• dr Jolanta Pierwoła
Position: adiunkt
Unit: Instytut Nauk o Ziemi
Adress: 41-200 Sosnowiec, ul. Będzińska 60
Floor: XIII
Room: 1301
Phone: (32) 3689 545
E-mail: jolanta.pierwola@us.edu.pl
Publications list: Publications by CINiBA
Publications list: Publications by OPUS
Scopus Author ID: 6507726586
Publications from the Scopus database
2022
Stan-Kłeczek, I.; Pierwoła, J.; Marciniak, A.; Sutkowska, K.; Tomaszewska, R.
Multimethod geophysical investigation in karst areas: case studies from Silesia, Poland Journal Article
In: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, vol. 81, no. 6, 2022, ISSN: 14359529, (3).
@article{2-s2.0-85129865803,
title = {Multimethod geophysical investigation in karst areas: case studies from Silesia, Poland},
author = { I. Stan-Kłeczek and J. Pierwoła and A. Marciniak and K. Sutkowska and R. Tomaszewska},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85129865803&doi=10.1007%2fs10064-022-02726-8&partnerID=40&md5=7ccb000bc718f1782efe4e0388cbbe58},
doi = {10.1007/s10064-022-02726-8},
issn = {14359529},
year = {2022},
date = {2022-01-01},
journal = {Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment},
volume = {81},
number = {6},
publisher = {Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH},
abstract = {Carbonate rocks are particularly susceptible to karstification, resulting in the formation of structures, such as enlarged fissures, caverns, and sinkholes. These structures pose direct risk to construction and human safety, especially in urbanised areas. In this study, we demonstrate the application of multimethod geophysical reconnaissance, combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), induced polarisation (ERT-IP), seismic refraction tomography (SRT), and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), to identify the subsurface karst structures at two sites in the Silesian District, Poland. This methodology allowed the identification of the geological structure to a depth of up to 40 m, which exceeds the requirements for geotechnical reconnaissance. At site 1, Niedzieliska, a 30-m-wide and 20-m-deep structure, filled with younger sediments, was interpreted as a karst sinkhole. At site 2, Tucznawa, a 180-m-wide fault zone overlain with suffusion-susceptible sediments was identified. The multimethod geophysical approach presented here can be applied to locate and interpret subsurface karst forms in similar karst terrains worldwide. © 2022, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.},
note = {3},
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Carbonate rocks are particularly susceptible to karstification, resulting in the formation of structures, such as enlarged fissures, caverns, and sinkholes. These structures pose direct risk to construction and human safety, especially in urbanised areas. In this study, we demonstrate the application of multimethod geophysical reconnaissance, combining electrical resistivity tomography (ERT), induced polarisation (ERT-IP), seismic refraction tomography (SRT), and multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW), to identify the subsurface karst structures at two sites in the Silesian District, Poland. This methodology allowed the identification of the geological structure to a depth of up to 40 m, which exceeds the requirements for geotechnical reconnaissance. At site 1, Niedzieliska, a 30-m-wide and 20-m-deep structure, filled with younger sediments, was interpreted as a karst sinkhole. At site 2, Tucznawa, a 180-m-wide fault zone overlain with suffusion-susceptible sediments was identified. The multimethod geophysical approach presented here can be applied to locate and interpret subsurface karst forms in similar karst terrains worldwide. © 2022, Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.
2021
Magiera, T.; Żogała, B.; Łukasik, A.; Pierwoła, J.
Application of different geophysical techniques to study Technosol developed on metallurgical wastes Journal Article
In: Land Degradation and Development, vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 1927-1937, 2021, ISSN: 10853278, (2).
@article{2-s2.0-85098063889,
title = {Application of different geophysical techniques to study Technosol developed on metallurgical wastes},
author = { T. Magiera and B. Żogała and A. Łukasik and J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85098063889&doi=10.1002%2fldr.3846&partnerID=40&md5=831184800a0e2b6ff19832f8d59dd31f},
doi = {10.1002/ldr.3846},
issn = {10853278},
year = {2021},
date = {2021-01-01},
journal = {Land Degradation and Development},
volume = {32},
number = {5},
pages = {1927-1937},
publisher = {John Wiley and Sons Ltd},
abstract = {Research conducted in a municipal park in a small town located in the Province of Silesia (southern Poland) showed that the park vegetation was growing on a Technosol, formed on highly magnetic anthropogenic material. The metallurgical waste came from the local steel mill and foundry and creates a subsoil in a significant part of the municipal park. This waste is covered with an organic layer of approximately 10 cm. Utilizing specific magnetic and geoelectrical properties of the wastes, we proposed a unique combination of integrated geophysical measuring techniques including soil magnetometry, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with varying unit electrode spacing, and electromagnetic profiling (EM) to assess continuity, thickness, and the depth of the anthropogenic layer of metallurgical wastes. The maximal thickness of the metallurgical wastes was identified in the western part of the studied area, and the same material was found in the eastern part of the park forming individual lenses or nests within 8 m deep zone in the area of a buried ravine where the historical railway line was located. The shallow ERT profiles (with unit electrode spacing 0.5 m) also revealed a thin layer of material with high resistivity (>500 Ωm). Thermomagnetic analyses have shown that the sources of the extremely high magnetic susceptibility of the wastes were magnetite and metallic iron (αFe). The detected high concentration of Fe and Mn was not accompanied by potentially toxic metals and, at relatively high pH values (6.5–9.0), does not constitute a significant ecological threat. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.},
note = {2},
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Research conducted in a municipal park in a small town located in the Province of Silesia (southern Poland) showed that the park vegetation was growing on a Technosol, formed on highly magnetic anthropogenic material. The metallurgical waste came from the local steel mill and foundry and creates a subsoil in a significant part of the municipal park. This waste is covered with an organic layer of approximately 10 cm. Utilizing specific magnetic and geoelectrical properties of the wastes, we proposed a unique combination of integrated geophysical measuring techniques including soil magnetometry, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with varying unit electrode spacing, and electromagnetic profiling (EM) to assess continuity, thickness, and the depth of the anthropogenic layer of metallurgical wastes. The maximal thickness of the metallurgical wastes was identified in the western part of the studied area, and the same material was found in the eastern part of the park forming individual lenses or nests within 8 m deep zone in the area of a buried ravine where the historical railway line was located. The shallow ERT profiles (with unit electrode spacing 0.5 m) also revealed a thin layer of material with high resistivity (>500 Ωm). Thermomagnetic analyses have shown that the sources of the extremely high magnetic susceptibility of the wastes were magnetite and metallic iron (αFe). The detected high concentration of Fe and Mn was not accompanied by potentially toxic metals and, at relatively high pH values (6.5–9.0), does not constitute a significant ecological threat. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2020
Mendecki, M. J.; Warchulski, R.; Szczuka, M.; Środek, D.; Pierwoła, J.
