Glacial and Postglacial Landforms of the Drawsko Lakeland

The Drawsko Lakeland is situated in the morphogenetic young glacial zone of north-western Poland. In general terms, the landforms of this area have been shaped since the Pomeranian phase of Weichselian glaciationGlaciationWeichselian (Vistulian) (MISMarine Isotope Stage (MIS) 2). The location of the Drawsko Lakeland in the zone of transitional temperate climate with a marked influence of the Baltic SeaBaltic Sea determines the contemporary dynamics of geomorphological processes. There are over 250 lakes with an area of more than 1 ha in the Lakeland. Lake basinsLake basin differ in size, shape, and genesis, and together with the areas of peatlands they determine the retention capacity of Pomerania region. The contemporary landscape of the Drawsko Lakeland is represented by a diverse complex of glacial landforms, including moraine hills and undulating moraine plateausPlateau with crevasse-fill forms and kamesKame, dissected by deep subglacialSubglacial tunnel channels and valleys, and vast outwash plains with kettle hollows. Inherited glacial relief, characterised by high hypsometric diversity, is nowadays subjected to modifications as a result of the impact of fluvialFluvial (river channels, terrace systems), hillslope (channel heads, denudation hollows, erosional-denudational valleys), biogenic (peatlands) and anthropogenic processes (development of settlement, transport networks, miningMining activities, water management). GeodiversityGeodiversity of the lakeland is reflected in various types of geositesGeosite, which together with diverse vegetation determine unique and outstanding natural values of the region and underpin the diversity of nature conservation forms.