Karstological Research in the Catchment Area - KATER

KATER II 

KARSTOLOGICAL RESEARCH IN THE CATCHMENT AREA 

OF THE VIENNA SPRING WATER MAIN 

KARSTKUNDLICHE UNTERSUCHUNGEN IM 

EINZUGSGEBIET DER WIENER HOCHQUELLENLEITUNGEN 

Lukas Plan, 

Kurt Decker, 

Markus Meissl, 

Florian Wieselthaler & 

Michael Wagreich 

FINAL TECHNICAL REPORT 

Department for Geodynamics and Sedimentology 

UZAII Geozentrum, Althanstr. 14, 2A-344 

A-1090 Wien 

VIENNA WATERWORKS - MA31 

UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA

KATER II 

Karstological Research in the Catchment Area 

of the Viennese Spring Water Main – Final Technical Report 

Karstkundliche Untersuchungen im Einzugsgebiet der Wiener 

Hochquellenleitungen – Technischer Endbereicht 

Lukas Plan, Kurt Decker, Markus Meissl, Florian Wieselthaler & 

Michael Wagreich 

Department for Geodynamics and Sedimentology 

UZAII Geozentrum, Althanstr. 14, 2A-344 

A-1090 Wien 

e-Mail: lukas.plan@univie.ac.at 

Vienna, 15 th March 2007 

VIENNA WATERWORKS - MA 31 

Dr. Gerhard Kuschnig 

UNIVERSITY OF VIENNA 

Ao. Prof. Dr. Michael Wagreich, Dr. Kurt Decker

Karstological Research in the Catchment Area of the Viennese Spring Water Main – Final Technical Report 

Contents 

KATER II – RESEARCH AT THE DEPARTMENT FOR GEODYNAMICS AND 

SEDIMENTOLOGY OF THE UNIVERSITY VIENNA 1 

1 AIMS OF THE PROJECT 2 

1.1 DETAILED MAPPING AND DOCUMENTATION OF KARST FEATURES AND HYDROLOGICAL 

ELEMENTS 2 

1.2 APPLICATION OF GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE 

SUBCUTANEOUS ZONE (EPIKARST) IN KARSTIC CATCHMENT AREAS (DIPLOMA THESIS) 2 

1.3 EVENT ANALYSIS OF A KARST SPRING (WASSERALMQUELLE, SCHNEEALPE) (DIPLOMA 

THESIS) 3 

1.4 PUBLIC RELATIONS 3 

2 RESULTS OF KARSTMORPHOLOGICAL MAPPING 4 

3 GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF THE 

EPIKARST ZONE: PRELIMINARY RESULTS 6 

3.1 EPIKARST 6 

3.2 GROUND PENETRATING RADAR (GPR) 6 

3.3 TEST SITE FOR GPR PROFILES 7 

3.4 GPR MEASUREMENTS 7 

3.5 PRELIMINARY RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS 8 

4 EVENT ANALYSIS OF THE WASSERALMQUELLE 12 

4.1 ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS 12 

Attachments 

Publications resulting from KATER I & II Projects 

Plan et al., 2007


Final Technical Report 

KATER II – Research at the Department for Geodynamics 

and Sedimentology of the University Vienna 

The current report provides an overview on research at the Department for Geodynamics and 

Sedimentology of the University Vienna, which was carried out in the frame of the KATER II Project 

in the years 2005 to 2006. Research activities were performed under the contract of the Vienna 

Waterworks (MA 31) No. MA31-GA/P/78/2/03 (Lieferanten-Nr. 683050). This contract includes the 

work packages karst morphological mapping, analysis of the epikarst using ground penetrating radar, 

event analyses of spring waters, and public relations (Tab. 1). 

Tab. 1. Work packages of KATER II research at the Department of Geodynamics and 

Sedimentology, 2006 - 2007. 

Work Package Responsible Scientist Reports / References 

Detailed mapping and documentation of 

karst features and hydrological elements 

Application of Ground Penetrating Radar 

(GPR) for the investigation of the 

subcutaneous zone (epikarst) in karstic 

catchment areas 

Event analysis of a karst spring 

(Wasseralmquelle, Schneealpe) 

Lukas PLAN Plan, 2007 

Markus MEISSL Meissl, in prep 

Florian WIESELTHALER Wieselthaler, 2006 

Rank et al., 2007 

Public relations Lukas PLAN Plan, 2006, 2007 

The aims of geological and karstological research as well as summaries of the results are included as 

abstracts below. Detailed descriptions of results and data are documented in 15 reports to the Vienna 

Waterworks MA 31 (see References below) as well as in 22 publications (see Attachments). 

Plan et al., 2007 1


1 Aims of the Project 

1.1 Detailed mapping and documentation of karst features and 

hydrological elements 

The systematic and area-wide field mapping of karst features (dolines, poljes, caves, Karren) as well as 

of hydrologic objects (streams, springs, ponors and ponds) should establish a GIS-based map 

comprising hydrological relevant karstmorphological features in the scale of 1:10,000. The investigated 

area is part of the catchment of the Viennese Water mains and comprises the Zeller Staritzen, parts of 

the plateaus of Hochschwab, Schneealpe, and Gahns. The nearby karst plateaus of Schneeberg and Rax 

as well as the other parts of the Hochschwab massif were already mapped in previous projects (Plan, 

2001; 2003; 2005). 

