Changes in drainage systems of the Western Podolian region during 18th to 20th centuries

Abstract

Field studies and morphometric works provided data on the fluvial systems structure at four different times: 1172, 1885, 1925 and 1955. Changes in number and length of rivers of different order are assessed as well as the river network density. Transformation of fluvial systems parameters is estimated using coefficients which reveal trends in the drainage network changes due to silting and drying of individual streams, and changes in the streams order since 1772 to 1955; quantitative characteristics of the process have been obtained. Main causes of changes in the structure and ecological state of fluvial systems are suggested.