Unravelling seasonal dynamics: Inter-station correlations and hydrological assessments of Topľa river in the Bardejov basin

Abstract

The study delves into the complex seasonal dynamics of water levels in the Topl'a River, strategically positioned within the Bardejov basin. Hydrological assessments, aided by the water-bearing coefficient, classify the hydrological situation into Wet, Normal, or Dry conditions, creating a robust framework for clustering water levels across different years. The measurement stations, strategically located in Bardejovská Dlhá Lúka (stream Kamenec), Bardejov (river Topľa), Kľušovská Zábava (stream Šibská voda), and Gerlachov (river Topľa), contribute unique insights. Notably, Gerlachov and Bardejov represent different locations of the same stream, while Šibská voda and Kamenec are spatially proximate to Bardejov, experiencing similar meteorological conditions. Results from statistical analyses showcase distinctive seasonality patterns at each location and how the correlation between these stations evolves across different hydrological conditions. Intriguingly, the findings reveal an insignificant spatial relationship of correlation between station locations and seasonality, challenging conventional expectations. The implications of these results for water management and resources are discussed, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of seasonality dynamics in optimizing water resource planning.