Mapping is supported by existing geological maps (Mandl, 2002), orthophotos provided by the Federal 

Government of Styria and cave data by the caving-clubs of Vienna, Lower Austria and Styria. 

The mapping area comprises karst plateaus with a total extend of 78.3 km². In detail, the areas are 19.7 

km² at Gahns, 25.4 km² at Schneealpe, 12.2 km² at Zeller Staritzen, and 21.0 km² at Hochschwab. These 

plateaus are part of the catchment area of springs of the Viennese Spring Water main. 

Mapping should collect data and assess karst features, which are relevant for karst hydrology. Work 

should focus on areas without surface runoff, ponors, as well as tectonic structures that allow rapid 

infiltration of surface water into the karst aquifer. Due to their high permeability, these features are 

associated with significant vulnerability as organic and anorganic contaminants can reach the karst 

aquifer and the springs very rapidly without any natural purification. Karst morphology maps are 

therefore important tools for protective measures and catchment area control as well as an important 

requirement for evaluation of the groundwater vulnerability. 

1.2 Application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the 

investigation of the subcutaneous zone (epikarst) in karstic 

catchment areas (Diploma Thesis) 

“Einsatzmöglichkeit von Bodenradar (GPR) zur Erkundung der subkutanen Zone in 

Karstwassereinzugsgebieten“ 

This feasibility study determines the ability of GPR to investigate the epikarst. The subcutaneous zone 

or epikarst is very important for the infiltration and storage of water into the karst water body. The test 

site is located on the Schneeberg plateau. Profiles were selected in different parts of the plateau and 

measurements were conducted under different hydrological conditions in order to show the influence of 

humidity on GPR data. 

Plan et al., 2007 2


1.3 Event analysis of a karst spring (Wasseralmquelle, Schneealpe) 

(Diploma Thesis) 

„Ereignisuntersuchungen an einer Karstquelle (Wasseralmquelle, Schneealpe)“ 

This investigation aims at gaining information about spring dynamics and discharge behaviour, 

retention time, age of the water as well as exact definition of the height of the recharge area of the 

Wasseralmquelle as it is captured for the first Viennese Water Supply main. The study includes 

analyses of the isotopic composition of event samples ( 3 H, 2 H, and 18 O), hydrochemistry, and standard 

parameters (discharge, temperature, and electric conductivity) measured by the MA 31. 

1.4 Public Relations 

This point includes the scientific contribution in the field of karst and geology to four so called 

Ökocamps Hochgebirge including lectures in secondary schools to introduce the topics. Furthermore, 

field trips to the Austrian test sites are guided within the KATER II student excursions. 

Plan et al., 2007 3


2 Results of Karstmorphological mapping 

The report (Plan, 2007) summarises the results of detailed karstmorphological field mapping and the 

implications of karst morphology on vulnerability conducted within a project of the Department for 

Geodynamics and Sedimentology (University of Vienna) and the Vienna Waterworks (Municipal 

Department 31). The area of investigation comprises the plateaus and some slope area of Gahns, 

Schneealpe, Zeller Staritzen, and parts of Hochschwab massif, where major karst springs are used for 

the freshwater supply for the City of Vienna. The results are discussed and presented in GIS based 

maps. 

Karst areas are characterised by a typical morphology, special landforms and subsurface drainage to 

few major springs. The aim of the project is to acquire qualitative, quantitative, and spatial data on karst 

structures like karst depressions, sinkholes, Karren, and caves, which potentially cause rapid infiltration 

of surface waters. The high permeability of these karst structures endangers the groundwater quality 

significantly as organic and inorganic pollutants may reach the karst water body rapidly and without 

filtration. Therefore, karst morphological maps provide an inventory for further control, protection, and 

remediation of the water supply derived from karst areas. 

Field investigation covered an area of 78.7 km² and considered: (1) karst features such as dolines, 

poljes, glaciokarstic depressions, dry valleys, corridors, caves, and Karren; (2) hydrological features 

including springs, surfaces streams, ponors, and karst ponds; (3) Tertiary clay covers and faults. The 

mapped areas comprises a total of 6598 elements. Further, potentially endangering anthropogenic 

features such as shelters, hiking trails, forest roads, and cable cars are shown. 

Spatial distribution and development of karst features that control infiltration rates and subsurface water 

transport are highly variable. Therefore, ground water vulnerability on the plateaus of the Northern 

Calcareous Alps, which form the main catchment of the Viennese water supply, is very inhomogeneous. 

On high Alpine karst plateaus, karst morphology – besides geology and soil coverage – is the main 

factor that influences vulnerability. Karst depressions like dolines and poljes as well as streams sinking 

into ponors are of special interest, because they allow extremely rapid infiltration. The vulnerability of 

these features correlates positively with their size and the size of their catchment area. Caves and pits 

give evidence on the means and velocity of water transport in the vadose zone. 

The morphological map provides a qualitative estimate of vulnerable areas. Combination of these data 

with the potential of anthropogenic pollution depicts areas with high risk. The most vulnerable sites are 

the poljes on Hochschwab (Sackwiesensee, Sackwiesenalm and Filzmoos) and Schneealpe (Auf der 

Hoad and Naßkör), as these features drain large surface catchments and significant, mainly permanent 

streams sink into ponors. The biggest polje is the Bodenwiese on Gahns, but as no significant surface 

streams are developed vulnerability is not that high. According to a tracer experiment from the 1960ies, 

the main ponor (Durchfall) of Naßkör is not draining to Siebenquellen or Schneealpenstollen. It was 

therefore not regarded part of the catchment for the water main. This however, is not necessarily true 

for all hydrological conditions and all ponors within the polje. All poljes are endangered by cattle, 

which is attracted by flat meadows and the available surface water, which is very rare on other parts of 

the karst plateaus. Moreover, nearly all poljes are visited by many tourists. 

