Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Ulrich Schwarz FLUVIUS, Vienna
31.05.2013 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
For further information please contact:
Romy Durst
Euronatur Konstanzerstrasse 22 D-78315 Radolfzell [email protected]
Dr. Ulrich Schwarz FLUVIUS Hetzgasse 22/7 A-1030 Vienna
Email: [email protected]
This document has been produced by: Ulrich Schwarz, FLUVIUS, Vienna
Acknowledgements: Borut Stumberger Cover photo: Livanjsko Polje, Ulrich Schwarz
1 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and aim of the study ...... 4 2. Methodology ...... 5 2.1 Background ...... 5 2.1.1 Geomorphological definition ...... 5 2.1.2 Hydrology ...... 7 2.2 Analysis of DEM ...... 7 2.3 Analysis of maps...... 8 2.4 Analysis of event documentation and other sources ...... 8 2.5 Definition of flood outlines ...... 9 3. Results (factsheets for Poljes) ...... 9 3.1 Bjelajsko polje ...... 10 3.2 Borovo polje ...... 12 3.3 Carevo polje ...... 14 3.4 Cernica ...... 16 3.5 Crničko polje ...... 18 3.6 Dabarsko polje ...... 20 3.7 Dobranjsko polje (Livno) ...... 22 3.8 Donje Zijemlje ...... 24 3.9 Dugo polje ...... 26 3.10 Dugo polje (Dugorudo) ...... 28 3.11 Duvanjsko polje ...... 30 3.12 Fatničko polje...... 32 3.13 Gatačko polje...... 34 3.14 Glamočko polje ...... 36 3.15 Grab polje ...... 38 3.16 Gradac ...... 40 3.17 Grahovsko polje ...... 42 3.18 Hansko polje (Gornje Zijemlje) ...... 44 3.19 Hutovo blato (Deransko-Svitavsko polje) ...... 46 3.20 Imotsko polje (Bekijsko polje) ...... 48 3.21 Jasenpolje ...... 50 3.22 Kočerinsko polje ...... 52 3.23 Konjsko polje ...... 54 3.24 Kruško polje ...... 56 3.25 Kupreško polje ...... 58
2 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.26 Livanjsko polje ...... 60 3.27 Ljubinsko polje ...... 62 3.28 Ljubomir polje ...... 64 3.29 Lukavačko polje ...... 66 3.30 Marinkovci ...... 68 3.31 Medeno polje...... 70 3.32 Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg)...... 72 3.33 Mokro polje (Trebinje) ...... 74 3.34 Mostarsko blato ...... 76 3.35 Nevesinjsko polje ...... 78 3.36 Orahovac polje ...... 80 3.37 Palanka (Lušci polje) ...... 82 3.38 Pašića polje ...... 84 3.39 Petrovačko polje ...... 86 3.40 Plana ...... 88 3.41 Podrašničko polje ...... 90 3.42 Popovo polje ...... 92 3.43 Posušje ...... 94 3.44 Rakitno ...... 96 3.45 Rašanjsko polje (Rasno) ...... 98 3.46 Rastoka i Ljubuško polje ...... 100 3.47 Ravanjsko polje ...... 102 3.48 Ravna Mliništa ...... 104 3.49 Roško polje ...... 106 3.50 Rudno polje ...... 108 3.51 Slato polje ...... 110 3.52 Studeničko polje ...... 112 3.53 Šuičko polje ...... 114 3.54 Trusinsko polje ...... 116 3.55 Viničko polje...... 118 3.56 Vučipolje ...... 120 3.57 Vukovsko polje ...... 122 4. Conclusions ...... 124 5. References ...... 127
3 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
1. Introduction and aim of the study
Karst poljes in the Dinarides and in particular in Bosnia & Herzegovina can be characterised as one of the most fascinating landscapes in the Balkan region. Due to the geological and hydrological circumstances (huge carbonate and karst mountains mostly under Mediterranean climate combined with rather high precipitation and water supply from the mountain ridges) an extensive number and area of poljes mostly interconnected by groundwater systems on different altitude levels (from 2-1,200 m above sea level), hosting a wide range of habitats and species (Mediterranean to alpine biogeographical units) in close vicinity was built since last ice age (during last 20,000 years).
