Geological and hydrogeochemical research, tools for karst management in the north of the Caraş Gorges (Banat Mountains, Romania)

The karst geosystems functioning frequently implies very quick mass and energy transfers, which make them highly sensitive to any natural or anthropogenic disturbance. Therefore, the groundwater resources, threatened by agricultural and industrial pollution, should be carefully exploited, taking into account the intrinsic vulnerability of the region. This paper aims to present the results of the geological, geomorphological and hydrogeochemical studies carried out in the Banat Mountains (Romania), in order to widely assess and map the vulnerability of the most exposed karst aquifers. Following the principles of the EPIK method and using GIS, we were able to delineate upon degree 4 vulnerability classes (low, moderate, high, very high). Moreover, each unit has been assigned to a specific protection framework, comprising suitable management solutions, designed for environmental managers.