Modelling hazards impacting the flow regime in the Hranice Karst due to the proposed Skalicka Dam

Abstract

This study examines the hydrogeological hazard associated with the construction of the proposed Skalička Dam in the vicinity of the Hranice Karst. Prompted by the catastrophic regional floods in 1997 and 2010, the design of the dam aims to mitigate floods along the Bečva River downstream of the reservoir. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential disturbance of the natural groundwater regime in the Hranice Karst and the source of mineral waters for the Teplice spa. This is due in particular to the dam's location in an area with limestone outcrops potentially susceptible to surface-water infiltration. Previous studies have also highlighted the strong correlation between the water level in the Bečva River and the water level in karst formations such as the Hranice Abyss, Zbrašov Aragonite Caves, and other caves in the locality. To address these concerns, a nonlinear reservoir-pipe groundwater flow model was employed to simulate the behaviour of the Hranice Karst aquifer and specifically the effects of the dam reservoir's impoundment. The study concluded that the lateral variant of the dam would have a practically negligible impact on the karst water system, with the rise in water level being only a few centimetres. The through-flow variant was found to have a more significant potential impact on water levels and the outflow of mineral water to the spa, with a piezometric rise of about 1m and an increase in the karst water discharge to the Bečva River of more than 50%. Based on these results, recommendations for further investigations concerning the design of the dam and its eventual construction have been formulated to reduce geological uncertainties and to minimize the potential impact of the hydraulic scheme on the hydrogeology of the karstic system.This study examines the hydrogeological hazard associated with the construction of the proposed Skalička Dam in the vicinity of the Hranice Karst. Prompted by the catastrophic regional floods in 1997 and 2010, the design of the dam aims to mitigate floods along the Bečva River downstream of the reservoir. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential disturbance of the natural groundwater regime in the Hranice Karst and the source of mineral waters for the Teplice spa. This is due in particular to the dam's location in an area with limestone outcrops potentially susceptible to surface-water infiltration. Previous studies have also highlighted the strong correlation between the water level in the Bečva River and the water level in karst formations such as the Hranice Abyss, Zbrašov Aragonite Caves, and other caves in the locality. To address these concerns, a nonlinear reservoir-pipe groundwater flow model was employed to simulate the behaviour of the Hranice Karst aquifer and specifically the effects of the dam reservoir's impoundment. The study concluded that the lateral variant of the dam would have a practically negligible impact on the karst water system, with the rise in water level being only a few centimetres. The through-flow variant was found to have a more significant potential impact on water levels and the outflow of mineral water to the spa, with a piezometric rise of about 1m and an increase in the karst water discharge to the Bečva River of more than 50%. Based on these results, recommendations for further investigations concerning the design of the dam and its eventual construction have been formulated to reduce geological uncertainties and to minimize the potential impact of the hydraulic scheme on the hydrogeology of the karstic system.