Environmental Management and Landscape Transformation on Self-Heating Coal-Waste Dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin

Abstract

Coal-waste dumps are an integral part of the environment and shape the landscape of coal basins. This study aimed to present an analysis of environmental changes in terms of land use and changes in vegetation on self-heating coal-waste dumps of different ages. Spatial and temporal analyses of land relief and land cover in the area of the investigated coal-waste dumps were performed. The investigated areas differed in size, shape, management, and land cover. Thermally active zones were identified. The results showed that the species composition of the flora is diverse, but representatives of the Asteraceae family dominate on both dumps. The diversity of flora in the investigated dumps depends on the presence of mosaic- and microhabitats (often of an extreme nature) and the nature of the vegetation in the surroundings, which is manifested by the participation of socioecological groups of flora. The pace and dynamics of succession on burning coal-waste dumps depends on the stage of the fire, the topography, and the nature of the substrate. The investigated changes in the elements of the environment are important from the point of view of application research and monitoring of postindustrial areas, which may allow for the optimal management of postmining dumps.