Atlas of Karst Collapses

This book discusses karst collapse, its types, conceptual site models, impacts on engineering and the environment, and provides methods and techniques to prevent, investigate, monitor, and remediate these collapses, emphasizing the need for a multi-disciplinary approach.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 149 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate world of karst collapse, encompassing a wide range of collapse types and associated conceptual site models. It then explores the profound impacts of these collapses on engineering and the environment, offering valuable insights. With over 200 captivating real-world photos showcasing the diverse manifestations of karst collapses and their aftermath, the book also provides practical methodologies and techniques for preventing, investigating, monitoring, and remediating these collapses. Drawing from decades of expertise in dealing with these phenomena, it becomes evident that effectively addressing the associated hazards necessitates a multi-disciplinary approach that seamlessly integrates geomorphology, engineering geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, geophysics, geochemistry, and risk assessment.

Introduction:
Karst collapse, a geological phenomenon characterized by the sudden and catastrophic collapse of underground limestone formations, has significant consequences for both the engineering and environmental realms. These collapses can occur in a variety of settings, including caves, sinkholes, and cliffs, and can result in loss of life, property damage, and ecological disruption. Understanding the mechanisms behind karst collapse and developing effective strategies for prevention, investigation, monitoring, and remediation are crucial for mitigating the risks associated with these events.

Types of Karst Collapse:
Karst collapse encompasses a wide range of collapse types, each with its unique characteristics and causes. Some of the most common types of karst collapse include:

• Sinkhole Formation: Sinkholes are depressions in the ground that can develop due to the dissolution of limestone or other carbonate rocks by groundwater. Sinkholes can range in size from a few feet to several acres and can appear suddenly or gradually. Sinkhole formation is often associated with the presence of underground caves or voids, which can provide a pathway for the movement of water and the collapse of the overlying rock.
  


• Cave Drowning: Cave drowning is a tragic event that occurs when individuals venture into caves or underground chambers without proper equipment or training. The lack of light, the presence of water, and the potential for cave-ins can make cave exploration extremely dangerous. Cave drowning is often caused by the collapse of cave roofs or the entrance to caves, which can trap individuals inside.
  


• Cliff Collapse: Cliff collapse is a phenomenon that occurs when the overlying rock is weakened or eroded by water, resulting in the sudden and catastrophic collapse of the cliff. Cliff collapse can be triggered by a variety of factors, including rainfall, earthquakes, or human activities such as mining or construction. Cliff collapse can have significant impacts on infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and buildings, as well as on the surrounding environment.
  


• Ground Subsidence: Ground subsidence is a gradual process in which the ground surface lowers due to the loss of support from underlying geological formations. Ground subsidence can be caused by a variety of factors, including groundwater withdrawal, mining, and urbanization. Ground subsidence can have significant impacts on infrastructure, such as buildings and roads, as well as on the environment, such as wetlands and ecosystems.
  

Conceptual Site Models:
In order to effectively understand and manage karst collapse, it is essential to develop conceptual site models that capture the complex interactions between geological, hydrological, and environmental factors. Conceptual site models can help identify potential collapse hazards, assess the risk of collapse, and develop mitigation strategies. Some of the key components of conceptual site models include:

• Geomorphology: Geomorphology refers to the study of the physical features of the land surface, including the shape, slope, and drainage patterns. Geomorphology can help identify areas of high vulnerability to karst collapse, such as areas with steep slopes, poorly drained soils, or the presence of underground caves or voids.
  


• Engineering Geology: Engineering geology is the application of geological principles to engineering problems. Engineering geology can help identify the geological conditions that contribute to karst collapse, such as the presence of weak or fractured rock, the presence of underground cavities or voids, or the presence of groundwater. Engineering geology can also help develop mitigation strategies, such as the installation of drainage systems or the use of reinforced concrete structures.
  


• Hydrology: Hydrology refers to the study of water and its movement through the environment. Hydrology can help identify the sources and pathways of groundwater that contribute to karst collapse, such as the presence of sinkholes or springs. Hydrology can also help develop mitigation strategies, such as the installation of groundwater drainage systems or the management of water resources.
  


• Hydrogeology: Hydrogeology is the study of the movement and distribution of groundwater. Hydrogeology can help identify the sources and pathways of groundwater that contribute to karst collapse, such as the presence of sinkholes or springs. Hydrogeology can also help develop mitigation strategies, such as the installation of groundwater drainage systems or the management of water resources.
  


• Biology: Biology refers to the study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Biology can help identify the impacts of karst collapse on ecosystems, such as the loss of habitat or the disruption of ecological processes. Biology can also help develop mitigation strategies, such as the restoration of habitats or the implementation of wildlife management plans.
  


• Geophysics: Geophysics is the study of the Earth's physical properties and processes. Geophysics can help identify the mechanisms that contribute to karst collapse, such as the movement of tectonic plates or the presence of underground faults. Geophysics can also help develop mitigation strategies, such as the installation of seismic sensors or the management of land use.
  


• Geochemistry: Geochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of the Earth's surface and subsurface. Geochemistry can help identify the sources and pathways of contaminants that contribute to karst collapse, such as the presence of mining waste or agricultural chemicals. Geochemistry can also help develop mitigation strategies, such as the implementation of pollution control measures or the management of land use.
  


• Risk Assessment: Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the potential risks associated with a particular activity or situation. Risk assessment can help identify the most effective mitigation strategies for karst collapse, such as the installation of protective measures or the development of emergency response plans.
  

