Impact of Hydrological Extremes on Alpine Karst Groundwater Resources (IMKA)

  • Contact:

    Dr. N. Göppert

    M.Sc. S. Frank

  • Funding: 7. Rahmenprogramm der EU, Marie Curie Programm Menschen, Career Integration Grant (CIG)
  • Start date: 2012
  • End date: 2016
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Summary

 

In some alpine regions more than 50% of the water supply relies on karst groundwater. At the same time, karst aquifers are particularly vulnerable to contamination and show rapid discharge and water quality variations in response to precipitation. Due to climate change, the frequency of intensive storm rainfall will increase and therefore the risk of potential karst groundwater contamination will also increase.

 

Within the framework of this project, the impact of such extreme hydrological events on alpine karst springs is investigated. The test site Formarin Lake is located in the headwaters of the river Lech which belongs to the Northern Calcareous Alps. Tracer tests will be used to characterize the hydrogeological properties of the karst aquifer. A detailed monitoring of spring discharge and hydrochemical parameters during rainfall events at selected springs is expected to give new insight into their impact on the water quality of alpine karst aquifers.

 

 Karrenfield with Rillen- and Rinnenkarren located at the Steinernes Meer = stony sea, view from the Steinernes Meer to the Rote Wand = red wall mountain (on the left in the background).  Measurement of the hydrochemical field parameters at a group of springs in the headwaters of the Lech River.  View to the Formarin Lake in the headwaters of the Lech River. The Formarin Lake has no surface outflow but water drains into the underground via swallow holes.
 

Karrenfield with Rillen- and Rinnenkarren located at the Steinernes Meer = stony sea, view from the Steinernes Meer to the Rote Wand = red wall mountain (on the left in the background).

  

Measurement of the hydrochemical field parameters at a group of springs in the headwaters of the Lech River.

  

View to the Formarin Lake in the headwaters of the Lech River. The Formarin Lake has no surface outflow but water drains into the underground via swallow holes.