Geophysical and petrological studies of the former lead smelting waste dump in Sławków, Poland Journal Article
In: Journal of Applied Geophysics, vol. 179, 2020, ISSN: 09269851, (5).
@article{2-s2.0-85086904396,
title = {Geophysical and petrological studies of the former lead smelting waste dump in Sławków, Poland},
author = { M.J. Mendecki and R. Warchulski and M. Szczuka and D. Środek and J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85086904396&doi=10.1016%2fj.jappgeo.2020.104080&partnerID=40&md5=8df2f22f0c5fcc6ef471881c79ab1364},
doi = {10.1016/j.jappgeo.2020.104080},
issn = {09269851},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Journal of Applied Geophysics},
volume = {179},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {The city of Sławków has witnessed the metallurgical industry from the Middle Ages to modern times. The lead smelting causes usually contamination by a slag waste dump, threatening the environment of the vicinity of the cities. Similar industry existed in many places around the world but, so far, no geophysical work has ever been reported to deal with this problem. In this paper, we present the results of the electromagnetic (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements, and petrological (XRD; EPMA; SEM-EDS) tests in order to identify the extent of the slag waste dump and pollution leaching. The geophysical method allowed to identify the spatial distribution, ERT – depths, whereas EM – lateral distribution. Moreover, these studies provide information about the electrical properties of the slags, i.e. conductivity and in-phase component. The field surveys were supplemented by petrological analyses using EPMA, SEM-EDS and XRD. These allowed to determine the phase composition and chemistry of the slag. Together with EM and ERT measurements, it allowed to illustrate the lack of pollution transfer to soils caused by the slag presence in the studied area. © 2020},
note = {5},
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The city of Sławków has witnessed the metallurgical industry from the Middle Ages to modern times. The lead smelting causes usually contamination by a slag waste dump, threatening the environment of the vicinity of the cities. Similar industry existed in many places around the world but, so far, no geophysical work has ever been reported to deal with this problem. In this paper, we present the results of the electromagnetic (EM) and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements, and petrological (XRD; EPMA; SEM-EDS) tests in order to identify the extent of the slag waste dump and pollution leaching. The geophysical method allowed to identify the spatial distribution, ERT – depths, whereas EM – lateral distribution. Moreover, these studies provide information about the electrical properties of the slags, i.e. conductivity and in-phase component. The field surveys were supplemented by petrological analyses using EPMA, SEM-EDS and XRD. These allowed to determine the phase composition and chemistry of the slag. Together with EM and ERT measurements, it allowed to illustrate the lack of pollution transfer to soils caused by the slag presence in the studied area. © 2020
Pierwoła, J.; Szuszkiewicz, M.; Cabała, J.; Jochymczyk, K.; Żogała, B.; Magiera, T.
In: Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 27, no. 14, pp. 16731-16744, 2020, ISSN: 09441344, (10).
@article{2-s2.0-85081633478,
title = {Integrated geophysical and geochemical methods applied for recognition of acid waste drainage (AWD) from Zn-Pb post-flotation tailing pile (Olkusz, southern Poland)},
author = { J. Pierwoła and M. Szuszkiewicz and J. Cabała and K. Jochymczyk and B. Żogała and T. Magiera},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85081633478&doi=10.1007%2fs11356-020-08195-4&partnerID=40&md5=71dda3b90ea154701dba63992bc4217f},
doi = {10.1007/s11356-020-08195-4},
issn = {09441344},
year = {2020},
date = {2020-01-01},
journal = {Environmental Science and Pollution Research},
volume = {27},
number = {14},
pages = {16731-16744},
publisher = {Springer},
abstract = {Long-term underground exploitation of Zn-Pb ores has led to drainage of the area and formation of a huge dumping ground in the form of a pile. In its vicinity, processes of acid drainage have developed as a result of contamination of soils and groundwater. Geochemical transformations of mineral contents of waste can significantly affect physical and chemical properties of the soils and the bedrock. At the prospect of termination of the mining activity in the near future, determining the routes of the pollution migration, ability to monitor acid drainage processes and assessment of the risk of heavy metal pollution are really crucial. The paper presents a proposal for solving this problem by means of geophysical methods: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Time Domain-Induced Polarisation (TDIP), Frequency Domain Electromagnetics (FDEM) and shallow-depth magnetometric surveys combined with geochemical investigations. The obtained results of geophysical surveys have been confirmed by geochemical investigations. The applied ERT and TDIP methods make it possible to identify the spread of the zones of pollution around the tailing pile, but their effectiveness depends on humidity of the ground. Soil magnetometry and shallow-depth induction profiling are a good tool to identify the medium contaminated with minerals redeposited by aeolian processes and allow to determine the range of the dust spread from the pile. It has been shown that the range of impact of the geochemical changes around the tailing pile is high and depends not only on directions and dynamics of water flow from the pile but also on aeolian transport. © 2020, The Author(s).},
note = {10},
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Long-term underground exploitation of Zn-Pb ores has led to drainage of the area and formation of a huge dumping ground in the form of a pile. In its vicinity, processes of acid drainage have developed as a result of contamination of soils and groundwater. Geochemical transformations of mineral contents of waste can significantly affect physical and chemical properties of the soils and the bedrock. At the prospect of termination of the mining activity in the near future, determining the routes of the pollution migration, ability to monitor acid drainage processes and assessment of the risk of heavy metal pollution are really crucial. The paper presents a proposal for solving this problem by means of geophysical methods: Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Time Domain-Induced Polarisation (TDIP), Frequency Domain Electromagnetics (FDEM) and shallow-depth magnetometric surveys combined with geochemical investigations. The obtained results of geophysical surveys have been confirmed by geochemical investigations. The applied ERT and TDIP methods make it possible to identify the spread of the zones of pollution around the tailing pile, but their effectiveness depends on humidity of the ground. Soil magnetometry and shallow-depth induction profiling are a good tool to identify the medium contaminated with minerals redeposited by aeolian processes and allow to determine the range of the dust spread from the pile. It has been shown that the range of impact of the geochemical changes around the tailing pile is high and depends not only on directions and dynamics of water flow from the pile but also on aeolian transport. © 2020, The Author(s).
