Investigation Of The Hydrogeological Setting Of Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Geophysical surveys were conducted at the Plitvice Lakes in the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia to help define the geological and hydrogeological setting of the Lakes.<br>Plitvice Lakes is one of Croatia’s most popular tourist attractions. It was set aside as a National Park in 1949, and was granted United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage status in 1979. The Lakes are located in an area dominated by carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites). The limestone units are typically highly permeable (karstic). The Lakes are formed in depressions and separated by travertine barriers with a number of impressive cascade falls. A complex system of joints and faults are postulated to form barriers that impede water flow and allow the formation of the natural reservoirs. Below the Lakes, the excess water flows out to the Korana River, which sinks underground in the permeable limestone during dry periods. Three geophysical methods (shallow seismic reflection, geoelectrical tomography and time domain electromagnetic soundings) were used to map structural features and rock types to assist in interpretation of hydrogeological relations and to site future investigation boreholes. This poster paper provides the preliminary results of the geophysical investigations.