Plan et al., 2007 4


Other sites that are regarded highly vulnerable coincide with the catchments of ponors, which drain 

large amounts of surface water into the karst. These are several of the temporary surface streams on 

Zeller Staritzen, dolomitic catchments with ponors located at the border between dolostone and 

limestone (e.g., north of Polster on Hochschwab), and ponors that catch ephemeral streams of the huge 

glaciokarstic depression in the Oberer Ring. 

Sites with vulnerabilities higher than the average of the karst plateau are characterized by high densities 

of karst features or exceptionally large dolines. Such sites are found in many parts of the plateaus 

except for the Gahns. 

Potential Hazards arise from pasture, tourism, forestry, and hunting. Cattle populate the meadows in the 

summer months on all the areas. Tourist hot spots are the Sonnschien plateau on Hochschwab and the 

eastern part of Schneealm. Accumulations of rubbish abound in dolines close to some tourist refuges 

and pasture huts. Due to the high vulnerability associated with dolines, this use should be strictly 

avoided. 

The mapped spatial distribution of vulnerability and hazard leads to the following recommendations: (1) 

Actions to protect the streams within the poljes on Hochschwab against contamination by cattle are 

suggested. This however, has to be performed in accordance with the farmers and should not ban the 

cattle completely from the area. (2) Sites with the highest vulnerability should be controlled on regular 

time intervals within the existing monitoring programme (“Quellschutztouren”). (3) The ongoing 

expansion of the already dens forest road network should be stopped. Furthermore, off road driving 

with tractors and other agricultural vehicles but also 4WD-cars, which leads to severe erosion damage 

has to be restricted. (4) Several sites with rubbish should be cleaned. 

Plan et al., 2007 5


3 Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the investigation of 

the epikarst zone: preliminary results 

3.1 Epikarst 

The uppermost zone of the karst system – the epikarst – is defined as the interface zone between soil 

and rock in karst landscapes. Water movement and storage in small voids, which characterise the 

epikarst zone, appear to play an important role in the hydrologic regime and vulnerability of karst 

aquifers. According to Klimchouk (2004) epikarst is the uppermost weathered zone of carbonate rocks 

with substantially enhanced and more homogenously distributed porosity and permeability, as 

compared to the bulk rock mass below, a regulative subsystem that functions to store, split into several 

components and temporally distribute autogenic infiltration recharge to the vadose zone (Fig. 1 and Fig. 

2). Epikarst is the result of combined action of several agencies including stress release, weathering and 

dissolution. It is a dynamic system which main characteristics are time variant, changing in a regular 

way during the epikarst evolution. 

Fig. 1: The epikarst without soil cover. Fig. 2: Hydrologic features of the epikarstic zone 

(Klimchouk, 2004). 

3.2 Ground penetrating radar (GPR) 

Ground penetrating radar is an important geophysical method to investigate the subsurface using very 

short electromagnetic pulses that radiate into the ground and reflect back to the surface from 

heterogeneities caused by structures and boundaries between material of different conductivity. GPR is 

a non-destructive method to produce an underground cross-sectional image of structures and features. 

Studies with GPR in karstic aquifers of the Mediterranean type proved to be successful (Al-Fares et al., 

2002). The focus of our feasibility study is the epikarst, where a significant amount of water is stored 

and most of the carbonate dissolution takes place. 

Plan et al., 2007 6


3.3 Test site for GPR profiles 

The area of investigation is on the Schneeberg karst plateau, which is the catchment area for major 

springs of the 1 st Viennese Water Main (e.g. the Kaiserbrunn spring). The plateau includes several 

distinct karst landscapes with different karst features such as zones with high doline density and Karren 

fields, areas with glacial overprinting, versus palaeo-landscapes without glacial overprint, as well as 

compact and fractured karst rocks. The area of investigation is dominated by limestone of the 

Wetterstein Fm. and minor dolostones. In some areas, Tertiary clay covers the karstified rock. 

Eight profiles were measured at the eastern part of the Schneeberg karst plateau. Profiles differ by the 

nature of karst features and thickness of the topsoil (Fig. 3). Accurate positions were obtained by GPS. 

Furthermore, a local DEM was measured with tachymeter to enable an exact height correction of the 

radar sections. 

Fig. 3: Eastern part of the Schneeberg Plateau with the measured profiles plotted on the 

karstmorphological map. 

3.4 GPR Measurements 

The measurements were carried out with a GSSI SIR 2 device and different antennas. A multiple lowfrequency 

antenna (GSSI Model 3200), which is designed for the deepest possible exploration, was 

used. With this antenna, two centre frequencies (40 MHz, 80 MHz) were applied. In addition, a 100 

Plan et al., 2007 7


MHz-antenna and a 500 MHz-antenna was used (GSSI Model 3207 and 3102A, Fig. 4). The 

measurements were first done in discrete stacking mode (point mode) with a point distance of 1 m and 

at 0.25 m for two doline profiles and in continuous mode. Because first data evaluation has shown that 

profiles measured continuously achieve a better resolution than point wise measurements, as the amount 

and the quality of the data are higher, it was decided to proceed in continuous mode. 