2019
Magiera, T.; Żogała, B.; Szuszkiewicz, M.; Pierwoła, J.; Szuszkiewicz, M. M.
Combination of different geophysical techniques for the location of historical waste in the Izery Mountains (SW Poland) Journal Article
In: Science of the Total Environment, vol. 682, pp. 226-238, 2019, ISSN: 00489697, (7).
@article{2-s2.0-85065793626,
title = {Combination of different geophysical techniques for the location of historical waste in the Izery Mountains (SW Poland)},
author = { T. Magiera and B. Żogała and M. Szuszkiewicz and J. Pierwoła and M.M. Szuszkiewicz},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85065793626&doi=10.1016%2fj.scitotenv.2019.05.180&partnerID=40&md5=7f92225ae56adbbe8c4ad107530b4980},
doi = {10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.180},
issn = {00489697},
year = {2019},
date = {2019-01-01},
journal = {Science of the Total Environment},
volume = {682},
pages = {226-238},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {An initial magnetic survey conducted on the soil surface in the Orle forest glade, located in the Izery Mountains (south-western Poland), indicated the existence of a strong magnetic anomaly. Most cores collected in the glade outside the area of magnetic anomaly show a vertical distribution of magnetic susceptibility typical for soils formed on a diamagnetic or paramagnetic background, in unpolluted areas and influenced only by natural processes. The different patterns of magnetic susceptibility values exhibited by cores collected in the area of the magnetic anomaly reveal the source of the magnetic signal as an anthropogenic layer of waste buried in the subsoil, which was dumped in this area during the historical activity of a glass factory that was active in Orle in the 18th and 19th centuries. Topsoil measurements of magnetic susceptibility revealed that this anthropogenic material has completely different magnetic properties than the natural geological background, therefore making possible the use of magnetic and geoelectrical techniques to determine the location of buried historical waste. Application of different magnetic and geoelectrical methods (soil magnetometry; magnetic gradiometry; EM profiling; electrical resistivity tomography), in combination with a previous magnetic survey, enabled assessment of the location, depth and thickness of the anthropogenic layer. The anthropogenic layer consisted of historical slags and ashes from glass production mixed with modern bottom ashes and construction waste dumped here during the second part of the 20th century. The anthropogenic material occurs in the form of a nonhomogeneous layer characterized by high magnetic susceptibility (>100 × 10−5 SI units) and low resistivity (<200 Ωm) as well as high and variable apparent conductivity (>25 mS/m). These properties are firmly different from the properties of the natural soil and parent rocks and enable fairly precise location of the anthropogenic layer using magnetic and geoelectrical measurements. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {7},
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pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
An initial magnetic survey conducted on the soil surface in the Orle forest glade, located in the Izery Mountains (south-western Poland), indicated the existence of a strong magnetic anomaly. Most cores collected in the glade outside the area of magnetic anomaly show a vertical distribution of magnetic susceptibility typical for soils formed on a diamagnetic or paramagnetic background, in unpolluted areas and influenced only by natural processes. The different patterns of magnetic susceptibility values exhibited by cores collected in the area of the magnetic anomaly reveal the source of the magnetic signal as an anthropogenic layer of waste buried in the subsoil, which was dumped in this area during the historical activity of a glass factory that was active in Orle in the 18th and 19th centuries. Topsoil measurements of magnetic susceptibility revealed that this anthropogenic material has completely different magnetic properties than the natural geological background, therefore making possible the use of magnetic and geoelectrical techniques to determine the location of buried historical waste. Application of different magnetic and geoelectrical methods (soil magnetometry; magnetic gradiometry; EM profiling; electrical resistivity tomography), in combination with a previous magnetic survey, enabled assessment of the location, depth and thickness of the anthropogenic layer. The anthropogenic layer consisted of historical slags and ashes from glass production mixed with modern bottom ashes and construction waste dumped here during the second part of the 20th century. The anthropogenic material occurs in the form of a nonhomogeneous layer characterized by high magnetic susceptibility (>100 × 10−5 SI units) and low resistivity (<200 Ωm) as well as high and variable apparent conductivity (>25 mS/m). These properties are firmly different from the properties of the natural soil and parent rocks and enable fairly precise location of the anthropogenic layer using magnetic and geoelectrical measurements. © 2019 Elsevier B.V.
2018
Pierwoła, J.; Ciesielczuk, J.; Misz-Kennan, M.; Fabiańska, M. J.; Bielińska, A.; Kruszewski, Ł.
Structure and thermal history of the Wełnowiec dump, Poland: A municipal dump rehabilitated with coal waste Journal Article
In: International Journal of Coal Geology, vol. 197, pp. 1-19, 2018, ISSN: 01665162, (9).