Poljes are often very fertile and would have a great importance for human development and agricultural production in the mountainous area of Balkans. However many poljes are regularly flooded, even for several months and only the techniques available since a century make it possible to drain and meliorate poljes in a larger scale by controlling the water in and outflows, in particular during the flooding season (mostly in winter and spring time). Several larger poljes were significantly altered. Parts are lost by the enlargement of settlements and infrastructure or are used even for the exploitation of peat/lignite for heating power plants.
Due to the regular flooding poljes were used intensively for pasturing and meadows over the past 3,000 years, leading to an extensive very rich habitat mosaic namely for plant and bird species, in particular where near-natural flood tolerant forests stands and natural streams and river banks and bars were preserved, like in Livanjsko polje, which was therefore declared as Ramsar site (wetland).
The study try to summaries the potential flooding situation (only maximum water levels no duration) in the poljes to highlight the most sensible habitat areas, but to show also the potential flood risk for adjacent settlements and infrastructure even if flood dikes will be partially constructed preventing flooding from surface).
All the analysis is based on the extensive preparation work (delineation and first flood classification of Karst Poljes) by Stumberger from 2010.
4 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
2. Methodology
The main goal is the identification of flood areas for the more or less frequent and regular flooding and the potential flooding including all those areas protected by dikes from (surface) flooding. Due to the very scattered data situation (in particular hydrological data) the applied approach is basing on the elevation model, the flood documentation in the field and secondary information such as historical maps, case studies and of course the very first raw flood classification by Stumberger 2010.
2.1 Background
2.1.1 Geomorphological definition Following the EPA “Glossary of Cave and Karst Terms” (EPA, 2009) a karst polje, in geological terminology, is a large, flat-floored depression within karst limestone, whose long axis develops in parallel with major structural trends (mountain ridges) and can become several kilometers long. Superficial deposits tend to accumulate along the floor. Drainage may be either by surface watercourses (as an open polje) or by swallow holes (as a closed polje) or ponors (holes and clefts where parts or the entire surface discharge can be disappear). Usually, the ponors cannot transmit entire flood flows, so many poljes become flooded or even wet- season lakes. The structure of some poljes is related to the geological structure, but others are purely the result of lateral dissolution and planation. The development of poljes is fostered by any blockage in the karst drainage. The flat floor of a polje may consist of bare limestone, of a nonsolvable formation, or of soil. A polje typically shows complex hydrogeological characteristics such as exsurgences, estavelles, swallow holes, and lost rivers. The margin along the surrounding mountain foot is the most active hydrological exchange zone.
Figure 1: Overview of the distribution of karst polje in the Dinaric region (from Lewine 2009)
5
Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Figure 2: Overview of the distribution of karst polje in Bosnia & Herzegovina used for the analysis (data from Stumberger)
6 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
2.1.2 Hydrology Karst hydrology is a very complex issue and the water balance of only one Polje can be very difficult to determine or even measure (e.g. by tracer experiments). Many gauges would be necessary to measure all in and outflows in particular for the underground water.
Not only in smaller poljes the water levels can be rise extraordinarily high: Usually the water levels differ from 2-5 m over large areas but can reach 20-30 m easily and for some polyes they can reach up to 80 m due to the narrow topography and valley form and possibilities for water to leave the polje.