Fig. 4: GSSI SIR 2 device with different antennas. 

The use of different main frequencies enables exploring different depth ranges, reaching from a 

penetration depth of some 5 meters with the 500 MHz antenna down to about 40 m with the 40 MHz 

antenna. As attenuation increases with frequency, exploration depth decreases. On the other hand, the 

resolution increases due to the smaller wavelength. In the above-mentioned frequency range, resolution 

varies between meters (40 MHz) and centimetres (500 MHz). 

The main record parameters were: time range: 1000 ns for 40 MHz, 500 ns for 80 MHz, 500 ns for 100 

MHz, 150 ns for 500 MHz; 1024 samples per scan, 16 bits per sample, stat stack: 32, 16 scans/s or 32 

scans/s. 

Field measurements were carried out at different weather conditions and different degrees of humidity 

in the subsurface. One test area was profiled along parallel sections in order to model a 3D block. As 

mentioned before, for every meter of each profile, a relative elevation was determined for static 

correction of the records and the amount of topsoil was measured with a soil sampler. 

3.5 Preliminary results and conclusions 

First results show that structures like fractures and cavities can be clearly detected by GPR (Fig. 6). 

Field data acquisition under different weather conditions reveal that humidity saturation is an important 

Plan et al., 2007 8


parameter when subsurface features on the karst plateau are imaged. Profiles measured at wet 

conditions show more significant reflections in the upper part of the record, whereas measurements at 

dry conditions show more reflections in the lower part (Fig. 5). Furthermore, measurements on different 

comparable days show the same results, which implies that the images are clearly reproducible. 

Fig. 5: Profile Doline 2 at different humidity conditions. 

We also expected a change at the exploration depth with different amount of topsoil. At the profile 2 the 

thickness of topsoil varies between 50 cm and sections with almost zero. Results show that in the 

sections with thick topsoil the exploration depth decreases whereas in section with less or no topsoil at 

all, we got reflections also form higher depths (Fig. 7). 

Plan et al., 2007 9


Fig. 6: Profile 1 measured with the 40 MHz antenna. Due to wave velocity and parallel profiles it is 

assumed, that the reflections on the left side are planar structures (faults) filled with mud or soil. 

Reflections of the right side are most probably caused by air-filled cavities. 

Fig. 7: Profil 2 measured with the 40 MHz antennas and thickness of top soil. It is obvious that thick 

top soils obscure the underlying reflectors. 

Plan et al., 2007 10


Cavities and faults could be clearly explored down to a depth of 35 m. Exploration depth depends on 

the thickness of topsoil and the humidity of the subsurface. Repeated measurements on different 

comparable days show that the method is well suited for yielding reproducible results even under 

complex conditions. Therefore, it is possible to reveal changes with time especially in the epikarst zone. 

Our results show that epikarst is well developed at our profiles and has least a thickness of several 

metres. To classify the results we got from the GPR and to calculate the thickness of the epikarst 

respectable, it would be necessary to correlate the results with a drilling. 

REFERENCES 

AL-FARES, W., BAKALOWICZ, M., GUÉRIN, R., DUKHAN, M. (2002): Analysis of the karst aquifer 

structure of the Lamalou area (Hérault, France) with ground penetrating radar – Journal of 

Applied Geophysics, 51: 97-106. 

KLIMCHOUK, A. (2004): Towards defining, delimiting and classifying epikarst: Its origin, processes and 

variants of geomorphic evolution. – Speleogenesis and Evolution of Karst Aquifers, The Virtual 

Scientific Journal, 2 (1): 1-13. 



4 Event analysis of the Wasseralmquelle 

The diploma thesis of Mag. Florian Wieselthaler, supervised by Dr. Dieter Rank, was finished in June 

2006 (Wieselthaler, 2006). A full report has been already handed over to the Vienna Waterworks 

MA 31. In addition, a scientific paper summarising the results was published in the Austrian Journal of 

Earth Science (Rank et al., 2007). 

4.1 Abstract of the thesis 

The Wasseralm-Spring, with an average discharge of approximately 200 l/s and a mainly dolomitic 

catchment area, rises in the Northern Calcareous Alps, at the foot of Schneealpe-Massif, at 802 m asl. 

The spring is located in the valley of the Wasseralmbach near Hinternaßwald (Lower Austria) and was 

captured between 1894 and 1897, during the construction of the first Vienna Water main. 

Together with the Siebenquellen, it represents one of the two main springs of the Karstmassif of 

Schneeaple. The Wasseralm-spring is one of the bigger springs for the First Vienna Water Main and 

supplies some 4 % of the drinking water for Vienna. 

The main goal of this work is to carry out a discharge-component analysis of the spring water during 

hydrological events, such as snowmelt periods and heavy summer rainfalls, in order to be able to 

distinguish between base-discharge (matrix-water) and event-water. By doing that, important 

information about run through times, storage capacity and spring-dynamics can be gained. The 

knowledge of cycle-times of the spring water helps to asses the vulnerability of the spring for 

contaminations. This is of great importance, if the spring is used for water supply. 

