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Karst is characterized particularly by special landforms and sub surface drainage. The various actions of water result in numerous variations of surface and sub-surface karst forms. They also bring about distinctive geologic-morphologic forms, and more striking ly, specific flora and fauna. The scientific discipline of hydrology, although a long-established science, cannot easily be applied to karst regions with their very complex drainage system. A special approach is therefore necessary to understand and predict water circulation in these areas. This is the viewpoint we must adopt if hydrology is to solve the complex problems of karst phenomena. This book can be seen as the appeal of a hydrologist to experts from different scientific dis ciplines (geology, hydrology, geomorphology, geography, geo physics, meteorology, ecology, civil engineering, forestry, agricul ture, etc.) to collaborate towards a better understanding of karst areas. Evidently, karst phenomena have not been sufficiently and carefully studied worldwide. It is equally true that the first theories on water circulation in karst were developed according to ex periences in the Dinaric karst. This can easily be explained. In habitants in those areas had no place to which to escape, as was the case in other countries.
List of contents
1 Introduction.- 2 Karst Terminology - Definitions.- 3 Principles of Karst Groundwater Circulation.- 3.1 Subcutaneous Zone (Epikarstic Zone).- 3.2 Karstification Depth and Karst Capacity for Water Storage.- 4 Karst Springs.- 4.1 General Concept and Classification.- 4.2 Discharge Curves.- 4.3 Hydrograph Analysis.- 4.4 Determination of the Catchment Area.- 4.5 The Origin of Brackish Karst Springs.- 5 Swallow Holes (Ponors).- 5.1 Introduction.- 5.2 Determination of the Swallow Capacity of Ponors..- 6 Natural Streamflows in Karst.- 6.1 Interaction Between Groundwater and Water in the Open Streamflows.- 6.2 Hydrologic Regime of Rivers in Karst.- 6.3 Water Losses Along the Open Streamflows in Karst.- 7 Hydrologic Budget for the Poljes in Karst.- 8 Water Temperature in Karst.- 8.1 Introduction.- 8.2 Groundwater Temperature in Karst.- 8.3 The Water Temperature of Springs and Open Streamflows in Karst.- 9 Man's Influence on the Water Regime in the Karst Terrains.- 9.1 Water Storage.- 9.2 Increase in the Capacity of the Outlet Structures.- 9.3 Surface Hydrotechnical Works.- 9.4 Action on the Groundwater.- 9.5 Usage of the Karst Spring Water.- 9.6 The Development of the Brackish Karst Springs.- References.- Geographical and Subject Index.
