Unusual catchment runoff in a high alpine karst environment influenced by a complex geological setting (Northern Calcareous Alps, Tyrol, Austria)

Abstract Garber Schlag (Q-GS) is one of the major springs Karwendel Mountains, Tyrol, Austria. This spring has a unique runoff pattern that mainly controlled by tectonic setting. The main aquifer moderately karstified and jointed limestone Wetterstein Formation underlain nonkarstified Reifling Formation, which acts as an aquitard. aquitard catchment Q-GS form large anticline bound fault (aquitard) to north. Discharge this shows strong seasonal variations with three recharge origins, based on ? 18 O electrical conductivity values. A clear trend observed, caused continuously changing portions water derived from snowmelt, rainfall groundwater. At onset snowmelt period in May, discharge composed During maximum period, dominantly subordinately rainfall. July August, decreases increases. September October, released at groundwater distinct plateau August December following recession until March likely related regional body fissured structures (anticline, fault). Only small portion permafrost.