Topsoil values of magnetic susceptibility (ĸ) were measured in forests of many mountain ranges of Southern Poland. The measurements were done directly on the soil surface and also in vertical profiles up to 30 cm depth. The aim of this study was interpretation of obtained ĸ data in respect to their natural or anthropogenic origin. For this purpose in 9 samples coming from 3 topsoil cores, representing 3 different soil horizons with enhanced ĸ values an additional magneto-mineralogical analysis were performed. On the base of some key magnetic parameters (ₓ , SIRM, HCR, S) the characterization of form and grain size of magnetic particles causing the enhanced ĸ values in study soil horizons was done. On the most of study areas the ĸ values were low, indicating the lack or low content of anthropogenic magnetic particles coming from urban and industrial dust deposition. Their presence in higher concentration was indicated in soils from Silesian Beskids and Little Beskids as well as in Wałbrzych area. To some degree it was also observed in western part of Żywiec Beskids.
Recent field measurements of mobile-bed roughness in selected streams in Czech Republic are described. The results are collected in a database organized to a www catalogue. The field results of the bed roughness in two gravel-bed streams under flash flood conditions are discussed. A methodology is suggested for evaluation of the bed roughness of straight channels transporting sediments. A prediction of the bed roughness under the condition of intense sediment transport in the upper plane bed regime is demonstrated on the results of laboratory pressurized-pipe tests. An application to flood conditions in a steep mountain creek is shown in a case study.