Assessing River Runoff Components in the Mountain Crimea. 2. The Runoff of Karst Aquifer Systems

A three-component mixing model with the use of geochemical tracers was adapted to experimental basins of karst aquifer systems in the Mountain Crimea. As a result, the following stable recharge sources were identified: epikarstic water, forming mostly in the near-surface fractured and weathered zone of karstifying rocks; surface–slope water with different formation mechanisms; base flow karstic water, including a mixture of groundwater in the aeration zone of karst massifs below epikarst and phreatic water, forming the low-water part of runoff hydrograph. Epikarstic water contributes much to the runoff of karst aquifer systems (>30%). Close empirical relationships were identified between the proportions and water discharges at the outlet sections.