@article{2-s2.0-85051378352,
title = {Structure and thermal history of the Wełnowiec dump, Poland: A municipal dump rehabilitated with coal waste},
author = { J. Pierwoła and J. Ciesielczuk and M. Misz-Kennan and M.J. Fabiańska and A. Bielińska and Ł. Kruszewski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85051378352&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2018.08.001&partnerID=40&md5=04ae0b1504fae85304c8c56dd8fb34be},
doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2018.08.001},
issn = {01665162},
year = {2018},
date = {2018-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},
volume = {197},
pages = {1-19},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {The Wełnowiec municipal dump, Katowice, Poland, rehabilitated with coal waste, is self-heating and igniting. This paper presents a novel application of the use of electrical- and resistivity geophysical methods in the investigation of burning coal waste to help explain why the heating occurred. Geoelectrical methods allowed the internal structure of the dump to be revealed, and the municipal wastes and their rehabilitation cover containing coal waste to be differentiated. Instead of a planned 2.2-m-thick multi-barrier system, the cover consists of irregularly distributed material of varying thickness (<1 to 8 m) and organic carbon content (>5%). This caused the fire to arise 3–4 years after the coal waste deposition. In areas where the rehabilitation layer is <3 m thick, a landslide enabled oxygen access, initiating self-heating. Changes in conductivity clearly identify sites of active burning where measured conductivity values are more than twice those for parts of the dump with no thermal activity. Field observations in particular, complemented to a degree by petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical data, enabled four types of heating zones to be distinguished, namely, (1) initial zones of fire overtaking new volumes of coal waste, (2) active zones with temperatures < 400–500 °C in exhalation vents, (3) overburned zones characterized by long-lasting high temperatures (800-900 °C) and (4) short-lived zones, ephemeral (<1–2 months) with temperatures between 70 and 100 °C. The geophysical methods applied could not distinguish between these zones. The combined results strongly suggest that the use of coal waste as a remediation layer covering waste dumps should be prohibited. Coal waste which, by its nature, is too prone to unpredictable self-heating and self-ignition with the potential environmental consequences that follow. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.},
note = {9},
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The Wełnowiec municipal dump, Katowice, Poland, rehabilitated with coal waste, is self-heating and igniting. This paper presents a novel application of the use of electrical- and resistivity geophysical methods in the investigation of burning coal waste to help explain why the heating occurred. Geoelectrical methods allowed the internal structure of the dump to be revealed, and the municipal wastes and their rehabilitation cover containing coal waste to be differentiated. Instead of a planned 2.2-m-thick multi-barrier system, the cover consists of irregularly distributed material of varying thickness (<1 to 8 m) and organic carbon content (>5%). This caused the fire to arise 3–4 years after the coal waste deposition. In areas where the rehabilitation layer is <3 m thick, a landslide enabled oxygen access, initiating self-heating. Changes in conductivity clearly identify sites of active burning where measured conductivity values are more than twice those for parts of the dump with no thermal activity. Field observations in particular, complemented to a degree by petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical data, enabled four types of heating zones to be distinguished, namely, (1) initial zones of fire overtaking new volumes of coal waste, (2) active zones with temperatures < 400–500 °C in exhalation vents, (3) overburned zones characterized by long-lasting high temperatures (800-900 °C) and (4) short-lived zones, ephemeral (<1–2 months) with temperatures between 70 and 100 °C. The geophysical methods applied could not distinguish between these zones. The combined results strongly suggest that the use of coal waste as a remediation layer covering waste dumps should be prohibited. Coal waste which, by its nature, is too prone to unpredictable self-heating and self-ignition with the potential environmental consequences that follow. © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
2017
Fabiańska, M. J.; Misz-Kennan, M.; Ciesielczuk, J.; Pierwoła, J.; Nitecka, N.; Brzoznowski, J.
Thermal history of coal wastes reflected in their organic geochemistry and petrography; the case study: The Katowice-Wełnowiec dump, Poland Journal Article
In: International Journal of Coal Geology, vol. 184, pp. 11-26, 2017, ISSN: 01665162, (6).
@article{2-s2.0-85033486245,
title = {Thermal history of coal wastes reflected in their organic geochemistry and petrography; the case study: The Katowice-Wełnowiec dump, Poland},
author = { M.J. Fabiańska and M. Misz-Kennan and J. Ciesielczuk and J. Pierwoła and N. Nitecka and J. Brzoznowski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85033486245&doi=10.1016%2fj.coal.2017.10.008&partnerID=40&md5=4cbc642d5c1d5e4a020c17b6ab6e73eb},
doi = {10.1016/j.coal.2017.10.008},
issn = {01665162},
year = {2017},
date = {2017-01-01},
journal = {International Journal of Coal Geology},
volume = {184},
pages = {11-26},
publisher = {Elsevier B.V.},
abstract = {[No abstract available]},
note = {6},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
[No abstract available]
2015
Pierwoła, J.
Using geoelectrical imaging to Recognize Zn-Pb post-mining waste deposits Journal Article
In: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 24, no. 5, pp. 2127-2137, 2015, ISSN: 12301485, (12).
