The area of the Classical Karst is roughly defined by a triangle with Ljubljana, Trieste and Rije... more The area of the Classical Karst is roughly defined by a triangle with Ljubljana, Trieste and Rijeka as its vertices. This is the area where the first scientific studies of karst phenomena were conducted. Two sub-regions that particularly attracted researchers are presented. Kras/Carso plateau with the Škocjan caves and the underground course of the Reka river. The groundwater flow of Reka-Timavo is characterised by high recharge variability of allogenic inflow of Reka River and flow restrictions in the upper part of subterranean flow, which control regional backfloodings observed in cave systems. The recharge area of Ljubljanica Springs is known for a cascading series of poljes in intermediate cave systems. The area has been in focus of hydrological studies for over a century, but many phenomena have been resolved in the last decade based on results of continuous autonomous monitoring in the last decade. Key words: Classical Karst, Kras, Škocjanske Jame, Reka-Timavo system, Ljubljan...
Around 13% of the Earth’s surface is covered by carbonate rocks, on which a specific karst landsc... more Around 13% of the Earth’s surface is covered by carbonate rocks, on which a specific karst landscape with extensive underground water system develops.
In karst areas, underground water mainly flows through conduits and fissures due to the solubilit... more In karst areas, underground water mainly flows through conduits and fissures due to the solubility of carbonate rocks (Palmer in Cave geology. Cave Books, Dayton, Ohio, p. 454, 2007).
<p>Poljes are flat closed depressions in karst terrains that are prone to r... more <p>Poljes are flat closed depressions in karst terrains that are prone to regular flooding. The strongest floods can be several meters high and persist for months, making significant damages in infrastructures. To predict how climate change might affect the occurrence, amplitude and duration of the flood, a better understanding of the flooding dynamics is necessary. Among others, the computation of the water balance is a prerequisite. This method allows assessing when the polje will begin to flood, and gives information on the maximum water level potentially reached. However, this technique encounters the difficulty that a notable part of the inflow entering in poljes is generally ungauged, while it is challenging to quantify the outflow. This is because numerous springs and ponors activate only temporary with the rise of the water level. Moreover, many poljes are generally poorly monitored due to financial reasons. This work aims to see whether these drawbacks can be overcome. To this end, a typical Dinaric polje recharged by a combination of allogenic inflow and a rise of the regional groundwater level is equipped with a network of several measuring stations installed over its surface and in the nearby water-active caves. Combining an accurate Lidar of the surface with recorded water levels and inflow of the main two springs made possible to evaluate the polje flooding dynamics and to characterize its water balance. The method is able to quantify the polje total inflow, while an estimation of the outflow is presented. Then, the main ungauged signals affecting flooding are identified and separated. These values are used as input and calibration data in a numerical model aiming to reproduce the flood dynamics of the polje and its surrounding aquifer. Modelling results validate both water balance and conceptual hydrogeological model, and justify the significance of installing a network of several hydrological stations to monitor the poljes. The method can be applied to other poljes flooding in a complex way of superimposed input and output signals.</p>
Quantification of present-day fundamental chemical processes in caves (dissolution and calcite pr... more Quantification of present-day fundamental chemical processes in caves (dissolution and calcite precipitation) can provide basic objective information on rates, make possible comparison with other speleogenetic processes, and provide insights into spatial and temporal variability as well as factors controlling both processes.
This chapter introduces Skocjanske jame (Skocjan Caves) and their immediate karstic surroundings ... more This chapter introduces Skocjanske jame (Skocjan Caves) and their immediate karstic surroundings to those who are not already familiar with the place, and its overall history over several centuries.
In this chapter, we review the status of the hypothesis that the dichotomy between shallow and de... more In this chapter, we review the status of the hypothesis that the dichotomy between shallow and deep subterranean habitats is a fundamental one, updating the original book-length presentation of this hypothesis (Culver and Pipan 2014), and consider the status of dim light habitats, such as leaf litter and partially de-roofed caves (Mejia-Ortiz et al. 2018).
About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 ... more About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 known caves represent a significant proportion of its landscape. Various sediments present on the karst surface in the form of clastic or precipitated deposits can cover or fill smaller or extended areas and they can also accumulate in the caves.
For understanding geological structure of karst areas (Palmer in Cave geology, Cave Books, Dayton... more For understanding geological structure of karst areas (Palmer in Cave geology, Cave Books, Dayton, Ohio, p 454, 2007) it is inevitably to have detailed geological maps.