Figure 3: Basic karst features in polje landscapes (after Still 2007)
2.2 Analysis of DEM The first major analysis step is the evaluation of elevation data coming from ASTER 2 data (ASTER GDEM v2 data 2011). Aside of several limitations such as the resolution and the visualization of elevation artifacts the ASTER data is the best available free digital elevation model. Basically the elevation information for the rather plain less vegetated polje areas (mostly grassland) is good and can be estimated by an accuracy of 30x30 m² per pixel by a high accuracy between 2-5 m. Calculating the model for larger areas in poljes areas with differing altitude information such as Forests or infrastructure can be rather good recognized and excluded from the flood area calculation (if surrounding area is deeper and the proof by satellite images and maps is given, the area was assumed as “flooded” , e.g. flooded forests).
Regarding the provided GIS polygons from earlier projects unfortunately the database has a limited resolution and the spatial fit (projection) of the data is in an former national Yugoslavian datum and must be transformed to UTM or decimal degrees in ETRS89 (this should be done in the future as well as amendments for the polje delineation, which was not subject of this elaboration).
7 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
2.3 Analysis of maps In a second analysis run the resulting elevation maps were directly overlaid with the landuse/habitat information available by free satellite images such as Google and Bing maps. The results changed and improved also the existing outline for many poljes. Areas on higher terrain hosting dry brush land can be excluded from the “current” but in most cases not from the “potential” flooding”.
2.4 Analysis of event documentation and other sources Unfortunately the exiting documentation of polje flooding is rather poor, however the local people has good long-lasting experiences of average and catastrophic events, at least for some localities. The current Euronature photo documentation (Euronatur 2000-2011) over the last 10 years which was provided for the project allow at least an initial analysis and where meaningful those photographs were added to the respective poljes in the result chapter. Detailed studies such as those from Schwarz (2010) for the Livanjsko polje directly provide flood outline information to the data.
Regarding historical maps at least for larger poljes the Österreichische Generalkarte 1:200,000 (1870-1910) was used to verify the basic extend of poljes and main river curses.
Figure 4: Example for historical maps for the Buško Blato area (Österreichische Generalkarte 1:200,000 (1870-1910).
Additional available satellite quick-look information was screened and at least for the larger poljes some additional information was obtained, in particular –only for a very few situations- regarding the flooding period (time steps, start and duration of flooding).
8 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
2.5 Definition of flood outlines In the last step the final result of flood outlines was carried out based on previous three steps by an assessment of each individual polje. Namely the flood outlines were prepared:
1. The current maximum flood outline proved by documentation. Unfortunately it is nearly impossible to define a kind of return interval, but in best case it should represent the “maximum flood outline in the last century” meaning a 100 years event as usual also for river gauges.
2. The maximum potential flood outline, not considering any flood protection dikes or structures/canals based only on the elevation model by using a certain buffer in high. As mentioned for the first outline it is impossible to define the return intervals, but it would be the multi century flood outline similar to those defined as “morphological floodplains” for rivers, meaning the maximum potential extend of flooding.
3. Results (factsheets for Poljes) This following chapter will give on each two pages the most important findings as short factsheets/maps for the analysed 57 karst poljes in alphabetical order.
Explanation: The maps on left side include a Google earth snapshot and some basic information (Stumberger 2010) together with a photograph and a short text to the flood situation, the maps on right side show a meaningful colored elevation model (ASTER) in elevation classes (m; in best case one m steps for the bottom, for larger poljes however also classes of 2-5 or even 10 m; therefore the coloring is not uniform and the colors indicate only the differences in a good, visual way), the polygon for each polje and the flood outlines (one dark blue bold outline for the active maximum flooding considering field records and flood defenses and in grey the additional potential flooded area; in case of no evidence for active flooding only the potential grey outline is visualised).
9 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.1 Bjelajsko polje
Based on vegetation and landuse this polje is only potentially flooded.
10 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
11 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.2 Borovo polje
This polje over 1,000 m above sea level is mostly dry, surrounded in its southeastern part by Dolines and rock fields. The landscape of much deeper southeastern part (compare map on next page) is not connected to Borovo polje.
12 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
13 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.3 Carevo polje
This very small polje is totally dry.
14 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
15 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.4 Cernica
The polje is regularly flooded (deepest pools are than up to 30 m). There are no significant structures inside therefore the active and potential flood extent is equal.
