EuroSpeleo 2016

Life and water in karst regions

Oral|Dr Nadja Zupan Hajna

Abstract

There is usually no water on the karst surface because it infiltrates through fissures in the rocks and then flows deep into the unknown underground. Because there is no thick soil cover, the karst surface is rocky and unsuitable for cultivation. Consequently, the karst was never densely populated, and the people who persevered there lived modestly and worked hard to survive.
The karst is not just about the world-renowned karst phenomena, but also the landscape which extends over almost half of Slovenia and Croatia and also along states border. The area has numerous significant karst springs which are of vital importance for the water supply of the region. These springs have catchment areas on both sides of the border.
The recharge areas of karst springs are very vulnerable due to their complex structure, and this poses complicated challenges for their protection. A great knowledge of the relationships and processes of the karst underground water flow is necessary.The film is result of joint work and many years of mutual cooperation between researchers from Slovenia and Croatia to spread the knowledge of scientific findings about karst, caves and the water sources and importance of their protection.