Hydrological System of the Plitvice Lakes—Trends and Changes in Water Levels, Inflows, and Losses

Extreme hydrological events in the last decade, including high discharges, have significantly altered the Plitvice Lakes' system. Research reveals that while Kozjak Lake previously experienced decreasing discharges with rising water levels and growing tufa barriers (pre-1990s), post-2001 trends show increased discharges, falling water levels, and shrinking barriers due to erosion. Water losses from the lake system remain stable but occur during low-water periods, influenced by both surface flow and underground hydrological conditions. This study provides a methodological framework for analyzing similar karst systems formed by tufa deposition.

Radišić, M., Rubinić, J., Ružić, I., & Brozinčević, A. (2021). Hydrological System of the Plitvice Lakes—Trends and Changes in Water Levels, Inflows, and Losses. Hydrology, 8(4), 174. https://doi.org/10.3390/hydrology8040174