In Western Slovenia, a paleokarstic surface with clayey bauxite deposits separates late? Cenomani... more In Western Slovenia, a paleokarstic surface with clayey bauxite deposits separates late? Cenomanian to late Turonian strata from middle/late Coniacian palustrine?, peritidal and shallow-marine carbonate deposits along the external-most preserved parts of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform (AdCP).
The rock relief of karst phenomena is often a revealing and graphic trace of their formation and ... more The rock relief of karst phenomena is often a revealing and graphic trace of their formation and development. It is composed of rock forms.
Špela GORIČKI*, Primož PRESETNIK, Uršula PROSENC-ZMRZLJAK, Tajda GREDAR, Matej BLATNIK, Blaž KOGO... more Špela GORIČKI*, Primož PRESETNIK, Uršula PROSENC-ZMRZLJAK, Tajda GREDAR, Matej BLATNIK, Blaž KOGOVŠEK, Oliver KOIT, Cyril MAYAUD, Sara STRAH, Branko JALŽIĆ, Gregor ALJANČIČ, Dejan ŠTEBIH, Andrej HUDOKLIN, Rok KOŠIR Scriptorium biologorum Biološka pisarna d.o.o., Ulica Nikole Tesla 6, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia; E-mail: goricki.spela@gmail.com Tolstojeva ulica 9b, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mail: primoz.presetnik@amis.net BIA Separations CRO, Labena d.o.o, Teslova ulica 30, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mails: ursula.prosenc@biaseparationscro.com, rok.kosir@biaseparationscro.com Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mail: tajda.gredar@gmail.com ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute, Titov trg 2, SI-6230 Postojna, Slovenia; E-mails: mblatnik@zrc-sazu.si, blaz.kogovsek@zrc-sazu.si, cyril.mayaud@zrc-sazu.si UNESCO Chair on Karst Education, University of Nova Gorica, Glavni trg 8, SI-5271 Vipava, Slovenia In...
Caves represent a discontinuity in a rock matrix and are considered as “dark openings” into the u... more Caves represent a discontinuity in a rock matrix and are considered as “dark openings” into the underground. Typical cave features—voids, cracks, fissures, or conduits—are filled with air (or mixture of various gases), water, or solid inorganic and/or organic material.
Karst aquifers are abundant, but vulnerable water resources. Therefore, a deeper understanding of... more Karst aquifers are abundant, but vulnerable water resources. Therefore, a deeper understanding of possible mechanisms that determine the properties of karst springs is crucial. In this work, we present an example of Unica Spring and Malni Spring, the two main outlets of a large karst system in the Notranjska karst region, Slovenia. Although the two springs share same catchment area, the flow distribution between them shows an interesting behaviour: At low-flow conditions, Malni Spring is the main outlet, while Unica spring receives almost no water. During high water events, discharge of Malni Spring stays limited and Unica Spring becomes the main outlet. We relate these observations to the local geometry of the channels and breakdowns in the remote part of the Planinska Jama (Planina Cave), called Mysterious Lake. There, waters from Rakov Škocjan and Javorniki aquifer merge and further diverge to both springs. At low water conditions, the outflow towards the Unica Spring is restrict...
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Recent records of Proteus anguinus outside its historically known range (Gorički et al. 2017), di... more Recent records of Proteus anguinus outside its historically known range (Gorički et al. 2017), discovered through detection of its DNA dissolved in groundwater (environmental DNA or eDNA), mark the beginning of a new era in the study and conservation of cryptic subterranean biodiversity. An upgraded technology, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), initially developed for studies of gene expression, detection of genetically modified organisms and in medical diagnostics, is being tested for improved detection of the much smaller and rare stygobiont, the cave clam Congeria jalzici. In parallel to eDNA assay development for various stygobiotic species of the Dinaric Karst, a groundwater-sample library is being created. The samples will be available for future analysis of their species composition and will also serve as a source of information on any changes in species distribution over time. In another line of eDNA research, the utility of ddPCR for direct quantification of eDNA molecules in gr...
About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 ... more About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 known caves represent a significant proportion of its landscape. Various sediments present on the karst surface in the form of clastic or precipitated deposits can cover or fill smaller or extended areas and they can also accumulate in the caves.
