Karst rivers’ particularity: an example from Dinaric karst (Croatia/Bosnia and Herzegovina)

The very complex system of sinking, losing and underground transboundary Karst rivers, lakes and aquifers in the central part of the deep and bare Dinaric karst in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina is analysed. The groundwater and surface water are hydraulically connected through numerous karst forms which facilitate the exchange of water between the surface and subsurface. A complex underground conduit system is an inherent characteristic karst system analysed. Groundwater and surface water exchange with both adjacent and distant aquifers through underground routes or inflows from surface streams and artificial reservoirs. Because of a complex surface and underground karst features, which strongly influenced its hydrological and hydrogeological regime, the main open stream flow, with a longitude of about 106 km, undergoes eight name changes. In this paper, it is noted as “the eight-name river”. In fact, it represents one river with losing, sinking and underground stream sections. Different surface and underground karst forms play crucial roles in the way the water flowing over the surface and on the underground sections of its catchment. The analysed area is full of varied and often spectacular surface landforms, including for example the Blue and Red Lakes and the Kravice Waterfall. The analyses made in the paper show the existence of a decreasing trend of mean annual discharges on the eight-name river, which can cause numerous problems in the regional water resource management of this transboundary river and catchment.     

PaPRIKa: a method for estimating karst resource and source vulnerability��application to the Ouysse karst system (southwest France)

The intrinsic vulnerability mapping method, PaPRIKa, is proposed as a common basis for karst groundwater protection in France. PaPRIKa is a specialized method for studying karst aquifers, derived from updating the RISKE and EPIK methods. Both the structure and functioning of karst aquifers are considered in order to develop a resource and source-vulnerability mapping method. PaPRIKa means Protection of aquifers from the assessment of four criteria: P for protection (considering the most protective aspects among parameters related to soil cover, unsaturated zone and epikarst behavior), R for rock type, I for infiltration and Ka for karstification degree. The Ouysse karst system, located in the Causses area in southwest France, is one of the nine pilot sites where this method was tested and standardized. The specificities of the Ouysse system such as the size of the catchment area, the spatial variability of the karst network development, the thick infiltration zone and the system??s dual character (both karst and non-karst areas), have provided a valuable field of application. The vulnerability of the resource was assessed for the entire catchment area, while source-orientated cartography was attempted for the catchment areas of the three different capture works used for drinking water.     

Karst groundwater protection in the Kupa River catchment area and sustainable development

One of the most significant water resources in the Republic of Croatia is the catchment area of the Kupa River, located in the region bordering the Republic of Slovenia. About 88% of the total amount of water in this catchment originates in Croatia and just 12% from Slovenia; therefore, the largest part of the catchment area (about 1000 km²) is on the Croatian side of the border. It is a typical karst area of the Dinarides with aquifers characterized by a relatively rapid water exchange, high groundwater flow velocities and aquifers open to human impact from the surface. Consequently, the aquifers are highly vulnerable and at risk. Due to the availability of large quantities of high-quality spring water (about 6 m³/s), the entire area has a strategic importance within the context of any future development strategy pertaining to the western part of Croatia. The catchment area on the Croatian side was investigated using a wide range of research methods that included a classical hydrogeological approach, the detailed hydrologic calculation of water balance to the hydrogeochemical analyses and modelling. The objective was to determine protection zones and protection measures for the whole area. The difficulties are increased due to the fact that the karst catchment area is crossed by major traffic corridors, oil pipelines and a railway and that many settlements and a highly developed wood industry are present. The combination of protecting water resources with adequate prevention measures and necessary remedial activities that should satisfy the very strict requirements necessary for the protection of the karst aquifers while still allowing for present and future human activities is difficult – but not impossible – to achieve. One good example is the present highway with a closed dewatering system and waste water treatment before the water passes into the karst underground system.     

