Hydrographic zones in karst
Epikarst – the uppermost zone directly beneath the surface (approximately 5–30 m), characterized by a high degree of fracturing and permeability.
Vadose zone – the zone between the epikarst and the groundwater table, where water percolates downward through the karst massif. After rainfall or snowmelt, water flows along fracture walls, drips from cave ceilings, or temporarily accumulates in rock cavities. It is within this zone that karstification is most intense: rocks are dissolved and conditions are created for the formation of speleothems.
Shallow phreatic zone – a dynamic, climatically sensitive part of the karst system below the groundwater table, where the most intensive groundwater flow, corrosion, and response to precipitation occur.
Phreatic zone – a stable zone below the groundwater table in which all fractures and cavities are permanently water-filled. Groundwater flows slowly and uniformly, forming the main subterranean river systems, supplying karst springs, and enabling the development of extensive conduits and siphons deep within the massif.
VADOSE ZONE – groundwater table (fluctuating)
SHALLOW PHREATIC ZONE – turbulently rapid flowing water
PHREATIC ZONE – slow-moving water
Slovenské múzeum ochrany prírody a jaskyniarstva