A methodology providing new insights into the flow patterns of karst aquifers: an example from SW Türkiye

Maramathas A., Katsanou K., SAĞIR Ç., Baba A., Lambrakis N.

Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, vol.83, no.10, 2024 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 83 Issue: 10
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10064-024-03894-5
  • Journal Name: Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, IBZ Online, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Environment Index, Geobase, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: Karst matrix, Percolation backbone, Percolation theory, Phase space
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This paper presents a new and innovative methodology for the investigation of karst systems using spring discharge. The behaviour of springs in phase space is investigated by plotting the measurements of spring discharge versus the measurements of the water level at the spring’s outlet. Such a diagram reveals new features of the function of the karst system and the discharge pattern of the spring that are not captured by common research methods. The application of this method to the Azmak Spring in southwestern Türkiye revealed the existence of five distinct discharge subsystems that operate alternately and never simultaneously. They have a specific connection between them, while the transition from one to another is not random but follows a pattern. An attempt was made to interpret these features using concepts from percolation theory.