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Publication Date
1-1-2000
Publication Title
Acta Carsologica
Volume Number
29
Issue Number
1
Abstract
A new approach for delineating protection zones in karst regions based upon vulnerability mapping of catchment areas is being developed at the Swiss National Hydrological and Geological Survey. Due to the particular hydrogeological characteristics of karst aquifers, specific protection measures are required. Protection zones in karst delineated on the basis of existing guidelines generally do not take into consideration hydrogeological factors, and therefore provide only limited efficiency. The newly proposed “EPIK” method is based on vulnerability mapping of the catchment area of the source, where various objective vulnerability factors are taken into consideration: epikarst (E), protective cover (P), infiltration conditions (I), and karstic network (K). A field application on the case of Saint-Imier pilot area is presented.
Keywords
Karst, Vulnerability mapping, Water protection zones, EPIK method
Geographic Subject
Switzerland; Saint-Imer (Switzerland)
Document Type
Article
Language
English and Slovenian
Recommended Citation
Tripet, Jean-Pierre; Doerfliger, Nathalie; and Zwahlen, François, "Vulnerability Mapping in Karst Areas and Its Uses in Switzerland" (2000). KIP Articles. 6403.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/6403
