Projects / Programmes
Variability of groundwater flow and transport processes in karst under different hydrologic conditions - examples from the Dinaric karst
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 6.12.00 |
Humanities |
Geography |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| P005 |
Natural sciences and mathematics |
Geology, physical geography |
karst aquifer, tracer test, spring monitoring, contaminant transport, water source protection and management
Researchers (1)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
22574 |
PhD Nataša Viršek Ravbar |
Geography |
Head |
2008 - 2010 |
0 |
Organisations (1)
Abstract
In the proposed research we will study the hydraulic behavior of karst aquifers in different hydrologic conditions. Based on the long-term monitoring and detail sampling of selected physico-chemical parameters of the springs and sinking rivers during individual water waves, as well as on the execution of two multi tracer tests using artificial tracers, we will gain new information about the processes that essentially influence the variability of groundwater flow and transport processes in karst under different hydrologic conditions. We selected the catchment of the Malenščica karst spring to be our study area. The Malenščica spring is a regionally important water source. Moreover, its catchment area is very complex. The spring is recharged diffusely from the Javorniki mountain and by the allogenic recharge from the karst poljes of Notranjska. The performed research will upgrade the basic knowledge of the test site and the gained results will contribute to framing the conceptual model of the Malenščica catchment. Based on the assembled data we will prepare general guidelines for the karst water source protection planning and water quality monitoring, as well as seek for the better solution in future planning. The performed study will be an important contribution to the international research activities and discussions in the field of groundwater flow and transport processes variability under different hydrologic conditions. It will also be a significant approach how this question should be considered for the proper karst groundwater protection and eventual contamination prevention.
Significance for science
The behavior of a karst aquifer can be heavily dependant on the respective hydrologic conditions. It can vary significantly with time and thus influence the groundwater flow and transport processes. With the proposed research we studied the reactions of a karst aquifer system under different groundwater level conditions and the related processes of recharge, storage and discharge. The results enabled us gaining the information on transport processes through the karst aquifer and the characteristics of different substances appearance at the springs, which has up to now been studied only to some extent.
The performed tracer tests brought us new results on groundwater flow conditions during low and medium-high water conditions. The project results also provided new experiences and knowledge in the field of tracer test methodology using artificial tracers. The earlier experiences with groundwater tracing on karst have critically been evaluated, some improvements were tested. There are serious examination of using tracer tests for solving specific problems, such as karst water sources vulnerability mapping, their protection and validation of vulnerability maps.
In previous researches an important difference in water flow in different zones of karst aquifers has been proved. Characteristics of the unsaturated and saturated zones significantly influence spreading of the contamination in karst. Transport of harmful substances soluble in water is fast in primary drainage paths, but they can be also retained in less permeable zones for longer period (even several years).
On the selected test site the project results contribute to new findings and better understanding of the hydrologic conditions of the studied area. Indirectly we gained new cognitions on karst aquifer behavior in general. Thus, we contributed to general expertise on planning further studies on groundwater flow characteristics in karst.
The performed study is an important contribution to the international research activities and discussions in the field of groundwater flow and transport processes variability under different hydrologic conditions. It is also a significant approach how this question is considered for the proper karst groundwater protection and eventual contamination prevention. Thus we will continue with the firm involvement into the international streams of karstology and karst hydrology.
Significance for the country
Slovenia is distinctly a country of karst landscapes and more than a half of its inhabitants are supplied with drinking water from karst aquifers. Karst springs are therefore of exceptional importance. Since karst aquifer systems are very susceptible to contamination, these sources require appropriate and careful managing.
With the performed project we gained new knowledge that would be conducive to future water protection zoning and land use planning on karst. The acquired results will be valuable for the national research and development programme and will also benefit the public interest, since they are important for the general welfare (the water sources quality and quantity preservation). The project will contribute to the competitiveness increase and to the innovatory activities of Slovenia in the field of karstology and hydrogeological research methods. With the research results we will contribute to the natural heritage preservation, control and care for the environment. With the performed project our country will gain additional knowledge for the attainability and fulfilment of the sustainable development on karst.
The protection of water quality is essential also for the conservation of biodiversity in this sensitive environment. Especially springs as one of the most typical and picturesque karst phenomena are an important part of our natural heritage.
We will present the results of the long-term scientific studies in an accessible and explicable way (e..g, on the Karstological School, web page, etc.), so that also wider public will be able to use them. This will contribute to more effective protection of karst waters, as the awareness of public is a necessity for the efficient implementation of prescribed protection measures. Our work will therefore be an important contribution to better comprehension, evaluation and preservation of the natural heritage of our country.
Slovenia is a country of the Classical karst and on Kras also karstology as a research field started to develop. It is right that Slovenia stays one of the leading countries where knowledge about karst and its characteristics is being put forward and handed to the others for the economic and educational purposes or for the needs of environment protection. Therefore, thorough research, as is the conducted project, is necessary.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
