Modelling karst groundwater hydraulics -: An overview

The modelling of groundwater flow in karst aquifers is a challenge due to the extreme heterogeneity of its hydraulic parameters and the duality in their discharge behaviour, i.e. rapid response of highly conductive karst conduits and delayed drainage of the low-permeability fractured matrix after recharge events. Classical single continuum models cannot reproduce the observed high transport velocities and the characteristic discharge hydrographs, i.e. rapid increase and slow recession. The prediction of short-term and long-term water resources and the assessment of the vulnerability of the karst groundwater to contamination demand, however, quantitative simulation tools. This review paper presents available modelling tools, employed for in karst systems, ranging from lumped parameter ( global) models to distributive modelling concepts, including a critical evaluation.