云南泸水市压扭性构造对银厂坪白云岩岩溶系统发育控制作用

银厂坪岩溶系统由溶蚀洼地和溶洞系统组成,溶蚀洼地内发育15个规模和形态不同的落水洞以及多条溶沟。根据断层面擦痕反演构造应力张量和共轭剪节理反映的应力场特征, 结合区域地质背景,认为研究区于始新世—早中新世主要受 SEE-NWW 向挤压和 NNE-SSW 向拉张应力场控制,形成 NW 向左旋压扭性构造,其几何学和运动学特征符合里德尔剪切模式。走滑拉分阶区所形成凹陷具有汇水功能,利于岩溶作用形成溶蚀洼地,内部发育的共轭节理交汇部位是良好的导水构造,叠加在走滑微拉分阶区内,促进白云岩溶蚀作用形成落水洞。地下岩层受构造挤压发生层间滑动形成微裂隙,经溶蚀扩大,形成顺倾斜岩层发育的岩溶洞穴。左行走滑断裂造成地表河流和山脊发生系统左旋位错,发育断层崖于山脚处形成倒石堆,在构造抬升和剥蚀作用下,岩壁不断后退,地下河频繁袭夺使早期溶洞成为干洞,现代地下河于斜坡下游通过地下河出口转为明流。     

地下河系统水动态监测网络优化对比分析:以桂林海洋-寨底地下河系统为例

基于我国南方地区岩溶发育极不均匀、水位水质动态变化快的特点,通过对信息熵法和防污性能法所得结果的对比,分析在缺少系列监测资料条件下,利用岩溶水系统防污性能评价结果快速布设地下河系统水动态监测网的可行性及其布设原则。根据防污性能评价结果,结合水循环特征,桂林海洋-寨底地下河系统水动态监测网需由17个监测站组成;采用信息熵法对现有35个监测站进行优化后,认为只需要12个监测站就可组成最优监测网,但这12个监测站点与采用防污性能评价法得到的点位完全重合,且均位于防污性能差的地区。对比分析认为,以地下水系统防污性能评价结果布设地下水动态监测网是可行性的,因为岩溶发育区既是防污性能差的地区,也是地下水动态变化快的地区,能充分反映地下河系统水质水量变化。采用防污性能评价法布设地下水动态监测网时,需要充分认识和了解地下河系统水文地质条件和地下河管道结构特征,且需要遵循以下原则:(1)在岩溶发育相对较弱的系统中部(基本上不存在防污性能差的地区)不设置监测站点;(2)在距离地下河出口较近的岩溶发育区内(即防污性能差的地区)监测站点可由地下河出口替代;(3)对于多支管道系统,岩溶发育相对较弱且距离较短的小型支管道上可以不布设监测站,由支管道与主管道交汇处的监测站代替。     

西南岩溶地下水资源开发利用效应与潜力分析

西南岩溶地区面积78万km2,地下水系统包括裸露岩溶水系统和覆盖-埋藏型岩溶水系统两大类。由于降水丰富、地下岩溶发育,西南岩溶地下水资源丰富,在43万km2调查区内,具有地下水天然资源量1762.82×108m3/a,岩溶地下水允许开采资源量615.70×108m3/a。近年来,通过开展水文地质调查,在地下河、表层岩溶水和蓄水构造岩溶水打井开采方面均取得重要进展,产生了显著的经济和生态环境效应。但由于西南地区岩溶水开发难度大,区域经济落后,西南岩溶地下水的开发利用程度普遍较低,已开采量为98.32×108m3/a,仅占允许开采量的15.97%,剩余地下水潜力资源量517.38×108m3/a。     

