Hydrological Characteristics of the Drava River in Croatia

Abstract

The Drava River is one of the biggest right-bank tributary of the Danube and one of the most important rivers in continental Croatia. Its great environmental value is in conflict with its economic potential in hydroelectricity, navigation, and irrigation. During the history, many hydraulic structures were constructed on the river and caused changes in its hydrological regime. In addition, in the early 1980s, climate change manifested in less precipitation and higher air temperature became more evident. A hydrological analysis of the Croatian section of the Drava River pointed out the consequences of both trends. There are three different sections of the Drava River: the upstream section dependent on dam constructions; the middle part affected by the tributaries and the lower section under the influence of the Danube River backwater.