Abstract
Analyses of spring discharges of a large karst system (Campania, Southern Italy) have been carried out to quantify the relation of rainfall and droughts. Due to a Mediterranean climate and hydrogeological conditions of the aquifers, spring hydrographs are characterised generally by one annual smoothed peak during spring season and a negligible quick flow component. Insufficient recharge due to poor annual rainfall can cause continuous decreasing discharge at springs, producing flat hydrographs (with no peak). Flat spring hydrographs induces a reduction in discharge during the following year as well. Thus, aquifers present a memory effect, which amplifies periods of poor rainfall. Droughts also appear to be induced by consecutive years with lower than average rainfall. Due to a long historical series and the specific karst spring regime, a flat hydrograph can be forecast as early as winter, providing a useful tool for water management.
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Fiorillo, F., Guadagno, F. (2010). Analysis of Spring Discharges During Droughts: Example from Karst Systems of Southern Italy. In: Andreo, B., Carrasco, F., Durán, J., LaMoreaux, J. (eds) Advances in Research in Karst Media. Environmental Earth Sciences. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12486-0_15
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-12486-0_15
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