山西娘子关泉群及其水的来源

娘子关泉域群泉是中国北方最大的岩溶泉,泉域汇水面积达7 436 km2,前人认为:泉域内岩溶水由北、西、南3面向娘子关一带径流汇集,由于娘子关一带下奥陶系燧石团块或条带白云岩相对隔水层隆起,并被桃河侵蚀出露,使岩溶地下水溢出地表成泉群,其主要含水层为中奥陶系含石膏碳酸盐岩。但各泉的水化学、同位素特征有差异,娘子关泉群并不是出自统一源。文章通过水化学、同位素、水文地质剖面等方法研究得出: 娘子关泉域存在两个含水层、三个子系统:中奥陶系灰岩含水层和中上寒武系白云岩含水层;西部奥陶系岩溶水系统、东部奥陶系岩溶水系统和东部中上寒武系岩溶水系统。泉域内城西泉与程家泉出露于中奥陶系下马家沟组泥灰岩之上,含水层为中奥陶系灰岩裂隙、溶隙水,由于区域下马家沟组泥灰岩隆起隔水出露地表成泉,属于东部奥陶系岩溶水系统;坡底泉、五龙泉、河北泉、水帘洞泉、苇泽关泉其补给主要来源于中上寒武系含水岩组,为承压上升泉,属于东部中上寒武系岩溶水系统。      

云南南洞地下河系统边界及性质研究

地下河系统具有固定补给范围和资源要素,是岩溶地下水进行独立循环的基本单元,控制了岩溶水的运移富集、水化学演化特征、资源构成以及环境地质问题。开展地下河系统研究首要任务是确定系统边界位置及其水文地质性质。以南洞地下河系统为研究对象,据野外调查、勘探、试验资料,以地球系统科学理论为指导,运用现代岩溶学、地质学及水文地质学的分析方法,确定南洞地下河系统是由1号暗河和2号暗河系统组成的,其中2号暗河还有叠置于其上的平石板和黑龙潭两个全排型暗河子系统;其含水岩层主要为三叠系个旧组（T2g）灰岩、灰质白云岩、白云质灰岩;根据边界的水文地质性质可以划分为地表分水岭边界、地下分水岭边界、隔水边界、岩溶含水层深埋滞留型边界。      

影响喀斯特地下水调蓄功能的因素的探讨

分析了多个亚动态反映出来的喀斯特管道级、裂隙级、孔隙级水在哀减曲线中所占的比例,并指出了影响衰减曲线形态及衰减速度的因素及其对喀斯特地下水调蓄功能的影响。孔隙度提供了孔隙水空间,在诸因素中占有较重要的权重。构造断裂及破碎会加速孔隙水的衰减,使孔隙级水在衰减曲线上的比例减少,裂隙级水的比例增大。岩层产状也将直接影响孔隙级水的衰减速度。含泥岩层中的泥质成分可以使裂隙水在衰减过程中表现出孔隙水的特征。洞穴的发育使喀斯特地下水衰减速度增大。因此,在诸多因素的影响下,可使衰减过程具有二个、三个或四个亚动态。      

基于模糊综合评价法的小流域喀斯特石漠化治理综合效益评价——以贵州省普定县陈家寨小流域为例

通过建立石漠化综合治理效益的评价指标体系,采集研究区治理前后环境、经济、社会等各项指标数据,运用模糊综合评价法对贵州省普定县陈家寨小流域综合治理效益进行了评价。研究结果表明:经过综合治理,研究区社会、经济得到了发展,生态环境明显改善。由于在洼地沟谷地带发展高效山地农业,种植辣椒、秋葵、何首乌、半夏、丹参等经济作物,人均收入和劳动生产率大幅提升,资金产投比和土地生产率提升明显,农产品商品率有所增加。通过对研究区山地坡面开展林分改造,林草覆盖率有所提高,土壤侵蚀模数和石漠化面积比例减少,贫困发生率、农村恩格尔系数和文盲率有所下降。研究区综合治理之后,经济效益评价等级由“差”变成了“中”,生态效益由“差”变成了“良”,社会效益仍然处于“差”,综合效益评价由“差”到“中”,其中经济效益增幅最大,这主要得益于小流域内利用道路积蓄雨水、修建集水池等抗旱设施,有效地解决了研究区的灌溉问题。      

