Publisher © Czech Geological Survey, ISSN: 2336-5757 (online), 0514-8057 (print)
Flowand mean residence time in karst unsaturated zone (Ochoz Cave, Moravian Karst)
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.