Interaction between surface water and groundwater in karst is so strong that in most cases it is not possible to split hydrological from hydrogeological approaches and methods .
I think hydrology discusses about surface water and it interaction with the karst bodies, but karst hydrogeology involves by geological media, (ground)water and soluble materials interactions.
The hydrology put focus on the study of surface water and the mechanics of water movement and its interaction with the karst.
The hydrogeology put more effort into understanding the groundwater movement and Interaction with rocks and minerals forming the karst. However, their studies have lots of overlapping aspects, as water movement is complex and does not simply go in one direction (surface to underground or vice versa). Both, hydrologist and -geologists, learn the basic water cycle, basic chemical compounds and interaction with organic and anorganic material, physico-mechanical behaviour.
Best regards
In simple terms hydrology focuses on the properties, distribution occurrence and movement of surface and groundwater whereas hydrogeoleogy mainly focuses on the recharge, availability and interaction of groundwater with the geological formations and processes.
karst hydrology focuses on the study surface water and (in groundwater called geohydrology) and its characteristics at karst landform.
karst hydrogeology more focused on the water "container"
In accordance with my long-lasting experience (especially in karst engineering applications) there is no possible strictly differentiate and split these two approaches. In theory it is possible.
I agree with Prof. Bonacci. The point to note is the use of the term "Karst", which points to the geologic media. Hence, hydrology and hydrogeology in this sense are synonymous. Similarly, for a karst system with active variable area hydrology, surface and groundwater systems work as an integrated system and are inseparable. Consequently, there is no distinction from a systems view between surface and groundwater.
With all the respect, I disagree that term 'Karst' points to geologic media. Karst is type of relief developed in certain geological, hydrological and (in general) environmental conditions by the long-term geochemical, geomorphologic and etc. processes. For me hydrology is part of engineering and hydrogeology is part of geology with well defined objects of research and applications. These are textbooks views, but reality is different and therefore more interesting. They can have different approaches and use, but often research similar topics. An engineer must know both hydrology and hydrogeology and practical hydrogeologist often needs knowledge from hydrology. And must know surface water in karst/fluviokarst to explain the groundwater and vice versa. Therefore it is hard to split them...
Dear All,
hydrogeology deals with the subsurface water within the lithosphere and is only related to the surface water as far as its interaction with the subsurface water is concerned. By some hydrogeologists it is also described as the geology of groundwater.
Hydrology is a technical term placed in the hierarchy at a much higher level (1st order) and deals with the global H2O system be it in the liquid, solid or gaseous state. It is the scientific approach taken to investigate the hydrosphere which bridges the gap between lithosphere, atmosphere, and pedosphere.
In case of any regional scientific study of karst phenomena I would prefer the term "hydrogeology".
Kind regards
H.G.Dill
Yes, you are right i we are looking at hydrology as theoretical science. But , problem is if we look at hydrology as extremely important engineering discipline.
The technical terms of both disciplines/ subjects hydrology and hydrogeology do not exclude to be used in applied sciences be it geosciences or engineering sciences. They cater for scientists working more genetic and applied, alike.
There is no contradiction.
But, in reality praxis is very different than theory. My opinion is (maybe I am not right after 58 years of experience) this is not good direction.
Very important and interesting question Dr. Ognjen Bonacci and answers Dr Harald G. Dill and Hamza Jakada many thanks
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