Hydrology and groundwater
Water plays a vital role for people, ecosystems, and society as a whole. Global warming exacerbates the hydrological cycle, altering precipitation patterns, frequencies, and intensities. Additionally, human activity both influences and is influenced by surface and subsurface water flow.
About the topic
To manage water resources sustainably and anticipate future challenges, it is crucial to enhance our understanding of the intricate interactions within the water cycle and hydrological processes. This understanding is essential for mitigating the impacts of water-related geohazards.
In the field of karst hydrology, we study dynamic systems where water flows as underground rivers through cavernous networks that are either completely or partially filled with water. Continuous monitoring of parameters such as water temperature, electric conductivity, and water depth, combined with water sampling and dye tracing experiments, provides insights into underground flow paths, flow rates, water residence times, and the volume of water-filled cavities. This research also helps evaluate the risk of contamination, water quality, and vulnerability of water sources.