Summary:

The aim of the research described in this paper is to classify groundwater
level patterns in pine stands of forest fresh sites. The approach has been employed
with the view to facilitate explaining interactions between physiographic characteristics
and groundwater dynamics in prospective research. The methods which
have been employed so far for explanation of groundwater level dynamics interactions
with local physiographic conditions do not let to draw firm conclusions. The
classification of groundwater dynamics patterns requires employing more sophisticated
methods, because of a relatively extensive range of groundwater dynamics
site-to-site variability expressed, e.g., by amplitude and cycle period. The methods
of groundwater patterns classification proposed in the literature focused either on
hydrogeological criteria or, if related to forest ecosystems, focused on water balance
elements in forest habitats.
The area selected for investigation represented typical features for the
Northern European Lowland forests defined by soil and form of terrain pattern
shaped by the last glacial period (Vistulian glaciation) and dominant share of Scots
Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) in stand species composition. The research period covered
the 2002-2007 hydrological years. The measurement used in analysis covered
35 sites equipped with measurement wells.