The area of the Classical Karst is roughly defined by a triangle with Ljubljana, Trieste and Rije... more The area of the Classical Karst is roughly defined by a triangle with Ljubljana, Trieste and Rijeka as its vertices. This is the area where the first scientific studies of karst phenomena were conducted. Two sub-regions that particularly attracted researchers are presented. Kras/Carso plateau with the Škocjan caves and the underground course of the Reka river. The groundwater flow of Reka-Timavo is characterised by high recharge variability of allogenic inflow of Reka River and flow restrictions in the upper part of subterranean flow, which control regional backfloodings observed in cave systems. The recharge area of Ljubljanica Springs is known for a cascading series of poljes in intermediate cave systems. The area has been in focus of hydrological studies for over a century, but many phenomena have been resolved in the last decade based on results of continuous autonomous monitoring in the last decade. Key words: Classical Karst, Kras, Škocjanske Jame, Reka-Timavo system, Ljubljan...
Around 13% of the Earth’s surface is covered by carbonate rocks, on which a specific karst landsc... more Around 13% of the Earth’s surface is covered by carbonate rocks, on which a specific karst landscape with extensive underground water system develops.
In karst areas, underground water mainly flows through conduits and fissures due to the solubilit... more In karst areas, underground water mainly flows through conduits and fissures due to the solubility of carbonate rocks (Palmer in Cave geology. Cave Books, Dayton, Ohio, p. 454, 2007).
<p>Poljes are flat closed depressions in karst terrains that are prone to r... more <p>Poljes are flat closed depressions in karst terrains that are prone to regular flooding. The strongest floods can be several meters high and persist for months, making significant damages in infrastructures. To predict how climate change might affect the occurrence, amplitude and duration of the flood, a better understanding of the flooding dynamics is necessary. Among others, the computation of the water balance is a prerequisite. This method allows assessing when the polje will begin to flood, and gives information on the maximum water level potentially reached. However, this technique encounters the difficulty that a notable part of the inflow entering in poljes is generally ungauged, while it is challenging to quantify the outflow. This is because numerous springs and ponors activate only temporary with the rise of the water level. Moreover, many poljes are generally poorly monitored due to financial reasons. This work aims to see whether these drawbacks can be overcome. To this end, a typical Dinaric polje recharged by a combination of allogenic inflow and a rise of the regional groundwater level is equipped with a network of several measuring stations installed over its surface and in the nearby water-active caves. Combining an accurate Lidar of the surface with recorded water levels and inflow of the main two springs made possible to evaluate the polje flooding dynamics and to characterize its water balance. The method is able to quantify the polje total inflow, while an estimation of the outflow is presented. Then, the main ungauged signals affecting flooding are identified and separated. These values are used as input and calibration data in a numerical model aiming to reproduce the flood dynamics of the polje and its surrounding aquifer. Modelling results validate both water balance and conceptual hydrogeological model, and justify the significance of installing a network of several hydrological stations to monitor the poljes. The method can be applied to other poljes flooding in a complex way of superimposed input and output signals.</p>
Quantification of present-day fundamental chemical processes in caves (dissolution and calcite pr... more Quantification of present-day fundamental chemical processes in caves (dissolution and calcite precipitation) can provide basic objective information on rates, make possible comparison with other speleogenetic processes, and provide insights into spatial and temporal variability as well as factors controlling both processes.
This chapter introduces Skocjanske jame (Skocjan Caves) and their immediate karstic surroundings ... more This chapter introduces Skocjanske jame (Skocjan Caves) and their immediate karstic surroundings to those who are not already familiar with the place, and its overall history over several centuries.
In this chapter, we review the status of the hypothesis that the dichotomy between shallow and de... more In this chapter, we review the status of the hypothesis that the dichotomy between shallow and deep subterranean habitats is a fundamental one, updating the original book-length presentation of this hypothesis (Culver and Pipan 2014), and consider the status of dim light habitats, such as leaf litter and partially de-roofed caves (Mejia-Ortiz et al. 2018).
About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 ... more About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 known caves represent a significant proportion of its landscape. Various sediments present on the karst surface in the form of clastic or precipitated deposits can cover or fill smaller or extended areas and they can also accumulate in the caves.
For understanding geological structure of karst areas (Palmer in Cave geology, Cave Books, Dayton... more For understanding geological structure of karst areas (Palmer in Cave geology, Cave Books, Dayton, Ohio, p 454, 2007) it is inevitably to have detailed geological maps.