The main tools for the research activities were isotope analysis of 18 O, 2 H and 3 H in the spring water 

samples and precipitation samples. Furthermore, many other parameters like conductivity, discharge 

and turbidity were also used for interpretation of the single events. 

Overall, 1400 water-samples were collected from March 2005 until March 2006 and 500 of them were 

subsequently analysed for their isotopic composition. The major part of the samples was taken by an 

automatic sampler that was situated in the spring chamber. For evaluating the isotopic input signal into 

the karstic system, precipitation samples during summer and winter were also collected on the plateau 

of Schneealpe massif. 

The results show that during hydrological events, a fast component of event water can quickly pass 

through the karstic system to the spring (already at the beginning of the rise of the discharge) and that 

the increase in discharge can only partly be explained by a pressure-effect. Depending on the karst 

water level and the amount of precipitation, event-water can move from higher parts of the catchment 

area to the spring in a couple of hours. 

The results of research indicate, that after a strong hydrological event with 60 mm precipitation 

approximately 8 % of the total rainfall in the catchment area are drained in the spring within three days. 

During times of low water-level, with mainly discharge of the base-flow, the different influx of water 

into the spring-galleries, are very homogenous. This is evidence for a big, well-mixed karst-aquifer, at 

least in the proximity of the spring. 



There after the two spring galleries were surveyed and afterwards visualized in 3D. This shows that the 

different influx of water into the galleries do not originate from the same fault plane. Additionally some 

information about a temporarily occurring clouding of the spring-water could be gathered. During the 

time of fieldwork, it consisted of humus material from the upper soil that was triggered by heavy 

rainfalls in the catchment area and was washed into the spring. Weather the clouding-material originates 

from the proximity of the spring or from higher parts of the catchment area, could not be clarified. 



Publications resulting from KATER I & II Projects 

In Peer Reviewed Journals 

Rank, D., Wieselthaler, F., Kuschnig, G., Papesch, W. & Tesch R. (2007): Separation of discharge 

components at a karst spring on the basis of event investigations (Wasseralmquelle, Austria). – 

Austrian Journal of Earth Science, Vol. 99, in press. 

Plan, L., Decker, K. & Wagreich, M. (2006): Assessment of Karst Morphological Vulnerability 

Parameters. - All about Karst and Water, Proceedings: 329-333. 

Decker, K., Plan, L. & Reiter, F. (2006): Tectonic Assessment of Deep Groundwater Pathways in 

Fractured and Karstified Aquifers, Hochschwab Massif, Austria. - All about Karst and Water, 

Proceedings: 138-142. 

Rank, D., Wieselthaler, F., Kuschnig, G., Papesch, W. & Tesch R. (2006): Separation of discharge 

components at a karst spring on the basis of event investigations (Wasseralmquelle, Austria). - 

All about Karst and Water, Proceedings: 266-270. 

Plan, L. & Decker, K. (2006): Quantitative karst morphology of the Hochschwab plateau, Eastern Alps, 

Austria. – Z. f. Geomorphologie, Supplement Vol. 147:29-56. 

Plan, L. (2005): Factors controlling carbonate dissolution rates quantified in a field test in the Austrian 

Alps. – Geomorphology, 68: 201-212. 

Plan, L. (2004): Speläologische Charakterisierung und Analyse des Hochschwab-Plateaus, Steiermark. 

– Die Höhle, 55 (1-4): 19-33. 

Other Publications 

Meissl, M. (in prep.): Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) for the investigation of the epikarst in the 

catchment area of the Vienna water main. – Diplomarbeit Univ. Wien 

Plan, L., Glitzern, A., Herrmann, E. & Wielander, B. (2007): In den Jahren 2005 und 2006 erforschte 

Höhlen im Hochschwabmassiv 1740. – Höhlenkundl. Mitt. Wien. 63(1): 4-17. 

Wieselthaler, F. (2006): Ereignisuntersuchungen an einer Karstquelle - Wasseralmquelle, Schneealpe. 

unveröffentlichte Diplomarbeit Univ. Wien. 

Plan, L. & Herrmann, E. (2006): Forschungserfolge im Krampusschacht, Rax, NÖ (1853/301). – 

Höhlenkundl. Mitt. Wien., 62(4): 46-50. 

Plan, L. (2005a): Karst und Höhlen im westlichen Hochschwab. In: Stummer, G. (Ed.): Karst- und 

Höhlenkundliche Streiflicher aus der Region Nationalpark Gesäuse, Naturpark Eisenwurzen 

und westlicher Hochschwab. – Speldok-14. 69 P., Wien (Verband Österreichischer 

Höhlenforscher): 19-21. 

Plan, L. (2005b): Speläologische Ergebnisse der karstkundlichen Untersuchungen im Einzugsgebiet der 

1. Wiener Hochquellenleitung. – Höhlenkundl. Mitt. Wien. 61(3): 57-63. 



Plan, L. (2004): Entscheidungshilfe bei Nutzungskonflikten - EU fördert Karstforschung in 4 

(Mitglied)Staaten. – Europa-Info (11): 12. 

Plan, L., Herrmann, E. & Klampfer, A. (2004): Im Jahr 2003 bearbeitete Höhlen in der 

Hochschwabgruppe (1740). – Höhlenkundl. Mitt. Wien. 60(5): 52-56. 

Plan, L. (2004): Kleinhöhlen auf der Zeller Staritzen. – Höhlenkundl. Mitt. Wien. 60(5): 56-57. 

