Changes in discharge regimes of rivers in Croatia

Ivan Čanjevac; Danijel Orešić

doi:10.3986/AGS.2004

Authors

Ivan Čanjevac University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography
Danijel Orešić University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/AGS.2004

Keywords:

geography, hydrology, discharge, river regime, module coefficients, Croatia

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the first comprehensive national analysis of changes in discharge regimes of rivers in Croatia. Seven types of discharge regimes have been defined for rivers in Croatia. We analyzed the changes in discharge regimes of all types, comparing the standard period from 1961 to 1990 with the most recent period from 1990 to 2009. We found evidence of a redistribution of discharge throughout the year, an increase in autumn and winter discharges (especially for rivers dominantly fed by snowmelt), and a decrease in summer discharge values. Furthermore, we detected a change in the month of the appearance of mean discharge maxima and minima. In most cases, the changes can be explained by changes in the regime of climate elements (temperature, precipitation, and evapotranspiration). The results are consistent with those from upstream countries; that is, Slovenia, Austria, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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Author Biographies

Ivan Čanjevac, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography

Department of Geography, Ph. D., researcher

Danijel Orešić, University of Zagreb, Faculty of Science, Department of Geography

Department of Geography, Ph. D., associate professor

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