Research Projects

Research Organisation Partners

•  ZRC SAZU (leading)
•  UL BF (participating)
•  Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (without funding)
•  Trinity College Dublin, Civil Structural and Environmental Engineering (without funding)

Abstract

The aim of the project is to perform a detailed study of the long-term hydrological dynamics and associated habitats within the poljes, and to determine their variability due to the joint pressure of climate change and human development. On the basis of the findings and expected trends, we will formulate guidelines for the sustainable management of such karst areas. The research will be carried out on Cerkniško Polje, where long-term data is already available, but the results will be applicable also for many other karst areas.

Cerkniško Polje is the largest karst polje in Slovenia, which is regularly flooded. Its floor is slightly tilted and so different areas are flooded for different durations which has led to different habitat types with high biodiversity developing. The polje belongs to the recharge area of the Malenščica spring, which is used for a water supply. Throughout history, people have implemented various interventions to adapt to flooding dynamics, which was also reflected in the change of habitat characteristics. The consequences of climate change are also already noticeable. This motivates us for a more detailed research of the proposed karst area.

For successful implementation, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary with the following goals:

• continuous measurements of water level, temperature and conductivity at different parts of polje;
• spot measurements of water quality (physical and chemical parameters) and discharge;
• mapping of habitat types and vegetation communities using fieldwork and remote sensing;
• hydrological modelling of flooding and water balance;
• determination of relationships between hydrological and ecological characteristics;
• upgraded assessment of impact of human activities and climate change;
• assessment of future flooding dynamics and distribution of habitat types in response to expected climate change and human activities;
• ​development of guidelines for the sustainable management of the karst area within its capabilities.

External link to Researchers Open in new window

• External link to Aleksandra Golob Open in new window
• External link to Igor Zelnik Open in new window
• External link to Nik Ojdanič Open in new window 
• External link to Mateja Germ  Open in new window
• External link to Matej Blatnik  Open in new window
• External link to Nataša Viršek Ravbar  Open in new window
• External link to Metka Petrič  Open in new window
• External link to Franci Gabrovšek Open in new window
• External link to Darja Kolar  Open in new window
• External link to Jaroslav Obu Open in new window
• External link to Filip Šarc  Open in new window

The phases of the project and their realization

WORK PACKAGE 1 – OBTAINING DATA RELATED TO HYDROLOGY

1.1. Collection of existing hydrological and meteorological data

1.2. Establishment and maintenance of continuous monitoring network

1.3 Observations of water level with remote sensing

1.4. Measurements of quantity and quality of water

WORK PACKAGE 2 - OBTAINING DATA RELATED TO ECOLOGY

2.1. Collection of existing ecological data

2.2. Inventory of vegetation communities and habitat types

2.3. Additional study of ecological data

WORK PACKAGE 3 – INTERPRETATION OF OBTAINED DATA AND MODELLING

3.1. Analysis and interpretation of obtained data

3.2. Hydrological modelling

3.3. Modelling of climate change scenarios

WORK PACKAGE 4 – SYNTHESIS OF ALL RESULTS (DETERMINATION OF HYDROLOGICAL DYNAMICS AND DEVELOPMENT OF GUIDELINES)

4.1. Assessment of climate change and human activities and predictions of the future dynamics

4.2. Guidelines for sustainable management of the karst area

WORK PACKAGE 5 – PROJECT MANAGEMENT, DISSEMINATION AND OUTREACH

5.1. Project management

5.2. Presentation of results, organization of workshops for public