Karst Springs in the Upper Soča Valley

Abstract

Alpine karst springs in the Soča river basin (The karst springs of the alpine rivers Soča, Krajcarca, Lepena, Vrsnica, Koritnica, Možnica, Tolminka, Zadlaščica and Kneža and karst springs Šumnik in Bavščica Valley, Kršovec, Glijun, Boka and Podlaznica) are presented in this article. Due to high discharges and good quality they represent very important reserves of drinking water. Their importance will be shown especially in the future. Because of increasing exploitation of the alpine environment and water in this area, the latter has to be studied thoroughly and protected constantly.