@article{2-s2.0-84942042298,
title = {Using geoelectrical imaging to Recognize Zn-Pb post-mining waste deposits},
author = { J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84942042298&doi=10.15244%2fpjoes%2f43498&partnerID=40&md5=7a299ec66f631c30d85ba397e3129e64},
doi = {10.15244/pjoes/43498},
issn = {12301485},
year = {2015},
date = {2015-01-01},
journal = {Polish Journal of Environmental Studies},
volume = {24},
number = {5},
pages = {2127-2137},
publisher = {HARD Publishing Company},
abstract = {This paper presents the results of resistivity-IP imaging for two sites where Zn-Pb post-mining wastes are deposited. At the first one the historical washed waste and tailings were stored directly on the soil. In the second location tailings were used as filling material for the reclaimed sinkhole. For both of the investigated locations differences between the geoelectrical properties of the waste and surrounding sediments were noticed. The tailings are characterized by lower resistivity and increased normalized chargeability in comparison to the natural sediments. These features are caused by the presence of the Fe and Pb sulphides and clay minerals. Washed waste exhibited raised resistivity, but it was lower than values observed for uncontaminated sediments. This kind of waste does not show increased chargeability. © 2015, Polish Journal of Environmental Studies. All rights reserved.},
note = {12},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
This paper presents the results of resistivity-IP imaging for two sites where Zn-Pb post-mining wastes are deposited. At the first one the historical washed waste and tailings were stored directly on the soil. In the second location tailings were used as filling material for the reclaimed sinkhole. For both of the investigated locations differences between the geoelectrical properties of the waste and surrounding sediments were noticed. The tailings are characterized by lower resistivity and increased normalized chargeability in comparison to the natural sediments. These features are caused by the presence of the Fe and Pb sulphides and clay minerals. Washed waste exhibited raised resistivity, but it was lower than values observed for uncontaminated sediments. This kind of waste does not show increased chargeability. © 2015, Polish Journal of Environmental Studies. All rights reserved.
2013
Pierwoła, J.
Investigation of soil contamination using resistivity and induced polarization methods Journal Article
In: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 22, no. 6, pp. 1781-1788, 2013, ISSN: 12301485, (6).
@article{2-s2.0-84890359681,
title = {Investigation of soil contamination using resistivity and induced polarization methods},
author = { J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84890359681&partnerID=40&md5=6ec89e053cab267a5b103f4db901dcbf},
issn = {12301485},
year = {2013},
date = {2013-01-01},
journal = {Polish Journal of Environmental Studies},
volume = {22},
number = {6},
pages = {1781-1788},
abstract = {The subject of this study was the postmining landfill located near the village of Buków in southern Poland. The pile is situated about 200 m from the Odra River in the vicinity of the "Buków" flood polder. The resistivity and induced polarization imaging methods were applied to recognize the influence of the deposited waste on the underground water. In the storage yard area, under a thin and non-continuous impermeable cover, there is a water-bearing layer of considerable thickness. This layer enables the transport of chlorides and sulphates from the landfill. Since the aquifer in the investigated area is not homogeneous containing numerous impermeable, clayey interbeddings, the unambiguous interpretation based only on the ERT results of would not be reliable. The results using induced polarization allowed some of the contaminated zones to be unambiguously identified. The results obtained show that the postmining waste and hydrotechnical objects built of them influence the underground water, and areas of contamination can be identified successfully by the combination of resistivity and induced polarization imaging, even in the complex lithological structure.},
note = {6},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The subject of this study was the postmining landfill located near the village of Buków in southern Poland. The pile is situated about 200 m from the Odra River in the vicinity of the "Buków" flood polder. The resistivity and induced polarization imaging methods were applied to recognize the influence of the deposited waste on the underground water. In the storage yard area, under a thin and non-continuous impermeable cover, there is a water-bearing layer of considerable thickness. This layer enables the transport of chlorides and sulphates from the landfill. Since the aquifer in the investigated area is not homogeneous containing numerous impermeable, clayey interbeddings, the unambiguous interpretation based only on the ERT results of would not be reliable. The results using induced polarization allowed some of the contaminated zones to be unambiguously identified. The results obtained show that the postmining waste and hydrotechnical objects built of them influence the underground water, and areas of contamination can be identified successfully by the combination of resistivity and induced polarization imaging, even in the complex lithological structure.
2011
Wysowska, A.; Pierwoła, J.
Electrical Resistivity Imaging Method in Investigating Post-Glacial Geomorphological Forms Journal Article
In: GeoPlanet: Earth and Planetary Sciences, vol. 3, pp. 117-125, 2011, ISSN: 21905193, (1).
@article{2-s2.0-84894616505,
title = {Electrical Resistivity Imaging Method in Investigating Post-Glacial Geomorphological Forms},
author = { A. Wysowska and J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84894616505&doi=10.1007%2f978-3-642-19097-1_12&partnerID=40&md5=e0edc8f80449cef06e1f078071a69e08},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-19097-1_12},
issn = {21905193},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {GeoPlanet: Earth and Planetary Sciences},
volume = {3},
pages = {117-125},
abstract = {The survey was carried out in the area of the Szczecinek Lakeland, which is part of the Southern Pomeranian Lake District mesoregion. The research area was situated about 1 km north of the village of Kądzielnia. The aim of the study was to investigate the geological structure of post-glacial sediments using electrical resisitivity imaging. The measurements were taken along three profiles, two of them with the Wenner array and one with the Schlumberger array. For each geoelectrical cross-section, four layers were distinguished. The average value of electrical resistivity for the first layer was about 2,000 Ωm, for the second layer about 800 Ωm, for the third layer about 200 Ωm and for the forth layer it was about 40 Ωm. The highest-resistivity fifth layer (of about 3;000 Ωm) was measured on profile 2. Determining the thickness of each layer was difficult because of their complicated geological structure, which was a result of fast and intense glacial movements. It was possible to distinguish parts belonging to the moraine or valley. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The survey was carried out in the area of the Szczecinek Lakeland, which is part of the Southern Pomeranian Lake District mesoregion. The research area was situated about 1 km north of the village of Kądzielnia. The aim of the study was to investigate the geological structure of post-glacial sediments using electrical resisitivity imaging. The measurements were taken along three profiles, two of them with the Wenner array and one with the Schlumberger array. For each geoelectrical cross-section, four layers were distinguished. The average value of electrical resistivity for the first layer was about 2,000 Ωm, for the second layer about 800 Ωm, for the third layer about 200 Ωm and for the forth layer it was about 40 Ωm. The highest-resistivity fifth layer (of about 3;000 Ωm) was measured on profile 2. Determining the thickness of each layer was difficult because of their complicated geological structure, which was a result of fast and intense glacial movements. It was possible to distinguish parts belonging to the moraine or valley. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.