贵州安顺地区岩腊片区水淹坝岩溶内涝成因分析

水淹坝岩溶内涝是安顺市西秀区发育最大范围的岩溶内涝,严重制约了当地经济发展。本文以岩溶地下水系统为单元,通过开展1:10000水文地质调查、地球物理勘探、水文地质钻探等手段,查明内涝所在区的岩溶发育特征、水文地质条件。在此基础上分析得出,水力坡度小、岩层倾角缓造成地下河管道淤塞;人类工程活动使有水落水洞口堵塞,加之广阔的集雨面积和连续的强降雨是造成水淹坝岩溶内涝的主要原因。通过对水淹坝内涝成因分析,为岩溶内涝灾害综合整治提供参考依据。     

The hydrologic function and behavior of the Houzhai underground river basin, Guizhou Province, southwestern China

The genesis of the Houzhai karstic water system of the Guanling Formation, southwestern China, dates back to the Middle Triassic. Due to differences in the geomorphology and the extent of the underground river system with highly developed conduits, the hydrologic function appears to be complex. The hydrologic function and behavior of the karst system were analyzed by spring hydrograph (Mangin 1975) and by groundwater hydrochemical methods. The result obtained from the former shows that the Houzhai karstic water system behaves in a non-karstic way, with slow infiltration and a large regulation power. This study shows that Mangin’s karst classification is not applicable in the karstic water systems of southwest China. The hydrodynamic parameters obtained from Mangin’s spring hydrograph and the hydrochemical parameters obtained from the analysis of the bicarbonate relative frequency were combined to characterize the hydrologic function and behavior of the Houzhai karstic water system. The synthesized result shows that the distortion degree of the precipitation input is lower upstream, due to the different surface landform and the degree of karst heterogeneity. Mangin A (1975) Contribution à l’étude hydrodynamique des aquifères karstiqus (Contribution to the hydrodynamic study of karst aquifers). Thèse, Université of Dijon, France (Annales de Spéléologie 29(3), 283–332; 29(4), 495–601; 30(1), 21–124).     

利用高精度示踪技术和大功率充电法确定地下河系统的管道分布特征——以毛村地下河系统为例

由于岩溶发育的非均一性和复杂性,确定岩溶地下河流域范围及地下河管道的位置是非常困难的。高精度示踪技术可用来确定地下河管道的连通性及地下河流域大致范围;大功率充电法能够准确定位岩溶地下河管道的平面分布特征并追踪地下河系统的管道展布方向。综合高精度示踪技术和大功率充电法等成果,并结合地下河的地表出露特征和钻探等信息进行验证,查明毛村地下河系统的地下河管网分布特征及大致流域范围,探测技术方法组合成效显著。主要成果体现:在毛村地下河系统上游,存在多个地下河管道分支,且还存在一个未被发现的地下河管道,连通各地下河分支;在地下河系统中游径流区,地下河主管道接受周围山体的补给并与次级管道、岩溶裂隙带形成复杂的地下河网状系统;在地下河系统下游排泄区,地下河管道分支呈扇形向排泄点聚集。另外,大功率充电法探测结果显示灯明泉可能是毛村地下河系统的一个分支,但是两者之间的连通性较差,在雨季或水位上涨时,两者之间的联通性可能会有所改善。      

Characterization of the hydrogeology of the sacred Gihon Spring, Jerusalem: a deteriorating urban karst spring

The Gihon Spring, Jerusalem, is important for the major monotheistic religions. Its hydrogeology and hydrochemistry is studied here in order to understand urbanization effects on karst groundwater resources, and promote better water management. High-resolution monitoring of the spring discharge, temperature and electrical conductivity, was performed, together with chemical and bacterial analysis. All these demonstrate a rapid response of the spring to rainfall events and human impact. A complex karst system is inferred, including conduit flow, fissure flow and diffuse flow. Electrical conductivity, Na⁺ and K⁺ values (2.0 mS/cm, 130 and 50 mg/l respectively) are very high compared to other nearby springs located at the town margins (0.6 mS/cm, 15 and <1 mg/l respectively), indicating considerable urban pollution in the Gihon area. The previously cited pulsating nature of the spring was not detected during the present high-resolution monitoring. This phenomenon may have ceased due to additional water sources from urban leakage and irrigation feeding the spring. The urbanization of the recharge catchment thus affects the spring water dramatically, both chemically and hydrologically. Appropriate measures should therefore be undertaken to protect the Gihon Spring and other karst aquifers threatened by rapid urbanization.     

