Groundwater Distribution in the Recharge Area of Ljubljanica Springs

1. Front Matter

   Pages i-xviii

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2. Introduction

   • Matej Blatnik

   Pages 1-11

3. Study Area

   • Matej Blatnik

   Pages 13-40

4. Past Research

   • Matej Blatnik

   Pages 41-55

5. Methods

   • Matej Blatnik

   Pages 57-71

6. Results and Discussion

   • Matej Blatnik

   Pages 73-150

7. Conclusions

   • Matej Blatnik

   Pages 151-153

8. Back Matter

   Pages 155-170

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This book presents a novel approach to studying the groundwater dynamics of and characterising karst aquifers. The content is based on long-term monitoring of groundwater parameters in the epiphreatic caves of a selected karst aquifer: part of the classical recharge area of Ljubljanica River, Slovenia. The recorded data was analysed on the basis of the recharge to the system, which is controlled by outflow from the Planinsko Polje, and on the basis of the known and inferred geometry of the karst conduit system. The book presents numerically tested conceptual models of the observed conduit system, which offer new insights into its structure and function. In closing, the author stresses the importance of caves as groundwater monitoring sites and provides new tools for interpreting cave water level hydrographs. Although the book focuses on a specific site, the methodology introduced here can be applied to numerous other karst systems, lending it considerable practical relevance. 

• Karst Aquifer
• Groundwater Dynamics
• Flooding
• Groundwater Flow Modelling
• Planinsko Polje
• Ljubljanica River

• Karst Research Institute, Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, University of Nova Gorica, Postojna, Slovenia

  Matej Blatnik

Dr Matej Blatnik has been a researcher at ZRC SAZU (the Karst Research Institute) since 2014. His main research focus is on hydrogeology, which was also the topic of his dissertation, successfully defended in January 2019. The work addresses how to analyse groundwater flows, including multiple parameters of karst groundwater (water level, temperature, and conductivity) in different parts of the aquifer (ponors, springs, and caves), with the aid of new conceptual and numerical models. His research interests also include the microclimate and the development and movements of sorted patterned ground in ice caves.

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