotranspiration depends, i.e. air temperature, relative air humidity, wind speed and vapour pressure deficit, is discussed. One of the ways of assessing the actual necessity for water is to consider the difference between rainfall totals and potential water use, i.e. evapotranspiration. The difference between these two variables presents the balance of atmospheric moisture (BAM). Values for the relationship between real and potential evapotranspiration were calculated for two potential vegetation sub periods: March-June (the period in which the yields from winter crops are shaped) and July-August (the period in which the yields for spring crops are shaped).

Keywords: agroclimatic conditions, agroclimatic resources, zoning of agroclimatic resources

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., & Georgieva, V. (2015). Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation. Europa XXI, 29, 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2
MLA: Kazandjiev, Valentin, et al. "Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2
Chicago: Kazandjiev, Valentin, Degórski, Marek, Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, and Georgieva, Veska. "Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2
Harvard: Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., & Georgieva, V. 2015. "Agroclimatic conditions in Bulgaria and agricultural adaptation". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 23-42. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.2

Abstract The work described here has sought to determine soil water content change and its relation with the change in the main agro-climate forming meteorological elements for the 1981-2010 period in comparison with the 1951-1980 one. Changes in the main meteorological elements, which lead to spoiled agrometeorological conditions in the second half of the 20th century over the Bulgaria, were identified. These trends are confirmed in the climatic scenarios for future changes through to 2050 and 2070.

Keywords: soil water content, agrometeorological conditions, climate change, winter wheat

Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Magdalena Kuchcik [mkuchcik@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Bożena Degórska [bodego@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Georgieva, V., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., Kuchcik, M., & Degórska, B. (2015). Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria. Europa XXI, 29, 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3
MLA: Georgieva, Veska, et al. "Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3
Chicago: Georgieva, Veska, Kazandjiev, Valentin, Degórski, Marek, Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, Kuchcik, Magdalena, and Degórska, Bożena. "Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3
Harvard: Georgieva, V., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., Błażejczyk, K., Kuchcik, M., & Degórska, B. 2015. "Investigation on soil moisture reserves and meteorological conditions in relation to basic soil types in Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 43-58. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.3

Abstract Agriculture is a sector of the national economy strongly influenced by climatic conditions. A majority of jobs in agriculture are still performed outdoors, under various weather conditions. Several meteorological situations can lead to severe disturbances in the organism of agricultural workers, with high temperature, intensive insolation and elevated air humidity proving especially dangerous, as such weather conditions can lead to overheating and dehydration of the body. The work presented here compares biothermal conditions in Poland and Bulgaria from the point of view of occupational health. To this end, use was made of several indices assessing heat stress in human beings, namely: Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), HUMIDEX, Water Loss (SW), Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Physiological Subjective Temperature (PST). When account was taken of the occurrence of heat extremes as defined by these indices, it proved possible to distinguish categories of health risk regarded as small, increased or great. Comparison of the two agricultural regions reveals significantly more severe heat stress in Bulgaria than in Poland, in terms of both the frequency of heat-stress episodes and the number of hours (daily and monthly) associated with heat stress. This ensures that dangerous conditions for agriculture workers are primarily present in Bulgaria, rather than in Poland.

Keywords: agriculture, Bulgaria, heat stress, occupational health, Poland

Krzysztof Błażejczyk [k.blaz@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Błażejczyk, K., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., & Dimitrov, P. (2015). Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria. Europa XXI, 29, 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4
MLA: Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, et al. "Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4
Chicago: Błażejczyk, Krzysztof, Kazandjiev, Valentin, Degórski, Marek, and Dimitrov, Peter. "Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4
Harvard: Błażejczyk, K., Kazandjiev, V., Degórski, M., & Dimitrov, P. 2015. "Assessment of occupational heat stress risk among agriculture workers in Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 59-72. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.4

Abstract Given that the number of tourists travelling between Poland and Bulgaria increases every year, this article considers the adaptation strain facing those who move between certain sites on national or international routes. The Adaptation Strain Index (ASI) was applied for this purpose, and seasonal and spatial patterns of bioclimatic contrasts were considered. While travel within one or other of the countries does not prove particularly oppressive, it may sometimes lead to moderate adaptation strain. In contrast, international travel may prove especially stressful in summer and winter, to the extent that even very strong adaptation strain may be evoked. The results confirm the utility of the Adaptation Strain Index in measuring the bioclimatic contrasts between different locations.

