Quantitative changes of anthropogenic relief over the last 100 years in the Silesian Upland (south Poland)

Quantitative changes of anthropogenic relief over the last 100 years in the Silesian Upland (south Poland). The aim of the research presented in this paper was to answer the question: how spatial and quantitative relationships among the elements of anthropogenic relief in southern part of the Silesian Upland changed over the last 100 years? The Silesian Upland is one of the most transformed by human activity areas in Poland, especially with regard to relief. The research focused on the following anthropogenic forms: incisions, embankments, excavations, dumps, and also water reservoirs and water flows. The author focused on three time spans: 1881, 1956 and 1995 because of the availability of cartographic materials. The comparison of the conclusions drawn from these data allowed to determine that the general trend of evolution of this kind of anthropogenic landforms is growing and their internal structure is changing. This research is an example showing how we can describe human impact on relief in a measurable way.