engleski

Karst Ecohydrology

Ecohydrology can be defined as the science of integrating hydrological with biological processes over varied spatial and temporal scales. Karst is a specific medium where there exists a strong and direct interaction between the circulation and storage of groundwater and surface water. These fluxes affect the spatial distribution of organisms in karst habitats. In this paper special attention is paid to ecohydrological functions of large karst underground features (caves, pits, karst conduits etc.) which play a crucial dual role in: 1) Hydrology and hydrogeology of water circulation and storage ; 2) Ecology of the habitat for many rare and endangered species. Differences in morphology, hydrology, hydrogeology and climate have resulted in a remarkable range of different environments, which provide the opportunity for coexistence of different species. The role of the epikarstic and vadose zones, as well as caves in ecohydrological processes is discussed. The importance of the flood factor in the karst ecology is analysed.

karst; ecohydrology; vadose zone; flood; subterranean habitat

nije evidentirano