The karst hydrostructure of the mount canin (Julian Alps, Italy and Slovenia)

Abstract

The Mt. Canin massif, from a hydrogeological and geomorphological point of view, is a unique structure, being an independent part of the Italian Julian Alps (north east Italy) bounded on all sides by impressive karst springs. Extensive outcropping limestones go from the top (2587 m a.s.l.) to the bottom of the valleys (about 500 m a.s.l.) creating an hydrostructure subdivided between two countries originating two transboundary watersheds: the Mediterranean one to the South and the Black Sea to the North. The aim of this paper is to define the dynamic and the characteristics of the groundwaters and to identify the superficial and deep watersheds in order to elaborate the aquifer vulnerability.