Croatia's Hydrology- The Plitvice Lakes

            Croatia is home to one of the largest, and oldest national parks in Southeast Europe. Plitvice Lakes National Park is a perfect example of how hydrology is present in each country, and showcased in multiple forms. Hydrology is the study of the way water is moved and distributed. As well, the study of hydrology covers the quality of the water. One of the main ways water is stored is in lakes, streams, and oceans. There are in sixteen lakes that can be seen from the surface in the national park. However, the lakes cascade into small pools of water that create a waterfall effect. The lakes are a result of the pooling from several tiny rivers and subterranean karst rivers.  

               The lakes are separated into upper and lower lakes. They are separated by natural dams that are referred to as dams of travertine. Travertine is a form of limestone that is common in areas with natural springs or hot springs. Moss, algae, and bacteria commonly grow atop the dams thus creating the lush green image that can be seen throughout the national park. The water from the lakes mix with the limestone dams and create an environment that makes if easy for moss and algae to grow. With the flowing water the area is prone to lush flora and fauna. The roots of the multiple types of flora and fauna help to make permeability of the lakes possible. Permeability refers to how the pore spaces within the limestone allows for water to flow through them. Roots from various plants help to maintain permeability, thus why the national park water flow is extremely permeable. 

              The water within the lakes is considered gravity water. The water moves with gravity, and that is the reason why the flow of the water within the national park is so unique compared to others. The waterfall like flow of the lakes is known as overland flow. This is where water flows over the surface, and could potentially lead to a separate pooling of the water. 

               The lakes cover an area of two square kilometers and the altitude of the runoff descends over and area of eight kilometers. The last lake in the national park flows into the Korana River, which then flows through central Croatia. Overall, the flow of the water within the lakes is unique to the country of Croatia. The hydrology throughout this specific national park is important to the well being of the other water sources in the country. The Plitvice Lakes act as a meeting point for all watersheds that run throughout Croatia. When the water flow leaves this area it then continues to flow throughout the rest of the country. Therefore, it is important to have an understanding of the water flow within the lakes so that we can better understand the overall flow of water throughout Croatia. 

Citations:

(Pictures from top to bottom):

http://www.igniteme.co/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/4971312052_4b896ba198_o.jpg

http://topworldtourism.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Plitvice-Lakes-National-Park-photo_6.jpg

(Sources):

"Beautiful Places to Visit." Beautiful Places to Visit. N.p., 24 Sept. 2012. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://beautifulplacestovisit.com/lakes/plitvice-lakes-national-park-croatia/>.

"Plitvice Lakes National Park." - UNESCO World Heritage Centre. UNESCO, n.d. Web. 12 Mar. 2013. <http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/98>.