Pierwoła, J.; Badera, J.; Mirkowski, Z.
Identification of Geotechnical Conditions in Areas of Former Shallow Mining Activity Using Geoelectrical Methods Journal Article
In: GeoPlanet: Earth and Planetary Sciences, vol. 3, pp. 91-100, 2011, ISSN: 21905193, (4).
@article{2-s2.0-84894613470,
title = {Identification of Geotechnical Conditions in Areas of Former Shallow Mining Activity Using Geoelectrical Methods},
author = { J. Pierwoła and J. Badera and Z. Mirkowski},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84894613470&doi=10.1007%2f978-3-642-19097-1_9&partnerID=40&md5=ff6fdf0a0b2b4be3ad7937e7b508e5c3},
doi = {10.1007/978-3-642-19097-1_9},
issn = {21905193},
year = {2011},
date = {2011-01-01},
journal = {GeoPlanet: Earth and Planetary Sciences},
volume = {3},
pages = {91-100},
abstract = {The inconvenient sinkholes in the area of the village of Kuźnica Masłońska were observed in last years. In the past, shallow exploitation of the Lower Jurassic brown coal was conducted in the vicinity of the village. The principal purpose of the study was to explain the origin of the deformations and to define the geotechnical conditions for building foundation. Geoelectrical investigations (resistivity and induced polarization imaging) and geotechnical identification were performed. Our identification showed the existence of a low resistive vertical zone near the surface, which is not connected with clayey sediments. According to geoelectrical measurements, this zone could be interpreted as a region of increased porosity and enhanced water infiltration. The region is connected with the former shaft. The geotechnical investigations pointed to unfavourable conditions caused by the existence of non-load-bearing beds and an intensive process of suffusion. The conclusion about the partially post-mining character of the observed sinkholes intensified by adverse geological features and processes can be accepted. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.},
note = {4},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The inconvenient sinkholes in the area of the village of Kuźnica Masłońska were observed in last years. In the past, shallow exploitation of the Lower Jurassic brown coal was conducted in the vicinity of the village. The principal purpose of the study was to explain the origin of the deformations and to define the geotechnical conditions for building foundation. Geoelectrical investigations (resistivity and induced polarization imaging) and geotechnical identification were performed. Our identification showed the existence of a low resistive vertical zone near the surface, which is not connected with clayey sediments. According to geoelectrical measurements, this zone could be interpreted as a region of increased porosity and enhanced water infiltration. The region is connected with the former shaft. The geotechnical investigations pointed to unfavourable conditions caused by the existence of non-load-bearing beds and an intensive process of suffusion. The conclusion about the partially post-mining character of the observed sinkholes intensified by adverse geological features and processes can be accepted. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.
2008
Żogała, B.; Pierwoła, J.; Dubiel, R.; Cabała, J.
Geoelectrical survey in the area of a long-lasting Zn-Pb waste storage Proceedings
European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, EAGE, 2008, (1).
@proceedings{2-s2.0-85085403413,
title = {Geoelectrical survey in the area of a long-lasting Zn-Pb waste storage},
author = { B. Żogała and J. Pierwoła and R. Dubiel and J. Cabała},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85085403413&doi=10.3997%2f2214-4609.20146319&partnerID=40&md5=97995c3647c27e2245659788b1f5ae63},
doi = {10.3997/2214-4609.20146319},
year = {2008},
date = {2008-01-01},
journal = {Near Surface 2008 - 14th European Meeting of Environmental and Engineering Geophysics},
publisher = {European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers, EAGE},
abstract = {This paper presents the results of geoelectrical study of the former Zn-Pb processing waste-dump situated in the Olkusz region , southern Poland. In the past two kinds of waste were stored in this place. One is the washing waste, the other consists of tailings. A certain amount of them was processed in the first half of the 20th century. At present more than ten thousand tons remain on the stockyard. The results of the chemical analysis show that the contents of metals such as Zn, Pb, Cd and Tl exceed several orders of magnitude standards established for industrial soil. Under the low pH value mobility of these elements is significant. Unfavourable geological conditions can cause the migration into the underground water. In the study area the electromagnetical method was applied to study the boundaries between waste and unpolluted soil. The resistivity method was taken to define the vertical range of waste and to identify layers lying below the waste level. Our investigation points that geoelectrical methods can be successfully used for contouring Zn-Pb waste.},
note = {1},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
This paper presents the results of geoelectrical study of the former Zn-Pb processing waste-dump situated in the Olkusz region , southern Poland. In the past two kinds of waste were stored in this place. One is the washing waste, the other consists of tailings. A certain amount of them was processed in the first half of the 20th century. At present more than ten thousand tons remain on the stockyard. The results of the chemical analysis show that the contents of metals such as Zn, Pb, Cd and Tl exceed several orders of magnitude standards established for industrial soil. Under the low pH value mobility of these elements is significant. Unfavourable geological conditions can cause the migration into the underground water. In the study area the electromagnetical method was applied to study the boundaries between waste and unpolluted soil. The resistivity method was taken to define the vertical range of waste and to identify layers lying below the waste level. Our investigation points that geoelectrical methods can be successfully used for contouring Zn-Pb waste.
2006
Jochymczyk, K.; Pierwoła, J.; Staporek, G.
Application of resistivity imaging to the recognition of landslides in the Flysch Carpathians Proceedings
vol. 29, no. 395, 2006, ISSN: 0138015X.