Flood picture from east to west (Google Panoramio).
16 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
17 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.5 Crničko polje
Basically there is no reference for flooding of this polje. However the vegetation and remnants of fluvial activity indicate a potential for flooding. Regarding the raw elevation information the potential areas was delineated by some 10 m altitude difference)
Some smaller water bodies in the central part (Jasminko Mulaomerovic).
18 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
19 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.6 Dabarsko polje
Still one of the best preserved poljes and regularly flooded. In its upper part two roads crossing the polje bottom and will prevent frequent flooding of same smaller areas.
Flooded polje from southeast to northwest, January 20 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
20 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
21 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.7 Dobranjsko polje (Livno)
No flood evidence is given for this polje, only several small karst springs and creeks on its eastern margin indicate potential flooding.
22 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
23 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.8 Donje Zijemlje
This polje is situated on a karst fan on its western part including fluvial land forms assuming a flood potential for the lower central part.
Pattern of vegetation depending on soil wetness indicate the potential flooding (Google Panoramio).
24 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
25 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.9 Dugo polje
Only the low laying part used as agricultural fields could be potentially flooded.
26 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
27 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.10 Dugo polje (Dugorudo)
This mountain polje with the Blidinje Lake (1,180 m above see level) host the largest mountain lake in Bosnia. Flooding occurs only in the southwestern lower part and potentially around the lake.
28 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
29 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.11 Duvanjsko polje
A large more or less entirely agricultural used polje which is regular flooded.
Flooded polje during winter season, January 11 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
30 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
31 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.12 Fatničko polje
A beautiful large and extensively flooded polje with no settlement on the valley floor.
From Northwest during flood season, January 20 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
32 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
33 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.13 Gatačko polje
Huge and heterogeneous polje, in its northwestern part lignite are exploited for energy production. The polje included near natural karst river courses.
Phantastic meandering melting rivers and springs indicating the flood period in the northeastern corner, building meander and fans (Borut Stumberger).
34 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
35 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.14 Glamočko polje
This polje has a unique shape and is pristine in its southeastern part and scattered settled and invariant in its northwestern area.
Flood lake in the southern pool in January (Borut Stumberger).
36 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
37 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.15 Grab polje
Potential flooding occurs potentially only along the creek fan in the southern area.
38 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
39 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.16 Gradac
No regular and significant flooding can be expected for this polje.
40 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
41 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.17 Grahovsko polje
This polje is basically dry over large areas, but the central southern part includes some area with karst streams and wet meadows indicating a temporary water cover.
Central-south flood area from plane, January 16 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
42 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
43 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.18 Hansko polje (Gornje Zijemlje)
Only potentially flooded in its southern part.
44 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
45 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.19 Hutovo blato (Deransko-Svitavsko polje)
One of the most wet poljes (reed beds) and strongly protected the Hutovo blato is directly connected to the Neretva lowlands and the potentially flooded area can be estimated by the comparison with the elevation model on the next page. The artificial reservoir in the south is part of the hydropower system and was earlier a similar wetland.
This view from southwest shows the entire flooded area and the submerged meadows in front of the flood dikes caused by groundwater (Borut Stumberger).
46 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
47 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.20 Imotsko polje (Bekijsko polje)
This polje at the border to Croatia is flooded regularly in its central part. The Matica river is collected in its southeastern part for hydropower generation. Also in the far western corner river regulation and canalization to collect water changed the flooding situation in this part of the polje. Further significant typical forest stands can be find in the central part.
Flood in the central part, March 15 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
48 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
49 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.21 Jasenpolje
This rather densely settled polje with agricultural landscape is associated with a terraced second polje (right middle part of the image). Flooding occurs only in the meadow valley bottoms.
50 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
51 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.22 Kočerinsko polje
This polje has a clearly defined flood bottom.
Small flood in the main depression on March 15 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
52 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
53 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.23 Konjsko polje
No flooding at all can be presumed for this polje. Only the very most northwards part indicates more wetness.
