Flowand mean residence time in karst unsaturated zone (Ochoz Cave, Moravian Karst)

 

Helena Vysoká, Jiří Kamas, Jiří Bruthans, Zdenka Churáčková, Milan Jež

Geoscience Research Reports 42, 2009 (GRR for 2008), pages 255–258
Map sheets: Vyškov (24-41)

Full text (PDF, 0.39 MB)

 

Abstract

Flow pattern and residence time in karst unsaturated zone (epikarst) was studied (Ochoz Cave, Moravian Karst, Czech Republic) by means of environmental tracers - 180,3H, CFC and SF6, tracer test, logging of conductivity, discharge, etc. Mean residence time in unsaturated zone is 5-20 years, while in soil zone the residence time is few months. Autochtonous karst springs show similar mean residence time as unsaturated zone seepage. Studied karst unsaturated zone thus probably presents dominant reservoir in whole karst aquifer. Conceptual model of karst unsaturated zone at locality is presented.