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Understanding changes in the hydrological behaviour within a karst aquifer (Lurbach system, Austria)
Cyril Mayaud1, Thomas Wagner1, Ralf Benischke2
1Institute for Earth Sciences, University of Graz, Heinrichstraße 26, 8010 Graz, Austria.
Carbonates and Evaporites
|January 13, 2017
Summary
A major flood event altered a karst aquifer
Area of Science:
- Hydrogeology
- Karst Systems
- Groundwater Modeling
Background:
- Observed changes in karst spring hydrograph dynamics post-flood event.
- Damped hydrograph with lower peaks and higher baseflow noted over four years.
- Hydrograph recession analysis indicates internal karst system changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate hydrological behavior changes in an Austrian binary karst aquifer.
- Determine the cause of altered spring hydrograph dynamics after a major flood.
- Utilize groundwater modeling to understand aquifer system modifications.
Main Methods:
- Conducted thorough data analysis of spring hydrograph.
- Employed the MODFLOW groundwater flow model for simulations.
- Analyzed hydrograph recession and simulated system changes.
Main Results:
- MODFLOW simulations suggest modified hydraulic conductivity and storage in conduits.
- Sediment plugging of drainage conduits is a potential cause for observed changes.
- Model reproduced spring flow dynamics, but simplified turbulent flow.
Conclusions:
- Karst system modifications, likely sediment-induced, altered hydrological behavior.
- Turbulent flow significantly impacts hydrograph damping, requiring specific models.
- Further research using turbulent flow models is needed for quantitative storage change assessment.
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