滇东南南洞地下河系统源区洞穴特征及其成因演化机制

滇东南岩溶地貌发育,岩溶洞穴是该区典型空洞体系。文章以滇东南南洞地下河系统源区典型岩溶洞穴为研究对象,基于地学理论和地球化学分析,对该区地貌特征、成因及演化机制开展科学研究。研究表明,NW向的张性断裂、区内可溶部分最高个旧组碳酸盐岩以及杨柳河向西流动的水动力作用是南洞地下河系统源区洞穴发育的主要成因;全新世中期6 kaBP以来,该地区洞穴演化过程经历了三个阶段,其中,主体形成时间为6~4 kaBP;此外,建立石洞洞穴与地下河发育模式。本次研究对南洞地区地下水资源评价具有实际意义。      

Submarine and intertidal groundwater discharge through a complex multi-level karst conduit aquifer

The quantification of submarine and intertidal groundwater discharge (SiGD) or purely submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) from coastal karst aquifers presents a major challenge, as neither is directly measurable. In addition, the expected heterogeneity and intrinsic structure of such karst aquifers must be considered when quantifying SGD or SiGD. This study applies a set of methods for the coastal karst aquifer of Bell Harbour in western Ireland, using long-term onshore and offshore time series from a high-resolution monitoring network, to link catchment groundwater flow dynamics to groundwater discharge as SiGD. The SiGD is estimated using the “pollution flushing model”, i.e. a mass-balance approach, while catchment dynamics are quantified using borehole hydrograph analysis, single-borehole dilution tests, a water balance calculation, and cross-correlation analysis. The results of these analyses are then synthesised, describing a multi-level conduit-dominated coastal aquifer with a highly fluctuating overflow regime draining as SiGD, which is in part highly correlated with the overall piezometric level in the aquifer. This concept was simulated using a hydraulic pipe network model built in InfoWorks ICM [Integrated Catchment Modeling]^® version 7.0 software (Innovyze). The model is capable of representing the overall highly variable discharge dynamics, predicting SiGD from the catchment to range from almost 0 to 4.3 m³/s. The study emphasises the need for long-term monitoring as the basis for any discharge studies of coastal karst aquifers. It further highlights the fact that multiple discharge locations may drain the aquifer, and therefore must be taken into consideration in the assessment of coastal karst aquifers.     

Hydrogeological characteristics of some deep siphonal springs in Serbia and Montenegro karst

In terms of hydrogeological, engineering-geological, and hydrotechnical tapping in karst in relation to ground waters, karst channels, springs and ponors, speleodiving is the only research method which enables direct observation, studying and exact geological mapping of karst channels and caverns. Data collected during speleodiving research contribute considerably to the analysis of karst evolution process in the given region, which is very important in evaluating the depth of karstification and determining the main direction of the groundwater flow. In the past 30 years in Serbia and Montenegro, speleodivers have investigated over 40 siphonal springs, active cave channels and ponors, of which more than 20 are proof of deep siphonal circulation in karstic aquifers. The karstic springs are the most interesting phenomenon from a hydrogeological view point, and their investigations need particular attention. Most of significant karstic springs are on the rims of erosion basins—perimeters of karst poljes, river valleys, sea coasts and contact areas between karst aquifers and hydrogeological barriers. General characteristics of the spring regime are the direct correlation between precipitation and spring discharge. Moreover, the hydrogeological regime of these springs also depends on the size of the catchment area, karstic aquifer retardation capacity, total porosity, as well as lithological and structural characteristics.     

