Sedimentation rates and erosion changes recorded in recent sediments of Lake Piaseczno, south-eastern Poland

from the base of the core. Th e mean sediment accumulation rate during the last 100 years was calculated as 0.025 g cm –2 a –1 . Based on the radiocarbon date, the rate of sediment accumulation below the 210 Pb dating horizon was estimated as 0.066 g cm –2 a –1 . Th e variability of main physical properties and sediment components along the core was analysed as well. Th e sediments were characterised by a very high water content (>80%). Carbonates were either not present or at a very low level (<1%). However, organic and minerogenic matter variability represents an interesting record of increasing erosion intensity in the catchment area. Analysis of archival cartographic materials demonstrated that the most likely reason for the enhanced transport of minerogenic matter to the lake was deforestation caused by human activity in the beginning of the 20th century.