Hydrogeology of the sinking zone of the Korana River downstream of the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Research reveals that the Korana River's sinking zone downstream of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia, harbors a transboundary aquifer with potential for sustainable water supply relocation. During dry periods, groundwater levels drop approximately 25 meters below the riverbed, indicating an active aquifer capable of supporting additional research for water management solutions. Tracing tests confirmed a connection to the Klokot spring in Bosnia and Herzegovina's Una River catchment, underscoring the aquifer's transboundary nature. The study suggests that capturing around 60 liters per second (l/s) from this zone would not significantly impact the Klokot spring's discharge, which ranges from 3 m³/s to over 75 m³/s. This finding opens avenues for relocating water supply sources while maintaining ecological balance.

Biondić, R., Meaški, H., & Biondić, B. (2016). Hydrogeology of the sinking zone of the Korana River downstream of the Plitvice Lakes, Croatia. Acta Carsologica, 45(1). https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v45i1.3057