The groundwater characteristics of the Učja aquifer were investigated using geochemical and isotopic data. The water discharge and physico-chemical properties of the groundwater and the Učja River ...reflect the climate that is characteristic of the area. The mixed snow/rainfall regime is characteristic for the Učja Valley, with the highest discharges appearing during the spring snowmelt and autumn precipitation, and the lowest discharges in the winter and especially summer months. The temperature of the groundwater and the Učja River is lower in winter and higher in summer. The specific electrical conductivity values indicate a very permeable carbonate aquifer. Higher conductivity values were observed in spring and autumn at all sampling sites, which is related to snowy and rainy periods. The groundwater from the Učja aquifer indicates a uniform type of water (Ca-Mg-HCO3), with Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3– the most abundant ions. Differences in Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations and in the Mg2+/Ca2+ molar ratio between sampling sites were observed. Those springs with lower Mg2+ and lower Mg2+/Ca2+ molar ratios indicate limestone recharge areas, and those springs with higher Mg2+ and molar ratios indicate interaction with the dolomite hinterland. The pH values confirm alkaline waters characteristic of carbonate aquifers. The hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope values suggest the main source of water is from precipitation from a complex mixing of maritime and continental air masses. An altitude isotopic effect is observed with minor δ18O and δ2H depletion at higher altitude sampling sites compared to those springs at lower altitudes. The altitude isotopic effect is most prominent in spring. The δ13CDIC values indicate the dissolution of carbonates and the degradation of organic matter.
A recent slip-rate of an active fault is a very important seismotectonic parameter, but not easy to determine. Idrija fault, 120 km long, is a prominent geomorphologic feature with large seismogenic ...potential, still needed to be researched. Measurements of tectonic micro-displacements can provide insight into its recent activity. The Učja valley extends transversally to the Idrija fault and was therefore selected for the installation of TM 71 extensometer. Measurements on the crack within its inner fault zone are conducted from the year 2004. In 14 years of observations a systematic horizontal displacements with average rate of 0.21 mm/year and subordinate vertical displacements of 0.06 mm/year were established, proving the activity of this fault. An overview of methods of displacement measurements related to active faults and of newer interdisciplinary investigations of the Idrija fault is given. Displacement rates are beside for geodynamic interpretations important for improvement of seismotectonic models and thus for better seismic hazard assessment.
Monitoring of tectonic movements along two active faults of Dinaric (NW-SE trending) fault system in W Slovenia using TM 71 extensiometers was set up in 2004. After two years ob measurements some ...clear trends of displacement were developed. The average left-lateral displacement along a crack in the inner fault zone of the Idrija fault in Učja valley is 0.38 mm/year. Short term (10 months) rates were even greater and reached the value of 0.54 mm/year. Since the Idrija fault is considered as dextral strike-slip, is the observedleft-lateral displacement explained by local permutation of principle stress axis. In the Ra{a fault monitoring site at the foot of Vremščica Mt. at Košana the average reverse uplift of hanging wall (SW) block of 0.24 mm/years and left-lateral displacement of 0.16 mm/year were established. Short term (9 months) vertical displacements reached the value of 0.53 mm/year. The oblique sense of displacement is in agreement with geological and seismological observations. Since there were no stronger earthquakes in the vicinity and time span of monitoring, no correlations were established with seismic activity. The observed displacement rates along monitored faults of up to 0.5 mm/year are consistent with the regional deformation rate in W Slovenia established from GPS measurements which is of the order of 2 mm/year.
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