A conceptual model of groundwater dynamics in the catchment area of the Zagorska Mrežnica spring, the Karst Massif of Kapela Mountain

Abstract

The investigation area is located in the world-famous Dinaric karst. This study presents a conceptual model of groundwater dynamics and its interaction with surface waters, extending from the natural water retention of the Drežničko Polje to the spring zone on the far side of the Kapela Mountain range, including a description of the regional groundwater flow in the Zagorska Mrežnica spring zone. The aim of this research was to determine the possibility of an artificial enlargement of the natural retention of this karst field. Large amounts of water could be exploited in this way for the existing hydroelectric power plants of Gojak and Lešće on the Donja Dobra River. The prolonged retention of the water wave in the Drežničko Polje would extend its efficiency in regards to the production of electrical energy, and simultaneously achieve the mitigation of floods that frequently occur in the broader area of Ogulin. Photogeological analysis of the area was performed, together with geological and hydrogeological mapping, groundwater tracing, measurements of water flows in streams and springs, exploratory drilling and measurements of water levels in 26 piezometric boreholes in the Drežničko Polje. Available meteorological data from nearby weather stations (Jasenak, Drežnica and Modruš) were exploited, as well as hydrological data collected specifically for the modelling of runoff. Based on the results of the data processing, this study has determined: (1) the dynamics of the groundwater flow from the Drežničko Polje to the spring area of the Zagorska Mrežnica, (2) the dynamics of recharge and discharge of the natural retention of the Drežničko Polje; and (3) an improved interpretation of the Zagorska Mrežnica karst spring dynamics. The obtained results of groundwater flow dynamics indicate typical karst flow conditions in the Dinaric Karst, but also contain some specific features.