Plan, L. (2003): Vermessung der Großen Kläffer (1744/352) - das Ende eines Mythos. – Höhlenkundl. 

Mitt. Wien., 59(4): 56-57. 

Plan, L. (2003): Neuentdeckte Höhlen in der Hochschwabgruppe (1740) im Jahr 2002. – Höhlenkundl. 

Mitt. Wien., 59(2): 16-31. 

Plan, L. (2002): Speläologisch-tektonische Charakterisierung der Karstwasserdynamik im 

Einzugsgebiet der bedeutendsten Quelle der Ostalpen (Kläfferquelle, Hochschwab) - 

Veröffentlichung der Diplomarbeit. – Speldok-11. 84 P., Wien (Verband Österreichischer 

Höhlenforscher). 

Herrmann, E. & Plan, L. (2001): Der Furtowischacht (Kat.-Nr. 1744/310) - nunmehr tiefste Höhle des 

Hochschwabmassivs (Steiermark). – Die Höhle, 52 (4): 102-103. 

Decker, K. & Reiter, F. (2001): Strukturgeologische Methoden zur Charakterisierung von 

Karstgrundwasserwegen im Hochschwabmassiv. - In: Mandl, G. (Editor), Arbeitstagung 2001: 

127-128, Wien (Geol. B.-A.). 

Published Abstracts 

Meissl, M. Andert, M. Plan, L., Grasemann, B. & Roch, K.H. (2006): Investigation of the epikarst zone 

in water catchment areas using Ground Penetrating Radar(GPR) - a feasibility study. - 

Geophysical Research Abstracts, Vol. 8, 07888, 2006. EGU06-A-03180. 

Kellermann, H., Decker, K. & Plan, L. (accepted): Influence of fault-morphology and -rock on 

karstification. – Geophys. Res. Abstracts, 9, EGU-2007. 

Plan, L. Spötl, Ch., Grasemann, B., Decker, K., Offenbecher, K.H. & Wiesmayr, G. (accepted): 

Seismothems caused by neotectonic activity in the Eastern Alps. – Geophys. Res. Abstracts, 9, 

EGU-2007. 

Plan, L., Decker, K. & Wagreich, M. (accepted): Influence of high Alpine Karst Morphology on 

Vulnerability – a Case Study from the Viennese Water Catchment. – Geophys. Res. Abstracts, 

9, EGU-2007. 

Plan, L., Spötl, Ch., Grasemann, B., Decker, K., Offenbecher, K. & Wiesmayr, G. (2005): Seismothems 

caused by neotectonic activity in the Eastern Alps. – 14th Int. Kongress of Speleology, Final 

Programme & Abstract Book: 117-118. 

Plan, L., Spötl, C., Grasemann, B., Decker, K., Offenbecher, K. & Wiesmayr, G. (2005): Seismothems 

reveal neotectonic activity along the Salzachtal-Ennstal-Fault. – Geophys. Res. Abstracts, 7, 

EGU-A-04224. 



Plan, L., Decker, K. & Faber, R. (2003): Assessment of karst morphological vulnerability parameters. – 

1 st conference on applied environmental Geology, Abstract Volume, Umweltbundesamt 

Berichte 228: 194-195. 

Plan, L., Decker, K. & Faber, R. (2003): Attributed Sinks – a GIS- tool quantifiying morphological 

vulnerability Parameters in karstic catchment areas. – Geophys. Res. Abstracts 5: EAE03-A- 

10280. 

Plan, L., Decker, K. & Faber, R. (2002): Attributed Sinks – Eine Methode zur Quantifizierung 

karstmorphologischer Vulnerabilitätsparameter. – Abstr. Pangeo Austria I, 135 (Univ. 

Salzburg). 

Unpublished Reports to the Vienna Waterworks 

Plan, L. (2007): Karst Morphological Research in the Plateaus of Hochschwab, Zeller Staritzen, 

Schneealpe, and Gahns – Final Report. - unveröffentlichter Endbericht an die Wiener 

Wasserwerke – MA 31, 31 pp. 

Decker, K. (2006): Tektonische Karte des Hochschwab-Massivs. Tektonisch/Strukturgeologischer 

Endbericht, Erläuterungen zur tetkonischen Karte. - unveröffentlichter Bericht an die Wiener 


Decker, K., Plan, L. et al. (2006): Tektonisch-strukturgeologische Kartierung von hydrogeologisch 

relevanten Strukturen im Rax-Schneeberg-Gebiet. - unveröffentlichter Bericht über 

Geländeaufnahmen im Auftrag der Wiener Wasserwerke – MA 31, 122 pp. 

Beidinger, A. (2005): Sprödtektonische Kartierung im Weichtal und im Fronbachgraben. – 

Unveröffentlichte Bakkalaureatsarbeit, Department für Geodynamik und Sedimentologie, 

Universität Wien, 64 pp. 

Plan, L. (2005): Karstwasserschutz und andere umweltrelevante Fragestellungen im Bereich Rax, 

Schneeberg und Hochschwab - Forschungsbericht. – unveröffentlichter Endbericht, 38 P., 

(Umweltdachverband). 

Decker, K. (2005): Tektonische Karte des Rax-Schneeberg-Massivs. Erläuterungen und Kurzbericht zur 

unkorrigierten Manuskriptkarte – unveröffentlichter Projektbericht an die Wiener Wasserwerke 

– MA 31, 12 pp. 