54 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
55 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.24 Kruško polje
This high laying polje surrounded by doline fields is basically not flooded.
56 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
57 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.25 Kupreško polje
There is a wide range of fluvial forms in this polje reaching some reed beds and peat areas in the north to meandering rivers in the south. A road crossing the polje and drainage allow agricultural fields.
One of the permanent water courses with dense sedge beds, 25.5.2011 (Borut Stumberger).
58 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
59 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.26 Livanjsko polje
The largest among all Bosnian karst fields still host typical huge areas of wetlands, meadows, forests, dry habitat components and is protected. In the south the Busko hydropower plant lake is regulating the water flow (exclusion of several areas from flooding).
Left: Large regular and long-lasting flooding in the northern and middle part of the polje (Borut Stumberger). Rigth: Huge temporal karst spring and flood water marks (Dejan Kulier).
60 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
61 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.27 Ljubinsko polje
The flood is limited to the vicinity of the active river channel.
62 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
63 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.28 Ljubomir polje
Flooding occurs only in the central part along a meandering karst river.
64 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
65 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.29 Lukavačko polje
This bottom like polje is only partially flooded in its deepest areas.
Some permanent water bodies in the deepest points of the polje (Dejan Kulier).
66 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
67 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.30 Marinkovci
This polje seems to be entirely dry.
68 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
69 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.31 Medeno polje
The relief of this polje is rather uneven and only a very small area along a central chute could be potentially flooded.
70 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
71 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.32 Mokro polje (Široki Brijeg)
Flooded in its western central part.
View into the most frequently flooded part, January 18 2010 (Martin Schneider-Jacoby).
72 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
73 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.33 Mokro polje (Trebinje)
Associated with the huge Popovo polje and Trebisnijca river the polje is separated in an upper and lower part by a road dam preventing the flooding of lower parts.
January flooding from the cross dike showing the southeastern flooded part (Google Panoramio).
74 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
75 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.34 Mostarsko blato
The rather huge and frequently flooded polje is feed by river Lisitca and by underground filling up the bath tube before the water is running through underground to the Neretva Valley (Jasenica is the name of this new short river before entering Neretva) which is 200 m below.
Frequent flooded polje bottom, with flood tolerant grass species and willow groups also indicating the high flood dynamic of this polje by the debris flood marks April 16 2007 (Borut Stumberger).
76 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
77 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.35 Nevesinjsko polje
Larger flooding occurs in particular in the southern part of the polje along the Zalomka river (flood amplitude is up to 15 meters referencing a road bridge, the riverbed dry out during summer).
Picture from plane showing the partially flooded central part (Borut Stumberger).
78 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
79 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.36 Orahovac polje
The polje terrain is rather variable including a lot of rocky islands, No flood evidence for this polje.
80 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
81 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.37 Palanka (Lušci polje)
Flooding occurs primarily in three separated depressions.
82 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
83 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.38 Pašića polje
This polje is very dry in the southeastern lower part, but wet and regularly flooded in its western and northeastern branches.
Documentation photo from air plane showing the northeastern flood basin January 16 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
84 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
85 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.39 Petrovačko polje
Karst river driven flooding in smaller areas.
86 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
87 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.40 Plana
The polje seems to be mostly not flooded at all.
88 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
89 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.41 Podrašničko polje
Meandering, in its upper parts incised karst rivers with woody galleries characterizing this polje.
90 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
91 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.42 Popovo polje
This long east-west shaped polje is flow trough by Trebisnjica river with is nearly entirely canalized or stored in reservoirs for irrigation and hydropower generation. Therefore the polje is strongly altered and large areas are completely cut from flooding at all. However the polje is still subject of extensive flooding and some areas of high protection value remain.
Not a hydropower lake but the regular spring flooding: In its lower tubular stretch the flood water can accumulate up to 40 m (Borut Stumberger).