Keywords: Adaptation Strain Index, ASI, bioclimate, Bulgaria, Poland, tourism

Paweł Milewski [pmilewski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Jakub Szmyd [j.wolski@twarda.pan.pl], IMGW Warszawa

Citation

APA: Milewski, P., & Szmyd, J. (2015). Biothermal contrasts while travelling in or between Poland and Bulgaria. Europa XXI, 29, 73-84. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.5
MLA: Milewski, Paweł, and Szmyd, Jakub. "Biothermal contrasts while travelling in or between Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 73-84. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.5
Chicago: Milewski, Paweł, and Szmyd, Jakub. "Biothermal contrasts while travelling in or between Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 73-84. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.5
Harvard: Milewski, P., & Szmyd, J. 2015. "Biothermal contrasts while travelling in or between Poland and Bulgaria". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 73-84. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.5

Abstract The work presented here aimed to compare daily amplitudes of air temperature in Poland and Bulgaria, by reference to data from 36 meteorological stations (i.e. 18 from each country) over the period 2000-2012. It proved possible to demonstrate that the average temperature amplitude at the stations in Poland is 2-3°C smaller than that noted for Bulgaria, with the spatial differentiation characterising such averages also being significantly more limited in Poland. Where the annual course for average amplitudes in air temperature in Poland are concerned, there are two maxima and two minima to be noted, as compared with one maximum and one minimum in Bulgaria. The highest values for average daily amplitude in air temperature to be noted in Poland are those typical for May, while highest values in Bulgaria fall in August. The differences between Poland and Bulgaria also manifest themselves in the markedly greater frequency of occurrence of large (>20°C) values for temperature amplitudes to be noted in Bulgaria.

Keywords: amplitude, air temperature, Bulgaria, climatology, Poland

Jakub Szmyd [j.wolski@twarda.pan.pl], IMGW Warszawa
Paweł Milewski [pmilewski@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Szmyd, J., & Milewski, P. (2015). Daily amplitude of air temperature in Poland and Bulgaria - a comparative study. Europa XXI, 29, 85-94. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.6
MLA: Szmyd, Jakub, and Milewski, Paweł. "Daily amplitude of air temperature in Poland and Bulgaria - a comparative study". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 85-94. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.6
Chicago: Szmyd, Jakub, and Milewski, Paweł. "Daily amplitude of air temperature in Poland and Bulgaria - a comparative study". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 85-94. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.6
Harvard: Szmyd, J., & Milewski, P. 2015. "Daily amplitude of air temperature in Poland and Bulgaria - a comparative study". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 85-94. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.6

Abstract This article draws attention to key aspects of the dynamic relationship between urbanisation and climatic conditioning, with particular account taken of the ventilating and cooling of cities and the influence of ecological continuity and connectivity between urban and open areas. Such phenomena are discussed in the context of the quality of life enjoyed by inhabitants of urbanised areas. The role of green infrastructure in shaping urban space from the point of view of the easing or amelioration of negative thermal phenomena is discussed, as is the influence of climatic conditions on the functioning of cities’ water systems. Reference is also made to demographic change in cities, given the major influence this has on inhabitants’ vulnerability to the negative impacts of developing heat islands, most especially in periods of severe and/or prolonged heatwaves.

Keywords: climate change, adaptation, urban areas, Poland

Bożena Degórska [bodego@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland
Marek Degórski [m.degor@twarda.pan.pl], Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization Polish Academy of Sciences, Twarda 51/55, 00‑818 Warszawa, Poland

Citation

APA: Degórska, B., & Degórski, M. (2015). The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats. Europa XXI, 29, 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7
MLA: Degórska, Bożena, and Degórski, Marek. "The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats". Europa XXI, vol. 29, 2015, pp. 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7
Chicago: Degórska, Bożena, and Degórski, Marek. "The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats". Europa XXI 29 (2015): 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7
Harvard: Degórska, B., & Degórski, M. 2015. "The process of the spatial development of large cities in Poland and its adaptation to climate change: opportunities and threats". Europa XXI, vol. 29, pp. 95-109. https://doi.org/10.7163/Eu21.2015.29.7