Decker, K., Plan, L. et al. (2005): Strukturgeologische Aufnahmen im Bereich der Austritte der 

Wasseralm-, Fuchspass- und Höllentalquelle – Bericht an die Wiener Wasserwerke – MA 31, 

17 pp. 

Decker, K. & Plan, L. (2004): Tektonische und karstkundliche Aufnahmen in der Quellfassungsanlage 

der Wasseralmquelle (1. Wiener Hochquellwasserleitung). – Kurzbericht an die Wiener 


Plan, L. (2003): Tektonisch-Karstmorphologische Kartierung als Grundlage für den Karstwasserschutz 

im Bereich des Hochschwab-Plateaus. – unveröffentlichter Endbericht, 33 P., (Universität 

Wien). 



Plan, L. (2002): Tektonisch-karstmorphologische Kartierungen als Grundlage für den 

Karstwasserschutz im Bereich des Hochschwab-Plateaus. – unveröffentlichter Zwischenbericht 

an die Wiener Wasserwerke, 9 P., (Universität Wien). 

Decker, K. (2002): Geologische Karte Karst - Tektonisch-strukturgeologische Grundlagen. In: Mandl, 

G., Erstellung moderner geologischer Karten als Grundlage für karsthydrogeologische 

Spezialuntersuchungen im Hochschwabgebiet. – BBK-Forschungsprojekt WA 4a / F2000 & 

StA 028n / F 2000, unveröffentlichter Endbericht, Wien (Geol. B.-A.), 13-47. 

Decker, K. et al. (2002): Tektonische Geländeaufnahmen im Hochschwabgebiet. Unveröffentlichter 

Bericht, MA 31 - Wiener Wasserwerke. 



Plan, L. (2001): Speläologisch-tektonische Untersuchungen zur Charakterisierung unterirdischer 

Karstwasserwege im Hochschwabmassiv. – unveröffentlichte Machbarkeitsstudie, 28 P., 

(Universität Wien). 

Decker, K., (2000): Tektonisch/strukturgeologische Grundlagen. In: Mandl, G., et al., 

Karstwasserdynamik und Karstwasserschutz Hochschwab, Projekt der Bund- 

/Bundesländerkooperation, pp. 49-74 und Anhang (Geol. B.-A., Wien). 



Presentations 

Plan, L. & Herrmann, E. (21-11-2006): Ein Vergleich der Karstmassive im Ostteil der Nördlichen 

Kalkalpen. – Speläologische Vortragsreihe, Naturhistorisches Museum (Vienna). 

Plan, L., Deker, K. & Wagreich, M. (11-10-2006): Assessment of Karst Morphological Vulnerabiility 

Parameters. - All about Karst and Water (Vienna). 

Decker, K., Plan, L. & Reiter, F. (11-10-2006): Tectonic Assessment of Deep Groundwater Pathways in 

Fractured and Karstified Aquifers, Hochschwab Massif, Austria. - All about Karst and Water 

(Vienna). 

Plan, L., Meissl, M., Andert, M., Grasemann, B. & Roch, K.H. (20-6-2006): The use of Ground 

Penetrating Radar to investigate the Epikarst in an Alpine Setting. -14th International 

Karstological School (Postojna, SLO). 

Meissl, M. Andert, M. Plan, L., Grasemann, B. & Roch, K.H. (6-4-2006): Investigation of the epikarst 

zone in water catchment areas using Ground Penetrating Radar(GPR) - a feasibility study. - 

European Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2006 (Vienna). 

Meissl, M., Andert, M., Plan, L., Grasemann, B. & Roch, K.H. (19-2-2006): Einsatzmöglichkeit von 

Bodenradar (GPR) zur Erkundung der subkutanen Zone in Karstwasser Einzugsgebieten – eine 

Machbarkeitsstudie. – Arbeitstagung zum Thema Epikarst der SGH (Bern, CH). 



Plan, L., Spötl, C., Grasemann, B., Decker, K., Offenbecher, K.H. & Wiesmayr, G. (24-11-2005): 

Neotektonische Extrusion in den Ostalpen: Datierung von Speläoseismiten vom Hochschwab. – 

Geologisches Seminar, Geozentrum (Vienna). 

Plan, L. (26-9-2005): Karst Features on Rax, Schneeberg & Hochschwab. – Kater II Excursion 

(Reichenau, NÖ). 

Plan, L. (24-9-2005): Karst und Höhlen im Hochschwab. - Jahrestagung des VÖH (Johnsbach, Stmk.). 

Plan, L. (24-9-2005): Nachweis aktiver Tektonik in der Hirschgrubenhöhle (Hochschwab) Jahrestagung 

des VÖH (Johnsbach, Stmk). 

Plan, L. (13-9-2005): Karstmorphologischen Kartierung auf den Plateaus von Rax und Schneeberg. – 

Informationsveranstaltung für MA31 und MA49 (Kaiserbrunn, NÖ). 

Plan, L., Spötl, Ch., Grasemann, B., Decker, K., Offenbecher, K. & Wiesmayr, G. (28-8-2005): 

Seismothems caused by neotectonic activity in the Eastern Alps. - Int. Kongress of Speleology 

(Athen/Kalamos, GR). 

