NEWS

Ongoing paleolimnological research in Krka National Park

In 2025, paleolimnological research was initiated within Krka National Park at sites that had not previously been included in systematic investigations. The research was conducted along the Krka River between Roški Slap and the Krka Monastery, and along the lower course of the river from Skradinski Buk to the town of Skradin. Scientists from the Department of Mineral Resources and Marine Geology performed riverbed and sub-bottom surveys using a multibeam echosounder and sub-bottom profiler in both study areas. Sediment cores were collected downstream of Skradinski Buk and in the wetland area of Rit near the Krka Monastery, close to Kistanje. Quaternary sediments were identified and sampled in the so-called catacombs of the Krka Monastery complex. The Krka Monastery is an important archaeological site within the Krka River canyon, where prehistoric, Roman, and medieval archaeological layers have been confirmed. Early Christian catacombs are cave cemetery, containing several recorded burials are located beneath the inner part of the monastery complex, partly below the northeastern section of the church. To document the current state of the catacombs, terrestrial laser scanning was performed by Dr. Vlatko Gulam and Dr. Tihomir Frangen from the Department of Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology. The survey used to produce the ground plan of the catacombs and determine their spatial layout was carried out in the late 1980s. Research activities at the Krka Monastery were conducted in cooperation with the monastery governor, Metropolitan of Dalmatia, Mr. Nikodim, and archaeologist Dr. Marko Sinobad. Newly acquired data provide the basis for the production of a bathymetric map of the river, which will be integrated with previously surveyed sections of the Krka River and Visovac Lake. The analysis of lake sediments will enable the reconstruction of the Quaternary evolution of the investigated area.

Multibeam echosounder and sub-bottom profiler mounted on the HGI rubber boat during research in Krka National Park.

Mounting and activation of equipment on the HGI rubber boat prior to the start of survey in the Krka National Park.

Transport of the HGI rubber boat between sites within Krka National Park, with research participants.

Terrestrial laser scanning of the catacombs within the Krka Monastery complex.