This seminar is part of the Tuesday Seminar Series organized by the Center for Hydrogeology and Geothermics (CHYN) at the University of Neuchâtel. We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jannes Kordilla from the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC) in Barcelona, who will discuss innovative approaches in karst systems modeling.

Abstract
Karst systems exhibit highly heterogeneous flow and transport dynamics resulting from the strong coupling between surface processes, the vadose zone, and the phreatic zone. Modeling these systems therefore requires a careful balance between physical realism, computational feasibility, and data availability. This talk focuses on major modeling approaches used in karst hydrology, ranging from lumped and continuum representations to dual-continuum concepts and explicit conduit network models such as openKARST. Particular emphasis is placed on how each approach addresses the dominant processes and challenges within individual compartments : rapid infiltration and runoff generation at the surface, strongly transient and preferential flow in the vadose zone, and complex matrix-conduit interactions in the phreatic zone. Key challenges include scale coupling, parameter identifiability, representation of preferential pathways, and the integration of transient dynamics across compartments.