Distributed hydrological‑hydraulic modeling of the karst polje water balance

Abstract

The paper presents developed 3Dnet-HET, a distributed hydrologic model coupled with the discrete channel network concept for groundwater circulation simulation in the karst environment. The hydrologic part is driven by the spatially distributed precipitation input and characteristic air temperatures to produce surface runoff and groundwater infiltration as a result. This represents input for the “horizontal water balance” module in which the groundwater flow is simulated by the system of discrete conduits representing known groundwater paths. In this study, the model is applied for simulation of the Dabarsko polje water balance in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as the river Bregava catchment runoff. The model is firstly calibrated based on recorded water levels in the Dabarsko polje and flow discharges at the Bregava spring. Obtained model is utilized to analyze the Dabarsko polje water balance and possible effects of the planned hydropower plant “Dabar”. Results indicate a high flow variation and necessity of integrated real-time water management of the whole Trebišnjica system.