The Archaeology of Unexploded World War II Bomb Sites in the Kozle Basin, Southern Poland

One of the largest territories affected by the aerial bombardment carried out in Europe in 1944 is located near Kedzierzyn-Kozle. Surrounded by former synthetic fuel production plants, it contains craters from the explosions of detonation and general-purpose bombs, as well as smaller craters indicating the existence of unexploded bombs. The research presented in this article was conducted in forested areas and swampy wastelands, where these forms have been preserved until today. The article includes the analysis of their distribution and morphology, as well as characteristic cases occurring in multiple geoenvironmental situations. It also provides a model for research work leading to the determination of the most likely locations of unexploded bombs.

Automated summary

This article discusses the impact of aerial bombardment in Europe in 1944 on the area near Kedzierzyn-Kozle. Surrounded by former synthetic fuel production plants, the area contains craters from explosions and unexploded bombs. The research analyzes their distribution and morphology, and provides a research model for determining the likely locations of unexploded bombs.