@proceedings{2-s2.0-34247620846,
title = {Application of resistivity imaging to the recognition of landslides in the Flysch Carpathians},
author = { K. Jochymczyk and J. Pierwoła and G. Staporek},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-34247620846&partnerID=40&md5=20599e8a04d0f8f87d9c31199c29f349},
issn = {0138015X},
year = {2006},
date = {2006-01-01},
journal = {Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea},
volume = {29},
number = {395},
pages = {239-246},
abstract = {This paper contains the results of preliminary study of landslides located in the Polish Flysch Carpathians. The resistivity imaging method in connection with direct geological and geodetic methods was applied to investigate five small landslides situated in Nowy Sacz. The goal of this work was to test the resistivity imaging method for identifying the geological structure of landslide, especially the weathered cover of the flysch. Marking out the slip plane was also an object of interest. Measurements were carried out during the long period of drought which resulted in significant decrease of ground water table. Very dry rock mass and horizontal variability of the landslide structure caused considerable difficulty in the explicit interpretation of the geoelectrical tests.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
This paper contains the results of preliminary study of landslides located in the Polish Flysch Carpathians. The resistivity imaging method in connection with direct geological and geodetic methods was applied to investigate five small landslides situated in Nowy Sacz. The goal of this work was to test the resistivity imaging method for identifying the geological structure of landslide, especially the weathered cover of the flysch. Marking out the slip plane was also an object of interest. Measurements were carried out during the long period of drought which resulted in significant decrease of ground water table. Very dry rock mass and horizontal variability of the landslide structure caused considerable difficulty in the explicit interpretation of the geoelectrical tests.
2002
Pierwoła, J.; Jochymczyk, K.
In: Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea, vol. 24, no. 340, pp. 245-252, 2002, ISSN: 0138015X.
@article{2-s2.0-17644430914,
title = {Studies of correlation between mining induced seismicity and surface deformation for longwall 201, Katowice-Kleofas coal mine [Zwiazki pomiedzy deformacjami powierzchni terenu wywołanymi eksploatacja górnicza a sejsmicznościa indukowana na przykładzie ściany 201 KWK "Katowice-Kleofas"]},
author = { J. Pierwoła and K. Jochymczyk},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-17644430914&partnerID=40&md5=4eebdca42632b4cffc4ec99af9de767c},
issn = {0138015X},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea},
volume = {24},
number = {340},
pages = {245-252},
abstract = {Constructing highways in underground exploitation regions is difficult because mining and phenomena related to it, like induced seismicity, are always connected with surface subsidence. Therefore, it is interesting to check if there is any relation between the mining tremor occurrence and surface subsidence in case of coal longwall extraction. For such an analysis the area of the Katowice- Kleofas Colliery has been chosen. An excavation has been done below the A-4 motorway under construction. The subsidence had been measured periodically since 1999. All tremors with energy ≥ 1.102 J have been selected from the catalogue of the coal mine. Up to April, 2001, the surface came down more than 1 m and more than 6500 tremors have appeared.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Constructing highways in underground exploitation regions is difficult because mining and phenomena related to it, like induced seismicity, are always connected with surface subsidence. Therefore, it is interesting to check if there is any relation between the mining tremor occurrence and surface subsidence in case of coal longwall extraction. For such an analysis the area of the Katowice- Kleofas Colliery has been chosen. An excavation has been done below the A-4 motorway under construction. The subsidence had been measured periodically since 1999. All tremors with energy ≥ 1.102 J have been selected from the catalogue of the coal mine. Up to April, 2001, the surface came down more than 1 m and more than 6500 tremors have appeared.
Zuberek, W. M.; Żogała, B.; Rusin, M.; Pierwoła, J.; Wzientek, K.
In: Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea, vol. 27, no. 352, pp. 209-222, 2002, ISSN: 0138015X.
@article{2-s2.0-19244378130,
title = {Geophysics applied to study the areas degraded by the military activity [Badania geoelektryczne i magnetyczne na obszarach zdegradowanych działalnościa wojskowa]},
author = { W.M. Zuberek and B. Żogała and M. Rusin and J. Pierwoła and K. Wzientek},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-19244378130&partnerID=40&md5=8edf40f826007f0bac09210702b0351d},
issn = {0138015X},
year = {2002},
date = {2002-01-01},
journal = {Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea},
volume = {27},
number = {352},
pages = {209-222},
abstract = {The paper contains summary of research on heavy degraded and polluted area of one of the former Soviet military fuel bases in Borne Sulinowo (Poland). The base area is about 17 ha. In the past it was there 423 underground fuel containers connected with pipelines. Now the installation is extracted. In this area pollution refers to soils, surface, subsurface and groundwater. The reason of study was to test different geophysical methods: geoelectrical, electromagnetical and magnetical ones for surveys on contaminated ground. The maximum depth of survey was approximately 15 m. Several anomalies have been detected and it is possible to point out their sources. The anomalies create distinct zones, which can be related to the places where the former fuel containers were installed. They could be connected with oil contamination and products of its disintegration. The results indicate that several metal and ferro - concrete objects are still under the surface. Obtained findings show that the geophysical prospecting methods can be used for location and monitoring of areas degraded by military activity. In particular it concerns the former military firing grounds.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
The paper contains summary of research on heavy degraded and polluted area of one of the former Soviet military fuel bases in Borne Sulinowo (Poland). The base area is about 17 ha. In the past it was there 423 underground fuel containers connected with pipelines. Now the installation is extracted. In this area pollution refers to soils, surface, subsurface and groundwater. The reason of study was to test different geophysical methods: geoelectrical, electromagnetical and magnetical ones for surveys on contaminated ground. The maximum depth of survey was approximately 15 m. Several anomalies have been detected and it is possible to point out their sources. The anomalies create distinct zones, which can be related to the places where the former fuel containers were installed. They could be connected with oil contamination and products of its disintegration. The results indicate that several metal and ferro - concrete objects are still under the surface. Obtained findings show that the geophysical prospecting methods can be used for location and monitoring of areas degraded by military activity. In particular it concerns the former military firing grounds.
1999
Pierwoła, J.
In: Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea, no. 22, pp. 67-69, 1999, ISSN: 0138015X.
