engleski

Hydrological and morphological changes caused by natural breaking of tufa barrier in National Park Plitvice Lakes

Plitvice Lakes National Park is the oldest and largest national park in Croatia, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The main phenomena of the National Park are the system of 16 lakes separated by tufa barriers. The system has changed through the past, mostly owing to the dynamics of growth and erosion of barriers. In hydrological conditions of high water level with strong discharge and occurrence of frequent winter freezing and defrosting, the appearance of cracking and breaking of smaller parts of tufa barriers may occur. Bigger break of tufa barrier at one smaller lake named Milino jezero occurred in spring 2018 which resulted in the redirection of water flow, the accelerated decrease of the lake`s water level, and the complete drying of cascade tufa barriers and several unnamed lakes downstream. Such drastic changes have not been recorded in the history of the Plitvice Lakes. Possibility of even bigger changes of this type, which could alter appearance of the National Park are realized. A long-term monitoring of the area was established involving experts from different professions. Knowledge gained with such interdisciplinary approach will help in future to preserve beauty of the Plitvice Lakes.

Plitvice Lakes National Park, tufa barriers, nature protection, natural changes

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