Changes in hydrological regime caused by human intervention in karst: the case of the Rumin Springs |
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| Authors: | O Bonacci N Buzjak T Roje-Bonacci |
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| Institution: | 1. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, Split University, Split, Croatiaobonacci@gradst.hr;3. Department of Geography, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia;4. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, Split University, Split, Croatia |
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| Abstract: | ABSTRACTAny human intervention or action in karst terrains can unexpectedly, suddenly, strongly and, generally, dangerously change a local and/or a regional hydrological regime. A characteristic example of the Dinaric karst is given in this paper. The operation of two reservoirs in Livanjsko Polje at an altitude of about 702 m above sea level (m a.s.l.) and hydro-electric development of the Cetina River system started in 1973. This year marked a drastic and instantaneous change in the regional hydrological regime. A significant drop in the minimum, mean and maximum annual discharges of two neighbouring karst springs, Rumin Mali and Rumin Veliki, was caused by this anthropogenic construction. The exits of the two analysed karst springs, Rumin Mali and Veliki, are located at altitudes of about 326.8 m a.s.l. and 307.6 m a.s.l. respectively. The areal distance between them is 640 m. Their hydrological regimes have been altered in different ways. The drop in discharges is stronger for the Rumin Veliki than for the Rumin Mali. The analysis shows that the system development influenced the redistribution of the regional karst aquifer and, in this manner, contributed to the reduction of both karst springs’ recharge areas. Editor D. Koutsoyiannis Associate editor E. Rozos |
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| Keywords: | karst spring karst hydrology anthropogenic influence Dinaric karst catchment in karst |
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