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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

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