Insight into heterogeneous karst catchment by the dynamical system approach

The hydrological process heterogeneity in karst catchments makes collecting sufficient information about the karst system properties extremely difficult. Consequently, the parameterization and application of currently available modeling approaches is highly uncertain in karst. We implemented a modified dynamical system approach and explored the possibilities to analyze, simulate and characterize karst springs and sinking streams in the heterogeneous Ljubljanica river catchment in Slovenia. The discharge sensitivity functions were used to simulate the hydrographs and identify the differences in the temporal dynamics of the discharge recession. Most of the derived karst springs and sinking streams discharge sensitivity functions express dual discharge recession behavior most likely controlled by the hydraulic conveyance characteristics of karst underground conduits. The implemented approach offers a high potential for advancement in karst hydrology by using basic discharge data for analyses of karst catchment characteristics and future planning of karst water resource management.