An overview of classifications and modern research of springs in the world and in Croatia

Because of their importance, water springs have been the subject scholarly study since late 17th century. With development science in 19th, and especially 20th 21st centuries, they became object various fields branches science. The result diverse studies is a rich knowledge properties numerous classifications. Most basic classifications were created at beginning century, but need for interdisciplinary research classification has emerged last twenty years. Today, however, there no internationally-accepted or database that would facilitate comparison researched features use data. In Croatia, water-rich karst springs, which are attractive phenomena, thoroughly classified, while non-karst examined less. aim this paper to present spring throughout history, emphasize variety approaches used, most important modern world Croatia.