Field of Study – Physical Geography (N 006)
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The karst region of Northern Lithuania covers about 1935 km², of which ~300 km² is an intense karst zone with sinkholes and karst lakes. The region is characterized by its unique specificity, which is determined by its unique geological conditions, minimal groundwater protection, and rapid interaction between precipitation, surface water, and groundwater.
The region is extremely sensitive to anthropogenic activity and climate change – both can accelerate the water circulation in the Tatula suite gypsum (precipitation – water infiltration – gypsum dissolution – river runoff), lead to the formation of underground voids and the emergence of sinkholes that are difficult to predict. These processes depend on the geological structure, water circulation, and man activity, but in recent years the intensity of karst processes has been particularly affected by climate change.
Warmer winters shorten the seasonal frost period, increasing precipitation and decreasing snow accumulation promote faster water circulation in gypsum rocks, forming underground cracks, voids and new sinkholes. This poses a threat to human safety, infrastructure and worsens water quality. Karst landscapes transform runoff: increase infiltration, reduce floods, change the shape of the hydrograph.
For this study measurements of river runoff in the intensive karst zone and surrounding areas will be collected and the impact of intensive karst zone on runoff and gypsum chemical denudation intensity during the hydrological observation period will be analysed. Based on IPCC scenarios that include changes in the water cycle, the runoff of the karst region and the intensity of gypsum chemical denudation will be predicted until 2100.
Long-term measurement data of gypsum denudation products in the karst region of Northern Lithuania will also be collected and systematized. Based on them, the intensity of gypsum chemical denudation will be calculated and the impact of climate change on gypsum chemical denudation will be assessed.
Research results will help assess the impact of the active karst zone and climate change on runoff and gypsum chemical denudation, when applying sustainable management of the karst region.