Impacts of Karst Collapse:
Karst collapse has significant impacts on both the engineering and environmental realms. Some of the most significant impacts include:

• Property Damage: Karst collapse can cause significant property damage, including the destruction of buildings, roads, and infrastructure. Property damage can have significant economic consequences, particularly for communities that rely on tourism or agriculture.
  


• Loss of Life: Karst collapse can result in loss of life, particularly in cases where individuals are trapped or drowned in sinkholes or caves. Loss of life can have profound emotional and social consequences for families and communities.
  


• Ecological Disruption: Karst collapse can have significant impacts on ecosystems, including the loss of habitat, the disruption of ecological processes, and the contamination of water resources. Ecological disruption can have long-term impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services.
  


• Public Health Risks: Karst collapse can pose public health risks, particularly in cases where sinkholes or caves contain hazardous materials or contaminants. Public health risks can include the exposure to toxic substances, the spread of infectious diseases, and the contamination of food and water supplies.
  


• Economic Costs: Karst collapse can have significant economic costs, particularly for communities that are affected by the destruction of infrastructure or the loss of tourism revenue. Economic costs can include the costs of repair and reconstruction, the costs of lost productivity, and the costs of environmental remediation.
  

Prevention, Investigation, Monitoring, and Remediation:
Prevention, investigation, monitoring, and remediation are critical components of managing karst collapse. Some of the key strategies for preventing karst collapse include:

• Identification of Collapse Hazards: Identification of collapse hazards is the first step in preventing karst collapse. This can be achieved through the use of geomorphological mapping, engineering geology, hydrology, and hydrogeology. Identification of collapse hazards can help identify areas of high vulnerability and develop mitigation strategies.
  


• Implementation of Protective Measures: Implementation of protective measures is the second step in preventing karst collapse. This can include the installation of drainage systems, the use of reinforced concrete structures, the management of water resources, and the restoration of habitats.
  


• Public Education and Awareness: Public education and awareness are critical components of preventing karst collapse. This can include the promotion of responsible land use practices, the dissemination of information about karst collapse hazards, and the development of emergency response plans.
  


• Collaboration among Different Disciplines: Collaboration among different disciplines is critical for preventing karst collapse. This can include the collaboration of geologists, engineers, hydrologists, hydrogeologists, biologists, geophysicists, and risk assessors. Collaboration can help ensure that a multi-disciplinary approach is taken to managing karst collapse.
  

Investigation, monitoring, and remediation are critical components of managing karst collapse. Some of the key strategies for investigating karst collapse include:

• Site Survey and Mapping: Site survey and mapping are critical components of investigating karst collapse. This can include the use of remote sensing techniques, such as aerial photography or satellite imagery, as well as ground-based surveys and mapping. Site survey and mapping can help identify the location, size, and extent of karst collapse.
  


• Groundwater Sampling and Analysis: Groundwater sampling and analysis are critical components of investigating karst collapse. This can include the collection of groundwater samples and the analysis of groundwater chemistry and hydrology. Groundwater sampling and analysis can help identify the sources and pathways of groundwater that contribute to karst collapse.
  


• Seismic Monitoring: Seismic monitoring is critical components of investigating karst collapse. This can include the installation of seismic sensors and the analysis of seismic data. Seismic monitoring can help identify the movement of tectonic plates or the presence of underground faults that contribute to karst collapse.
  


• Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is critical components of investigating karst collapse. This can include the use of aerial photography or satellite imagery to identify the location, size, and extent of karst collapse. Remote sensing can also help identify the presence of sinkholes or other collapse hazards.
  


• Geotechnical Engineering: Geotechnical engineering is critical components of investigating karst collapse. This can include the use of geophysical techniques, such as ground penetrating radar or seismic surveys, as well as the analysis of soil and rock properties. Geotechnical engineering can help identify the geological conditions that contribute to karst collapse.
  

Monitoring and remediation are critical components of managing karst collapse. Some of the key strategies for monitoring karst collapse include:

• Groundwater Monitoring: Groundwater monitoring is critical components of monitoring karst collapse. This can include the collection of groundwater samples and the analysis of groundwater chemistry and hydrology. Groundwater monitoring can help identify the sources and pathways of groundwater that contribute to karst collapse.
  


• Seismic Monitoring: Seismic monitoring is critical components of monitoring karst collapse. This can include the installation of seismic sensors and the analysis of seismic data. Seismic monitoring can help identify the movement of tectonic plates or the presence of underground faults that contribute to karst collapse.
  


• Remote Sensing: Remote sensing is critical components of monitoring karst collapse. This can include the use of aerial photography or satellite imagery to identify the location, size, and extent of karst collapse. Remote sensing can also help identify the presence of sinkholes or other collapse hazards.
  


• Geotechnical Engineering: Geotechnical engineering is critical components of monitoring karst collapse. This can include the use of geophysical techniques, such as ground penetrating radar or seismic surveys, as well as the analysis of soil and rock properties. Geotechnical engineering can help identify the geological conditions that contribute to karst collapse.
  

In conclusion, karst collapse is a complex geological phenomenon that has significant impacts on both the engineering and environmental realms. Understanding the mechanisms behind karst collapse and developing effective strategies for prevention, investigation, monitoring, and remediation are critical for mitigating the risks associated with these events. By integrating geomorphology, engineering geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, geophysics, geochemistry, and risk assessment, we can develop a multi-disciplinary approach to managing karst collapse and protecting the environment and infrastructure.

Weight: 420g
Dimension: 279 x 210 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030929145
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022