Hydrogeology of a complex karst catchment in Southern Dalmatia (Croatia) and Western Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Our study focuses on a sizeable transboundary karst catchment in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, extending over 2000 km². A complex underground conduit system and extreme karst forms heterogeneity are the main characteristics of the area in question. Since determining the boundary of such a large and complex catchment is difficult, we used different kinds of data sets, of which the most relevant are the available geological data, hydrochemical data, hydrological data, and tracing tests data, to divide the regional catchment into six subcatchments. We also examined past archived reports and carried out new hydrological investigations of several major and minor springs. Our research results in a hydrogeological map that can be used as a base for establishing site-specific groundwater protection zones, for water balance calculations and the planning of new research in this area, especially the ones regulating combined cross-border efforts to prevent groundwater contamination and ensure sufficient drinking water.

本研究聚焦克罗地亚与波斯尼亚和黑塞哥维那境内一处面积逾2000平方千米的大型跨界喀斯特流域（transboundary karst catchment）。该区域的核心特征为复杂的地下管道系统，以及极端发育的喀斯特地貌与显著的非均质性。鉴于此类大型复杂流域的边界难以精准界定，本研究依托多类数据集开展流域划分工作，其中最具参考价值的数据集包括现有地质数据、水化学数据、水文数据及示踪试验数据，最终将该区域流域划分为6个子流域。本研究同时梳理了既往归档报告，并针对多处主次泉水开展了全新的水文调查。本研究最终生成一幅水文地质图，可作为划定针对性地下水保护区、开展区域水平衡计算、规划该领域后续研究的基础依据，尤其可用于支撑协调跨境联合行动以防控地下水污染、保障充足饮用水供应的相关研究规划。