Plan, L. (24-6-2005): Influence of glacication on karst morphology – A case study on the Hochschwab 

karst massif, Styria, Austria. - 2nd Workshop on Alpine Speleogenesis (Postojna, SLO). 

Plan, L., Spötl, C., Grasemann, B., Decker, K., Offenbecher, K. & Wiesmayr, G. (26-4-2005): 

Seismothems reveal neotectonic activity along the Salzachtal-Ennstal-Fault. – European 

Geosciences Union, General Assembly 2006 (Vienna). 

Plan, L. (25-6-2004): Analysis of Cave Distribution on the Hochschwab Massif (Styria, Austria). – 12th 

International Karstological School (Postojna, SLO). 

Plan, L., Grasemann, B., Wiesmayr, G. & Decker, K. (15-5-2004): Sismothems related to active 

movement along the Salzachtal-Ennstal-Fault-System. - ENTEC final Symposium (Vienna). 

Edelmann, E., Hölzel, M., Kuschnig, G., Meissl, M., Neuhuber, S., Plan, L. & M. Wagreich (21-10- 

2004): Das EU-Projekt KATER II - Impacts von Landnutzungen auf Umwelt und 

Wasserressourcen in Karstgebieten. – Geologisches Seminar, Geozentrum (Vienna). 

Plan, L. (21-9-2004): Karst Features on Rax, Schneeberg & Hochschwab. – Kater II Excursion 

(Reichenau, NÖ). 

Plan, L. (15-3-2004): Ergebnisse der karstmorphologischen Kartierung im Einzugsgebiet der 

Kläfferquelle. – Informationsveranstaltung für MA31 und MA49 (Wildalpen Stmk.). 

Plan, L. (17-2-2004): Karst-GIS-Hochschwab - Ergebnisse der speläologisch-karstkundlichen 

Kartierung. – Speläologische Vortragsreihe, Naturhistorisches Museum (Vienna). 

Plan, L., Decker, K. & Faber, R. (8-10-2003): Assessment of karst morphological vulnerability 

parameters. – Applied Environmental Geology 2003 (Vienna). 

Plan, L., Decker, K. & Faber, R. (15-4-2003): Attributed Sinks – a GIS- tool quantifiying 

morphological vulnerability Parameters in karstic catchment areas. – European Geosciences 

Union, General Assembly 2003 (Nice, F). 

Plan, L., Decker, K, Grasemann, B. (29-6-2002): Struckturgeologische Methoden zur Charakterisierung 

von Karstgrundwasserwegen. – Pangeo Austria 2002 (Salzburg). 



Plan, L., Decker, K. & Faber, R. (29-6-2002): Attributed Sinks – Eine Methode zur Quantifizierung 

karstmorphologischer Vulnerabilitätsparameter. – Pangeo Austria 2002 (Salzburg). 

Plan, L. (15-2-2002): Karstforschung und Tektonik im Einzugsgebiet der Kläfferquelle (Hochschwab, 

Stmk.). – Speläologische Vortragsreihe, Naturhistorisches Museum (Vienna). 

Decker, K. & Plan, L. (26-2-2002): Die Untersuchung unterirdischer Karstwasserwege im 

Hochschwabmassiv. – Informationsveranstaltung für MA31 und MA49 (Wildalpen Stmk.). 

Plan, L.: & Decker, K. (26-2-2002): Höhlenforschung zur Untersuchung unterirdischer 

Karstwasserwege. – Informationsveranstaltung für MA31 und MA49 (Wildalpen Stmk.). 

Plan, L. (29-11-2001): Speläologisch- tektonische Untersuchungen im Einzugsgebiet der Kläfferquelle. 

– Geologisches Seminar, Geozentrum (Vienna). 

Plan, L. (27-9-2001): Speläologische Untersuchungen zur Charakterisierung von Karstwasserwegen. – 

8. Österreichischer Hydrogeologentag "Vulnerabilität und Karstwasserschutz", Hallstatt, 27.- 

29.9.2001. 

Decker, K. & Plan, L. (27-9-2001): Tektonik und Speläologie zur Charakterisierung von 

Karstwasserwegen. 8. Österreichischer Hydrogeologentag "Vulnerabilität und 

Karstwasserschutz", Hallstatt, 27.-29.9.2001. 

Plan, L. (26-8-2001): Forschungen im Bereich der Kläfferquelle am Hochschwab. – Speleo-Austria 

2001 (Bad Mitterndorf, Stmk). 

Plan, L. & Decker, K. (8-6-2001): Speläologisch-tektonische Untersuchungen zur Charakterisierung 

von unterirdischen Karstwasserwegen. – Hydrologentag, Geozentrum (Vienna). 

Plan, L. (17-5-2001):Was kann Höhlenforschung zur Wasser-versorgung Wiens beitragen? – 

Vortragsreiche des LV f. Höhlenkunde (Vienna). 

Plan, L., Decker, K, Grasemann, B. (11-1-2001): Speläologisch-tektonische Untersuchungen zur 

Charakterisierung von Karstwasserleitern. - Hochschwabkolloquium, Geozentrum (Vienna). 

Bryda, G., Decker, K., Kuschnig, G & Plan, L. (11-1-2001): Die Hydrogeologie des 

Hochschwabmassivs – Geologie, Tektonik und Speläologie in einem integrierten 

Karstforschungsprojekt. - Hochschwabkolloquium, Geozentrum (Vienna).

Karstological Research in the Catchment Area - KATER

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