What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine groundwater recharge mechanisms, storage dynamics, and subsurface flow pathways across heterogeneous karst aquifers using multi-isotope tracers.

August 16, 2026Journal of Hydrology Regional StudiesOpen Access

Characterising recharge, storage and flow pathways in karst aquifers in central Slovenia using stable water isotopes, tritium and chlorine-36

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

VJVanessa E. JohnstonSlovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts FŠFilip ŠarcSlovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts SCStanisław ChmielUniversalmuseum Joanneum

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Observational tracer study reveals rapid conduit transport in shallow systems and stable deep mixing in karst aquifers, highlighting dual-storage groundwater dynamics.

Key Points

To determine groundwater recharge mechanisms, storage dynamics, and subsurface flow pathways across heterogeneous karst aquifers using multi-isotope tracers.
Measured stable water isotopes (δ²H and δ¹⁸O), tritium, and chlorine-36 at biweekly intervals over one year.
Sampled precipitation, river water, karst springs, and deep artesian borehole waters in a fluviokarst region.
Karst springs in shallow aquifers demonstrated rapid, synchronized isotopic responses to precipitation, driven by conduit and fracture flow.
Soil and near-surface micro-fractures retained water storage that mobilized primarily during heavy rainfall events.
Artesian borehole waters exhibited minimal isotopic variation, reflecting deep, well-mixed groundwater recharged under cooler climatic conditions with minor shallow mixing.

Cite This Study

Johnston et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a8179cbf2fb91fc834ad359 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejrh.2026.103865

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Implication

Observational tracer study reveals rapid conduit transport in shallow systems and stable deep mixing in karst aquifers, highlighting dual-storage groundwater dynamics.

Characterising recharge, storage and flow pathways in karst aquifers in central Slovenia using stable water isotopes, tritium and chlorine-36

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Characterising recharge, storage and flow pathways in karst aquifers in central Slovenia using stable water isotopes, tritium and chlorine-36

Discussion

Member takes

Implication

Key Points

Cite This Study

Also Consider

Also Consider