In Western Slovenia, a paleokarstic surface with clayey bauxite deposits separates late? Cenomani... more In Western Slovenia, a paleokarstic surface with clayey bauxite deposits separates late? Cenomanian to late Turonian strata from middle/late Coniacian palustrine?, peritidal and shallow-marine carbonate deposits along the external-most preserved parts of the Adriatic Carbonate Platform (AdCP).
The rock relief of karst phenomena is often a revealing and graphic trace of their formation and ... more The rock relief of karst phenomena is often a revealing and graphic trace of their formation and development. It is composed of rock forms.
Špela GORIČKI*, Primož PRESETNIK, Uršula PROSENC-ZMRZLJAK, Tajda GREDAR, Matej BLATNIK, Blaž KOGO... more Špela GORIČKI*, Primož PRESETNIK, Uršula PROSENC-ZMRZLJAK, Tajda GREDAR, Matej BLATNIK, Blaž KOGOVŠEK, Oliver KOIT, Cyril MAYAUD, Sara STRAH, Branko JALŽIĆ, Gregor ALJANČIČ, Dejan ŠTEBIH, Andrej HUDOKLIN, Rok KOŠIR Scriptorium biologorum Biološka pisarna d.o.o., Ulica Nikole Tesla 6, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia; E-mail: goricki.spela@gmail.com Tolstojeva ulica 9b, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mail: primoz.presetnik@amis.net BIA Separations CRO, Labena d.o.o, Teslova ulica 30, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mails: ursula.prosenc@biaseparationscro.com, rok.kosir@biaseparationscro.com Department of Biology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Večna pot 111, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; E-mail: tajda.gredar@gmail.com ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute, Titov trg 2, SI-6230 Postojna, Slovenia; E-mails: mblatnik@zrc-sazu.si, blaz.kogovsek@zrc-sazu.si, cyril.mayaud@zrc-sazu.si UNESCO Chair on Karst Education, University of Nova Gorica, Glavni trg 8, SI-5271 Vipava, Slovenia In...
Caves represent a discontinuity in a rock matrix and are considered as “dark openings” into the u... more Caves represent a discontinuity in a rock matrix and are considered as “dark openings” into the underground. Typical cave features—voids, cracks, fissures, or conduits—are filled with air (or mixture of various gases), water, or solid inorganic and/or organic material.
Karst aquifers are abundant, but vulnerable water resources. Therefore, a deeper understanding of... more Karst aquifers are abundant, but vulnerable water resources. Therefore, a deeper understanding of possible mechanisms that determine the properties of karst springs is crucial. In this work, we present an example of Unica Spring and Malni Spring, the two main outlets of a large karst system in the Notranjska karst region, Slovenia. Although the two springs share same catchment area, the flow distribution between them shows an interesting behaviour: At low-flow conditions, Malni Spring is the main outlet, while Unica spring receives almost no water. During high water events, discharge of Malni Spring stays limited and Unica Spring becomes the main outlet. We relate these observations to the local geometry of the channels and breakdowns in the remote part of the Planinska Jama (Planina Cave), called Mysterious Lake. There, waters from Rakov Škocjan and Javorniki aquifer merge and further diverge to both springs. At low water conditions, the outflow towards the Unica Spring is restrict...
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Recent records of Proteus anguinus outside its historically known range (Gorički et al. 2017), di... more Recent records of Proteus anguinus outside its historically known range (Gorički et al. 2017), discovered through detection of its DNA dissolved in groundwater (environmental DNA or eDNA), mark the beginning of a new era in the study and conservation of cryptic subterranean biodiversity. An upgraded technology, droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), initially developed for studies of gene expression, detection of genetically modified organisms and in medical diagnostics, is being tested for improved detection of the much smaller and rare stygobiont, the cave clam Congeria jalzici. In parallel to eDNA assay development for various stygobiotic species of the Dinaric Karst, a groundwater-sample library is being created. The samples will be available for future analysis of their species composition and will also serve as a source of information on any changes in species distribution over time. In another line of eDNA research, the utility of ddPCR for direct quantification of eDNA molecules in gr...
About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 ... more About 44% of Slovenia’s surface consists of carbonate rocks. Karst geomorphology and over 13,000 known caves represent a significant proportion of its landscape. Various sediments present on the karst surface in the form of clastic or precipitated deposits can cover or fill smaller or extended areas and they can also accumulate in the caves.
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