Using stable isotopes and major ions to identify recharge characteristics of the Alpine groundwater-flow dominated Triglavska Bistrica River

Triglavska Bistrica is a typical Alpine river in the north-western part of Slovenia. Its recharge area includes some highest peaks Julian Alps. The hydrogeological conditions and flow depend largely on groundwater exchange between karstified aquifer carbonate rocks intergranular glaciofluvial deposits. average volume up to several m3/s. In this study, water samples from different locations along were analysed for stable isotope ratios oxygen hydrogen, major ions, concentration tritium activity. correlation ions suggests that consists both limestone dolomite rocks. ?18O ?2H values decrease downstream, implying elevation increases. At downstream sampling site V-5, located approx. 300 m upstream confluence Sava Dolinka River, calculated mean altitude estimated be 1,996 m.