Complex Monitoring of Vertical Land Motions Corresponding to Geological Structure of Coastal and River Areas in Northwestern Poland

This paper presents a study of vertical land movements conducted in northwestern Poland, covering the city of Szczecin. The land of Szczecin is made up of organic soils, covered in many places by water (lagoons, rivers, and lakes), which are susceptible to displacement; therefore, benchmarks in this area are susceptible to changes in height. The analysis of the geological structure of the near-surface layer of the Szczecin area, such as organic soils, sands, and clays, was carried out. The detailed recognition of geological structure in connection with height changes of benchmarks made it possible to locate stable benchmarks in the researched area. In the first step, the authors chose benchmarks in a stable geological structure based on archive data from the Polish Geodesy Documentation Center. In the second step, precise GNSS 3D measurements were performed in the direct vicinity of these benchmarks in order to verify their stability. Verified stations provided a reference for the reliable monitoring of the deformation of other surfaces resulting, for example, from changes in organic sediments. Existing and new engineering structures erected in the area of the Oder River Szczecin islands were selected for the final research of vertical land motions. Static GNSS observations were conducted in November 2020 and May 2021.

Automated summary

This study investigates vertical land movements in northwestern Poland, focusing on the city of Szczecin. The researchers analyze the geological structure and height changes of benchmarks in the Szczecin area, particularly in relation to organic sediments. By selecting stable benchmarks and conducting precise measurements, they identify reliable reference points for monitoring surface deformations. The study also examines the vertical land motions of engineering structures in the Oder River Szczecin islands. Static GNSS observations were carried out in November 2020 and May 2021.