Hydrogeology of the Tatra Mts, Pieniny Mts and Podhale 1300-WHTPP

The massif of the Tatra Mountains, the massif of the Pieniny Belt and the areas of the Podhale Basin between them - from the point of view of genesis, formation as well as geological structure and tectonic involvement, are undoubtedly separate units. However, from the hydrogeological and hydrological point of view, they remain in a close cause and effect relationship, and the regularities and natural phenomena occurring in these three areas have a clear mutual influence. The Tatra Massif, characterized by a complex hydrogeological regime - largely dependent on the lithological and tectonic structure of the geological "past" - is at the same time the main area of the artesian feeding of the Podhale Basin, and is largely responsible for the resources and regime of geothermal waters. At the same time, the massif of the Pieniny - also has a significant impact on the circulation within the Podhale Basin. All surface and groundwaters flowing northwards from the Tatra massif shape the hydrological and hydrogeological regime of the entire area, while being the main - and only - source of water supply in these areas. Recognition, knowledge of these regimes and dependencies, and above all, hydrogeological and hydrological observations carried out for many years in this area allowed to determine the natural regularities shaping the hydrogeological regime. The lecture presents the history of recognizing these regularities, presents the hydrogeological characteristics of individual units, and above all shows the aforementioned relationships. At the same time, on the example of protected areas that have been in the area for many years (Tatra National Park, Pieniny National Park, the Main Underground Water Reservoir (GZWP No. 441, Zakopane), a number of reserves - the lecture presents scientific activities related to the protection of inanimate nature - groundwater and surface waters, so important for contemporary sustainable development.