From a hydrological point of view, active caves are a series of connected conduits which drain water through an aquifer. Water tends to choose the easiest way through the system but different geological and morphological barriers act as flow restrictions. The number and characteristics of restrictions depends on the particular speleogenetic environment, which is a function of geological, geomorphological, climatological and hydrological settings. We present some theoretical background and some possible scenarios.
COBISS.SI-ID: 27826221
The paper describes the various types of superficial underground habitats which have only two common characteristics with caves, classic example of the deep underground habitats: both types of habitats are inhabited by aphotic and specialized organisms adapted to extreme conditions underground. It is realized that the absence of light is a key selection factor in the underground and that the superficial subterranean habitats represent an important invasion point through which the surface fauna inhabit the underground.
COBISS.SI-ID: 30265645
Karst aquifers are areas of carbonate rocks (limestone, dolomite) which have been exposed to the karstification process. The time needed for precipiation water to travel from the surface to the spring depends on fractures and the level of karstificatopm of the underground channels. In some channels water flows very fast, but in others it can remain for a longer period. Part of the infiltrated water is, during the precipitation events, transmitted fast via vertical network of channels to the main conduits. Surplus water is stored and is slowly infiltrated along side channels in the lower zone.
COBISS.SI-ID: 29373997
The geological evolution of the Dinarides is closely associated with the history of the Tethys Ocean. The Dinaric karst denotes an area within the Dinaric Mountain System, confined mostly to the External Dinarides, which consists predominantely of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous limestones and dolomites. Different opinions about the geological evolution in the northeastern Adriatic region reflect its complexity. Along the Dinaric karst, karst features are favoured specially in massive and thick bedded Cretaceous limestones.
COBISS.SI-ID: 31519021
Karst is a part of Earth's crust on water-soluble rocks, where the dominant process is dissolving of the rock. Slovenia is a karst country where karst represents nearly half its territory. Some surface and underground karst features on Slovenian territory have been known since antiquity, but sulphidic springs are still not sufficiently studied. The karst hydrological system, where underground water flow predominates, is of paramount importance in the terms of protection.
COBISS.SI-ID: 32258093