92 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
93 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.43 Posušje
The eastern depression is frequently flooded even if the altitude is much above the western part of the polje (the water leave the area by underground joining neighboring river catchments in the west).
Flooding in the eastern depression (Martin Schneider-Jacoby).
94 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
95 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.44 Rakitno
The polje is regularly flooded by karst streams in its central part. The lower part is clearly separated by karst rock formations and most properly rather dry.
View of the wet upper part of the polje, typical extensive grazing grounds (Google Panoramio).
96 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
97 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.45 Rašanjsko polje (Rasno)
Flooding occur in the western depression.
Western part with partial flooding (Google Panoramio).
98 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
99 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.46 Rastoka i Ljubuško polje
This poly is flow trough by Trebizat river flooding significant areas in its central northern part.
100 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
101 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.47 Ravanjsko polje
Not regularly flooded polje (the lower areas in the southeastern part are entirely used for agriculture and include rocky karst elements, only the central part indicates a little more wetness.
102 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
103 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.48 Ravna Mliništa
This high laying (1,150 m) polje surrounded by forests is flooded only in smaller parts in the center.
View of the flood basin (the small road in the middle right has a concrete bridge) (Jasminko Mulaomerovic).
104 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
105 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.49 Roško polje
Flooding is evident only on smaller areas like in the northwestern part.
106 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
107 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.50 Rudno polje
This is mostly a dry polje including in its central part also dry rocky karst elements. However it is covered mostly by grasslands.
108 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
109 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.51 Slato polje
Beautiful small polje flooded in its deepest part.
Flooded polje on January 16 2010 (Borut Stumberger).
110 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
111 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.52 Studeničko polje
Kravica river is feeding this polje, flood occurs along rivers, but the polje floor is used mainly for agriculture.
112 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
113 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.53 Šuičko polje
This picturesque polje is a kind of floodplain.
Beautiful river meander flooded by melting water, upstream, January 16 2010 (Dejan Kulijer)
114 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
115 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.54 Trusinsko polje
Flooding occur only in the western part.
116 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
117 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.55 Viničko polje
Flooding occurs in the lowest western part.
118 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
119 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.56 Vučipolje
The polje is situated in a dry high plain surrounded by rocky formations and is not usually flooded.
120 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
121 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
3.57 Vukovsko polje
This polje is only scattered flooded in its western part along several small karst creeks.
After summer grazing period, October 11 2012 (Borut Stumberger)
122 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
123 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
4. Conclusions
The quick analysis prepared for the karst poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina indicate for a large area first time a commonly used methodology to approximate potential flooding in polje landscape mainly by analyzing the elevation model in combination with field indication of flood events within the last 10 years and various other sources. The results clearly indicate the importance of flooding for many poljes and the need of sustainable usage and only absolutely necessary flood protection for infrastructure and settlements.
Out of the 57 poljes with a total area size of 152,574 ha in 37 poljes (67,507 ha) regular flooding can presumed and additionally in 9 at least potential flooding can be expected. Only 10 poljes are mostly dry. All together the maximum potential for flooding is 80,261 ha.
Further analysis must use hydrological data to be able to evaluate flood events, returning intervals and flood duration, which is important for the habitats in the poljes. The poljes are integral part of the “Blue heart of Europe” for the Balkan rivers, closely linked to floodplains and river flooding (Schwarz 2012).
