A framework for karst ecohydrology |
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Authors: | Ognjen Bonacci Tanja Pipan David C Culver |
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Institution: | (1) Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Split, Matice hrvatske 15, 21000 Split, Croatia;(2) Karst Research Institute, ZRC-SAZU, Postojna, SI-6230 Postojna, Slovenia;(3) Department of Biology, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA |
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Abstract: | Ecohydrology can be defined as the science of integrating hydrological and biological processes over varied spatial and temporal
scales. There exists in karst a strong and direct interaction between the circulation and storage of groundwater and surface
water. These fluxes in turn affect the spatial distribution of organisms in these habitats. Because of the fact that the appearance,
storage and circulation of water in karstified areas is significantly different from other more homogenous and isotropic terrains,
karst ecohydrology should develop original methods and approaches. At the same time, traditional approaches are also very
useful. Large karst underground geomorphological patterns occur in many sizes and varieties, ranging from a few meters long
or deep to very large, the deepest being deeper than 1 km and longer than hundreds of kilometres. In this article, special
attention is paid to ecohydrological functions of karst underground features (caves, pits, conduits, etc.), which play a crucial
dual role in (1) hydrology and hydrogeology of water circulation and storage and (2) ecology of many rare and endangered species.
Differences in morphology, hydrology, hydrogeology and climate have resulted in a range of different environments, which provide
the opportunity for the coexistence of different species. The role of the epikarst and vadose zones, as well as caves in ecohydrological
processes, is discussed. The importance of the flood factor in karst ecology is analysed. The aim of this article is to move
forward the discussion among different disciplines to promote and develop a conceptual framework for karst ecohydrology. |
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Keywords: | Karst ecohydrology Epikarst Cave Subterranean habitat |
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