"This book contains numerous illustrations ... and tables which help readers to understand hydrogeological and engineering geological terminology in karst areas. ... The present tome is addressed to professionals with a geological and hydrogeological background, students of earth sciences and water managers in karst environments. The text is written in such a way that it is easily understood; readers will rapidly become familiar with hydrogeological terms and engineering methods in karst environments." (Jacek Rózkowski, Geologos, Vol. 21 (3), 2015)
Part I: Characterization of Karst Aquifer (KA): Historical overview on karst research.- Karst environment and phenomena.- Characterization of KA.- overview of methods applied in karst Hydrogeology.- Part II: Engineering Aspects of Control and Protection of Karst Aquifer: Surface Waters and Groundwater in Karst.- Budget and General Assessment of Karst Groundwater Resources.- Evaluating Discharge Regimes.- Vulnerability to Contamination of KAs.- Physical Modeling of Karst Environment.- Mathematical Modeling.- Tapping of Karst Groundwater.- Monitoring of Karst Groundwater.- Catalog of Engineering Works in Karst and Their Effects.- Part III: Regulating and Protecting Karst Aquifer - Case Studies: Managing Karst Aquifers - Conceptualizations, Solutions, Impacts.- Karst Groundwater Availability and Sustainable Development.- Preventing Leakage and Mixture of Karst Groundwater.- Hazards in Karst and Managing Water Resources Quality.
This practical training guidebook makes an important contribution to karst hydrogeology. It presents supporting material for academic courses worldwide that include this and similar topics. It is an excellent sourcebook for students and other attendees of the International Karst School: Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers, which opened in Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina in 2014 and which will be organized every year in early summer.
As opposed to more theoretical works, this is a catalog of possible engineering interventions in karst and their implications. Although the majority of readers will be professionals with geology/hydrogeology backgrounds, the language is not purely technical making it accessible to a wider audience. This means that the methodology, case studies and experiences presented will also benefit water managers working in karst environments.