Hydrogeological characterization and environmental effects of the deteriorating urban karst groundwater in a karst trough valley: Nanshan,SW China

The unique hydrogeology of karst makes the associated groundwater respond quickly to rainfall events and vulnerable to anthropogenic pollutions. In this study, high-frequency monitoring of spring discharge, temperature, electrical conductivity (EC) and pH, along with monthly hydrochemical and microbial analyses, was undertaken at the outlet of Laolondong karst underground river in Nanshan, southwestern China. The aim was to explore the environmental effects of the catchment’s urban area on the karst groundwater resources. The monitoring data of a tracer test and the response of discharge to rainfall events demonstrate that conduits and narrow fissures coexist in the Laolongdong karst aquifer. The EC, Na⁺, Cl^? and SO₄^2? values (840 μS/cm, 33.7, 38.6 and 137.2 μg/L, respectively), along with high concentrations of fecal coliform bacteria, at the outlet indicate considerable urban pollution in this area. The contaminants sulfate and nitrate showed different relationships with discharge and EC in different stages of a rainfall event. This behavior provided information about aquifer structure and the influence of transport properties. Meanwhile, the hydrological processes of groundwater flow could be modified by urbanization and result in increasing magnitude of urban floods in the underground river. In addition, sulfuric and nitric acids introduced by urbanization not only impact the karst groundwater quality, but also result in a significant perturbation to the carbon cycling system in the karst area.     

The study of hydrodynamic behaviour of a complex karst system under low-flow conditions using natural and artificial tracers (the catchment of the Unica River,SW Slovenia)

In this study a multi-tracer test with fluorescent tracers was combined with time series analyses of natural tracers to characterize the dynamics of the solute transport through different recharge pathways and to study hydraulic behaviour of a binary karst system under low-flow conditions. Fluorescent tracer testing included the introduction of uranine, amidorhodamine G, or naphthionate at three injection points. Sampling and monitoring took place at two karst springs (Malenščica, Unica) and at two underground rivers (Pivka, Rak) recharging the Unica River at the Polje of Planina, SW Slovenia. Other monitored parameters included precipitation, spring or underground river discharge, water temperature, and electrical conductivity. Water samples were collected and analyzed for total organic carbon, Mg²⁺, SO₄ ²⁻, and NO₃ ⁻ in the laboratory. In the study area, results of the tracer test suggest that contaminant transport in karst may be retarded for several weeks during low-flow conditions followed by increases in contaminant concentrations after subsequent rainfall events. Based on interpretation of tracer concentration breakthrough curves, low apparent dominant flow velocities (i.e., between 5.8 and 22.8 m/h through the well developed karst conduits, and 3.6 m/h through the prevailing vadose zone with a dominant influence of a diffuse recharge) were obtained. Together with analyses of hydro-chemographs the artificial tracing identified different origins of water recharging the studied aquifer. During prolonged low-water conditions the Malenščica spring is mainly recharged from the karst aquifer and the Unica spring by the sinking Pivka River. After more intensive rainfall events allogenic recharge from Cerknica prevails in the Malenščica spring, while the Unica spring drains mainly the allogenic water from the Pivka Valley. These findings of alternating hydraulic connections and drainage areas due to respective hydrological conditions are important and should be considered when monitoring water quality, implementing groundwater protection measures, and optimizing future water exploitation.     

岩溶地区土地利用变化的水文响应研究——以贵州后寨河流域为例

以贵州普定后寨地下河流域为研究区,在分析流域生态环境特征以及岩溶水形成机制的基础上,通过野外调查、资料收集并结合现代空间技术、地理信息系统和遥感技术,研制开发了适合我国后寨河流域的基于落水洞的岩溶半分布式水文模型,分析了土地利用/覆被变化对流域径流的影响以及流域产汇流参数对比关系。结果表明:生态建设后除最大土壤蓄水量增大外,其它产流参数变化不大;汇流参数基本小于生态建设前,但相差不大;在降雨条件不变的情况下,生态建设后的产流量小于生态建设前的产流量,生态建设前土地覆被下的流量在低水位时比生态建设后的流量稍高,而在高水位时生态建设前流量比生态建设后的流量稍低。