Total Size Max Flood Record Potential Max Flood KarstField ha ha ha Borovo polje 402 0 0 Carevo polje 30 0 0 Konjsko polje 149 0 0 KruÜko polje 364 0 0 Marinkovci 1017 0 0 Orahovac polje 108 0 0 Plana 70 0 0 Ravanjsko polje 1927 0 0 Rudno polje 889 0 0 VuÞipolje 110 0 0 Hansko polje (Gornje Zijemlje) 148 0 7 Gradac 223 0 9 RoÜko polje 394 13 13 Medeno polje 578 0 17 Ravna MliniÜta 445 21 21 RaÜanjsko polje (Rasno) 42 23 23 Dobranjsko polje (Livno) 167 0 27 Trusinsko polje 156 30 30 StudeniÞko polje 183 36 36 Donje Zijemlje 457 0 37 Dugo polje 257 0 41 Grab polje 968 0 42 Vukovsko polje 2814 44 44 Jasenpolje 114 50 50 LukavaÞko polje 339 57 57 Mokro polje (èiroki Brijeg) 342 66 66
124 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Total Size Max Flood Record Potential Max Flood KarstField ha ha ha Slato polje 418 73 73 ViniÞko polje 224 78 78 Ljubinjsko polje 700 90 90 CrniÞko polje 295 0 116 Ljubomir polje 1274 133 133 èuiÞko polje 277 150 150 Cernica 555 186 186 KoÞerinsko polje 491 253 253 PetrovaÞko polje 2250 354 354 Bjelajsko polje 949 0 364 Grahovsko polje 2302 169 406 Mokro polje (Trebinje) 630 300 416 Rakitno 1414 508 508 PosuÜje 2177 513 513 Dugo polje (Dugorudo) 1913 131 544 PaÜiµa polje 1367 578 578 FatniÞko polje 772 727 727 Palanka (LuÜci polje) 2271 740 740 PodraÜniÞko polje 3426 1269 1269 Rastoka i LjubuÜko polje 7451 1270 1270 Nevesinjsko polje 12903 1664 1664 Dabarsko polje 2896 1669 2232 Mostarsko blato 3314 3179 3314 Hutovo blato (Deransko-Svitavsko polje) 3971 3971 3971 GataÞko polje 6012 3817 4291 KupreÜko polje 8182 3622 4383 GlamoÞko polje 6244 4761 4761 Popovo polje 11891 4206 7778 Duvanjsko polje 12508 5307 7853 Livanjsko polje 40803 27449 30725
125 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Figure 5: Overview of karst polje flooding in Bosnia & Herzegovina
126 Flooding analysis of Karst Poljes in Bosnia & Herzegovina
5. References
ASTER GDEM v2 data (2011): http://gdem.ersdac.jspacesystems.or.jp/index.jsp Euronatur (2000-2010): Karst Polje Photo Documentation, prepared by Martin Schneider-Jacoby and Borut Stumberger. Lewin, J. & Woodward, J. C. (2009): Geomorphology and Environmental Change. In: Woodward, J.C, editor(s). The Physical Geography of the Mediterranean. 1st ed. Oxford University Press; p. 287-317. Österreichische Generalkarte 1:200,000 (1870-1910): 13 map sheets for Bosnia http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franzisco-Josephinische_Landesaufnahme Schwarz, U. (2012): Outstanding Balkan River landscapes – a basis for wise development decisions. For ECA Watch Austria/Euronature Germany/MAVA Switzerland, 150 pp and 101 pp. Separate Annex („River Catalogue“). Vienna Schwarz, U. (2010): Habitat mapping of the Livanjsko Polje (BA), the Neretva Delta (HR, BA) and Lake Skadar-Shkoder (ME, AL). In: Adriatic Flyway, closing the gap in bird conservation. EURONATUR, edited by Damijan Denac, Martin Schneider-Jacoby and Borut Stumberger, pp. 79-87. Radolfzell. Still, U. (2007): Polje-Model. In Wikimedia Commons: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Polje-Modell.jpg
Stumberger (2010): A classification of karst poljes in the Dinarides and their significance for waterbird conservation. In: Adriatic Flyway, closing the gap in bird conservation. EURONATUR, edited by Damijan Denac, Martin Schneider-Jacoby and Borut Stumberger, pp. 69-78. Radolfzell. EPA (US Environmental Agency) (2009): Glossary of Cave and Karst Terms. United States Office of Research and EPA/600/R-02/003 Environmental Protection Development http://www.speleogenesis.info/directory/glossary/?letter=p
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