@article{2-s2.0-28244447486,
title = {Comparison of the energy-frequency distributions for tremors located in Bytom Syncline and Main Anticline, Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland [Porównanie rozkładów energetycznych wstrzasów dla obszaru Niecki Bytomskiej i Siodła Głównego (Górnoślaskie Zagłebie Weglowe)]},
author = { J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-28244447486&partnerID=40&md5=6958d32d1af0612fe05ad1830776cfc1},
issn = {0138015X},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea},
number = {22},
pages = {67-69},
abstract = {Tremors that occurred in two structural units of the Upper-Silesian Coal Basin from 1987 to 1996 have been analysed. The b-value of Gutenberg-Richter relationship for Bytom Syncline and Main Anticline has been estimated. It has been calculated for the ten year period and for each one-year period for the whole area of selected geological units and for a few selected mines situated in these units. The differences of b-values for these units have been observed for the whole area and for selected coal mines. In all cases, the b value for Bytom Syncline is greater than that for the Main Anticline. This means that there is different ability to release accumulated energy in these units. The difference could be connected with geological structure of units. The Main Anticline is located above central zone of active fault in deep basement of USCB. In this area, the dynamics of processes connected with fault zone is the most intensive. This may result in a considerable number of strong shocks in this region. On the other hand, active is only part of fault network, which makes it difficult to release the accumulated energy. The Bytom Syncline is situated in the peripheral part of this zone. Hence, the dynamics of processes is less intensive and strong tremors are less frequent. In the area of Bytom Syncline, the whole fault network may be engaged in generating of tremors, producing a great number of shocks with the same energy. This means that the b-value will be greater than that for Main Anticline.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {article}
}
Tremors that occurred in two structural units of the Upper-Silesian Coal Basin from 1987 to 1996 have been analysed. The b-value of Gutenberg-Richter relationship for Bytom Syncline and Main Anticline has been estimated. It has been calculated for the ten year period and for each one-year period for the whole area of selected geological units and for a few selected mines situated in these units. The differences of b-values for these units have been observed for the whole area and for selected coal mines. In all cases, the b value for Bytom Syncline is greater than that for the Main Anticline. This means that there is different ability to release accumulated energy in these units. The difference could be connected with geological structure of units. The Main Anticline is located above central zone of active fault in deep basement of USCB. In this area, the dynamics of processes connected with fault zone is the most intensive. This may result in a considerable number of strong shocks in this region. On the other hand, active is only part of fault network, which makes it difficult to release the accumulated energy. The Bytom Syncline is situated in the peripheral part of this zone. Hence, the dynamics of processes is less intensive and strong tremors are less frequent. In the area of Bytom Syncline, the whole fault network may be engaged in generating of tremors, producing a great number of shocks with the same energy. This means that the b-value will be greater than that for Main Anticline.
Pierwoła, J.
vol. 22, no. 310, 1999, ISSN: 0138015X.
@proceedings{2-s2.0-0033502484,
title = {Comparison of the energy-frequency distributions for tremors located in Bytom Syncline and Main Anticline, Upper Silesian Coal Basin, Poland [Porownanie rozkaladow energetycznych wstrzasow dla obszaru niecki bytomskiej i siodla glownego (Gornoslaskie Zaglebie Weglowe)]},
author = { J. Pierwoła},
url = {https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0033502484&partnerID=40&md5=7a93ae6d2726e0f05b2c599f4b3876eb},
issn = {0138015X},
year = {1999},
date = {1999-01-01},
journal = {Publications of the Institute of Geophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Series M: Miscellanea},
volume = {22},
number = {310},
pages = {63-69},
abstract = {Tremors that occurred in two structural units of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin from 1987 to 1996 have been analysed. The b-value of Gutenburg-Richter relationship for Bytom Syncline and Main Anticline has been estimated. It has been calculated for the ten year period and for each one-year period for the whole area of selected geological units and for a few selected mines situated in these units. The differences of b-values for these units have been observed for the whole area and for selected coal mines. In all cases, the b value for Bytom Syncline is greater than that for the Main Anticline. This means that there is different ability to release accumulated energy in these units. The difference could be connected with geological structure of units. The Main Anticline is located above central zone of active fault in deep basement of USCB. In this area, the dynamics of processes connected with fault zone is the most intensive. This may result in a considerable number of strong shocks in this region. On the other hand, active is only part of fault network, which makes it difficult to release the accumulated energy. The Bytom Syncline is situated in the peripheral part of this zone. Hence, the dynamics of processes is less intensive and strong tremors are less frequent. In the area of Bytom Syncline, the whole fault network may be engaged in generating of tremors, producing a great number of shocks with the same energy. This means that the b-value will be greater than that for Main Anticline.},
keywords = {},
pubstate = {published},
tppubtype = {proceedings}
}
Tremors that occurred in two structural units of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin from 1987 to 1996 have been analysed. The b-value of Gutenburg-Richter relationship for Bytom Syncline and Main Anticline has been estimated. It has been calculated for the ten year period and for each one-year period for the whole area of selected geological units and for a few selected mines situated in these units. The differences of b-values for these units have been observed for the whole area and for selected coal mines. In all cases, the b value for Bytom Syncline is greater than that for the Main Anticline. This means that there is different ability to release accumulated energy in these units. The difference could be connected with geological structure of units. The Main Anticline is located above central zone of active fault in deep basement of USCB. In this area, the dynamics of processes connected with fault zone is the most intensive. This may result in a considerable number of strong shocks in this region. On the other hand, active is only part of fault network, which makes it difficult to release the accumulated energy. The Bytom Syncline is situated in the peripheral part of this zone. Hence, the dynamics of processes is less intensive and strong tremors are less frequent. In the area of Bytom Syncline, the whole fault network may be engaged in generating of tremors, producing a great number of shocks with the same energy. This means that the b-value will be greater than that for Main Anticline.