We studied a population of the regionally endangered marsh fritillary butterfly Euphydryas aurinia inhabiting a system of loosely connected dry calcareous grasslands in sub-Mediterranean Slovenia. Our goal was to set the basis for a long-term monitoring of this butterfly in four meadows using mark-release-recapture (MRR). We determined its demographic parameters, dispersal, behaviour and utilization of nectar plants in different quality patches. Total population size was estimated to be approximately 347 males (95% confidence interval: 262-432) and 326 females (95% confidence interval: 250-402), with an unbiased sex ratio. The average lifespans were 6.3 and 8.6 days, respectively. Daily population sizes followed a parabola with marked protandry. Both sexes were relatively highly mobile with both occasionally moving over half a kilometre. The spatial distribution of animals seemed to be associated with patch size, host plant densities and nectar sources, resulting in much higher population densities in the largest patch. Adult behaviour differed between the sexes, with females resting more and flying less than males. Behaviour also changed during daytime and with the progression of the season. Adults were confirmed to be opportunistic feeders, since as many as ten nectar sources were detected. We conclude that demographic parameters differ greatly among regions and habitats, thus conservation aims should be planned accordingly. Although the population studied is apparently in good condition, there are threats that may hamper the long-term persistence of the species in this area: succession, intensification of mowing and overgrazing., Jure Jugovic, Costanza Uboni, Sara Zupan, Martina Lužnik., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Resonance frequencies of unconsolidated sediments of the Iška alluvial fan (Ljubljana Moor basin) were derived using microtremor method. Free-field measurements were conducted in a grid with point spacing of approximately 250 m. The sediments frequency-thickness relationship, h = 202.97 f -1.139, was obtained on the basis of 107 microtremor measurements, six existing boreholes that reached the Pre-Quaternary basement and two seismic reflection profiles. The reliance of the obtained relationship was evaluated with the R2 coefficient, which shows a very good level of determination. The resonance frequency map reveals the existence of an N-S oriented deeper buried valley (maximum depth 119 m) in the Western part of the alluvial fan. The microtremor HVSR amplitude map does not show any specific spatial distribution pattern, with the exception of a relatively narrow band of low amplitudes located north of Iška vas. This is probably related to an area of severely fractured bedrock along the Mišji Dol fault. Map of the Quaternary sediment thickness and map of the Pre-Quaternary basement topography were constructed on the basis of the established relationship. The basement topography map shows rather steep western slopes of the buried valley down to deepest part, followed by a gradually ascending basement towards the Eastern part of the fan. The comparison of the obtained parameters a and b in frequency-thickness relationship with other sedimentary basins around the world reveals a small variation of b values, and a rather large range of a values, which implies that the parameter a is characteristic for certain geological areas. The results of this research will find use in constructing more accurate hydrogeological models and for assessment of possible sediments-structure resonance effects in seismic microzonation., Lovro Rupar and Andrej Gosar., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Monitoring of tectonic movements along three active faults of Dinaric (NW-SE trending) fault system in W Slovenia using TM 71 extensiometers was set up in 2004. After two and a half years of measurements clear trends of displacement were recorded. The average left-lateral displacement along a crack in the inner fault zone of the Idrija fault in Učja valley was reading 0.38 mm/year. Short term (10 months) rates were even greater and reached the value of 0.54 mm/year. Since the Idrija fault is considered generally to be dextral strike-slipping, the observed left-lateral displacement can be explained by variations in principle stress. Raša fault monitoring site at the foot of Vremščica Mt. established an average reverse uplift of hanging wall (SW) block of 0.24 mm/year and left-lateral displacement of 0.16 mm/year. Short term (9 months) vertical displacements reached the value of 0.53 mm/year. The inclined displacement is in agreement with geological and seismological observations. In the Postojna cave system two instruments were installed at the fault which extends parallely to Predjama fault zone. The average vertical displacement rate at Postojna 1 site was 0.01 mm/year. Both devices recorded similar reaction which can be attributed to 12 July, 2004 (Mw=5.2) earthquake with an epicentre 70 km away from the measuring site. Since there were no other stronger earthquakes in the vicinity and time span of monitoring, no other correlations were established with earthquake activity. The observed displacement rates along all three monitored faults of up to 0.5 mm/year are consistent with the regional deformation rate in W Slovenia established from GPS measurements which is of the order of 2 mm/year., Andrej Gosar, Stanka Šebela, Blahoslav Košťák and Josef Stemberk., and Obsahuje bibliografii
UK-Slovenian collaborative research connected to EU COST-Action 625 began in 2003 and has involved interdisciplinary research into the current activity, structural architecture and landscape expression of the Ravne and Idrija strike-slip fault systems in NW Slovenia. The Ravne fault may be the best exposed actively propagating strike-slip fault system in Europe and through combined structural fieldwork, earthquake seismology and airborne LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) surveys, a new understanding of the fault’s along-strike segmentation, three dimensional geometry and stepover zone kinematics has been gained. The Idrija Fault in contrast, is poorly exposed, but defines a regional lineament with an intensely brecciated fault core; it may have been responsible for the largest historical earthquake to have ever affected the region. High-resolution LiDAR images recently obtained for both fault systems allow for efficient focussed fieldwork and future work will be devoted to documenting the timing of previous earthquakes and the connectivity and displacement transfer between active faults at the NE corner of the Adria microplate., Dickson Cunningham, Andrej Gosar, Vanja Kastelic, Stephen Grebby and Kevin Tansey., and Obsahuje bibliografii
At the end of 2010 seven TM 71 extensometers, installed at or near the active faults in Slovenia, were in operation. Three of them are on the surface and four inside karst caves. The highest rates with stable sense of movements were observed on the Idrija fault. Average horizontal displacement rate was 0.24 mm/year. Short term rates were even greater and reached 0.54 mm/year. The Raša fault first experienced an uplift of the SW block of 0.16 mm/year, which was followed by a short-term down-slip of the same block at the rate of 0.37 mm/year. Later the sense of movement returned to uplift with a rate of 0.05 mm/year. The average horizontal displacement was 0.07 mm/year. The Kneža fault experienced very small average displacements (y=0.035 mm/year, z=0.03 mm/year and x=0.02 mm/year). Similar rates were observed in nearby Polog cave (y=0.015 mm/year, z=0.027 mm/year and x=0.016 mm/year), which is located close to the seismically active Ravne fault. For Kostanjevica cave, located near the Brežice fault, small average rates are characteristic (y=0.006 mm/year, z=0.017 mm/year and x=0.012 mm/year). In Postojna cave, located close to the Predjama fault, two monitoring sites are very stable with small tectonic movements, including general dextral horizontal movement of 0.05 mm from 2004 to 2010 (Postojna 1) and two significant short-term peaks of 0.08 mm (Postojna 1-y and Postojna 2-z)., Andrej Gosar, Stanka Šebela, Blahoslav Košťák and Josef Stemberk., and Obsahuje bibliografii