Recent advances in karst research: from theory to fieldwork and applications

Parise, Mario; Gabrovšek, Franci; Kaufmann, Georg; Ravbar, Nataša

doi:10.1144/sp466.26

Cited by 77 publications

(37 citation statements)

References 116 publications

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“…Some studies have highlighted the role of subrosion, i.e. both mechanical and chemical (leaching) erosion of the subsurface (Wadas et al, 2016), in the development of sinkholes (Al-Halbouni et al, 2017;Arkin and Gilat, 2000;Polom et al, 2018), while others have focussed on the role of dissolution only in generating large cavity development in a relatively shallow but thick salt layer (Ezersky and Frumkin, 2013;Taqieddin et al, 2000;Yechieli et al, 2006).…”

Section: Sinkhole Development At the Dead Seamentioning

confidence: 99%

“…For the alluvial sediments, upper limits are given by nearby field investigations in firm sandstone rocks (El-Naqa, 2001) and also by published values for medium-grained Quaternary sand-gravel (Carter, 1983;Manger, 1963;Taqieddin et al, 2000). The bulk modulus of alluvial sand-gravel and lacustrine clays were estimated using Poisson's ratio values from the literature (Zhu, 2010) and shear-wave velocities from recent field measurements (Polom et al, 2018), where the latter were reduced by a factor of 1.5 to account for drained conditions.…”

Section: Bulk Parameter Estimation Of Geomaterials Adjacent To the Dementioning

confidence: 99%

“…The simulations reveal a tendency towards deeper sinkholes in alluvium and both deeper and wider sinkholes in mud, a trend that is able to explain the observations for sinkholes at Ghor Al-Haditha. seismic and photogrammetric studies in the area of Ghor Al-Haditha (Al-Halbouni et al, 2017;Polom et al, 2018), we consider our multilayer models as favourable over uniform models for Ghor Al-Haditha. The exact values of large-scale material strength, however, due to the described material testing procedure with a constant particle packing porosity and the limitations of literature laboratory scale values under the assumption of intact rock, should be rather used carefully.…”

Section: Implications For Sinkhole Formation At the Dead Seamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Geomechanical modelling of sinkhole development using distinct elements: model verification for a single void space and application to the Dead Sea area

et al. 2018

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Abstract. Mechanical and/or chemical removal of material from the subsurface may generate large subsurface cavities, the destabilisation of which can lead to ground collapse and the formation of sinkholes. Numerical simulation of the interaction of cavity growth, host material deformation and overburden collapse is desirable to better understand the sinkhole hazard but is a challenging task due to the involved high strains and material discontinuities. Here, we present 2-D distinct element method numerical simulations of cavity growth and sinkhole development. Firstly, we simulate cavity formation by quasi-static, stepwise removal of material in a single growing zone of an arbitrary geometry and depth. We benchmark this approach against analytical and boundary element method models of a deep void space in a linear elastic material. Secondly, we explore the effects of properties of different uniform materials on cavity stability and sinkhole development. We perform simulated biaxial tests to calibrate macroscopic geotechnical parameters of three model materials representative of those in which sinkholes develop at the Dead Sea shoreline: mud, alluvium and salt. We show that weak materials do not support large cavities, leading to gradual sagging or suffusion-style subsidence. Strong materials support quasi-stable to stable cavities, the overburdens of which may fail suddenly in a caprock or bedrock collapse style. Thirdly, we examine the consequences of layered arrangements of weak and strong materials. We find that these are more susceptible to sinkhole collapse than uniform materials not only due to a lower integrated strength of the overburden but also due to an inhibition of stabilising stress arching. Finally, we compare our model sinkhole geometries to observations at the Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole site in Jordan. Sinkhole depth ∕ diameter ratios of 0.15 in mud, 0.37 in alluvium and 0.33 in salt are reproduced successfully in the calibrated model materials. The model results suggest that the observed distribution of sinkhole depth ∕ diameter values in each material type may partly reflect sinkhole growth trends.

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Section: Sinkhole Development At the Dead Seamentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Bulk Parameter Estimation Of Geomaterials Adjacent To the Dementioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Implications For Sinkhole Formation At the Dead Seamentioning

confidence: 99%

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Geomechanical modelling of sinkhole development using distinct elements: model verification for a single void space and application to the Dead Sea area

et al. 2018

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“…Most previous electrical geophysical studies have focused on using ERT to detect single features of a karst system, such as sinkholes, cavities or conduits (e.g., Chalikakis et al 2011;Meyerhoff et al 2012;Gutierrez et al 2014;Parise et al 2018). Studies of entire watersheds are rare, and Hartmann et al (2014) points out that the availability of data limits the characterization of karst aquifer heterogeneity.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of karst structures using quasi-3D electrical resistivity tomography

et al. 2019

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Karst is characteristically complex, hydrogeologically, due to a high degree of heterogeneity, which is often typified by specific features, for example, cavities and sinkholes, embedded in a landscape with significant spatial variability of weathering. Characterization of such heterogeneity is challenging with conventional hydrogeological methods, however, geophysical tools offer the potential to gain insight into key features that control the hydrological function of a karst aquifer. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is recognized as the most effective technique for mapping karstic features. This method is typically carried out along transects to reveal 2D models of resistivity variability. However, karstic systems are rarely 2D in nature. In this study, ERT is employed in valley and hillslope regions of a karst critical zone observatory (Chenqi watershed, Guizhou province, China), using a quasi-3D approach. The results from the extensive geophysical surveys show that there is a strong association between resistivity anomalies and known karstic features. They highlight the significance of a marlstone layer in channeling spring flow in the catchment and confining deeper groundwater flow, evidenced by, for example, localized artesian conditions in observation wells. Our results highlight the need to analyze and interpret geophysical data in a threedimensional manner in such highly heterogeneous karstic environments, and the value of combining geological and hydrogeological data with geophysical models to help improve our understanding of the hydrological function of a karst system.

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“…Estimated geomechanical properties of main materials in sinkhole-affected areas at the Dead Sea. References: Ezersky et al (2017); Ezersky and Livne, (2013);Frydman et al (2008Frydman et al ( , 2014; Hoek (2007); Khoury (2002); Manger (1963); Polom et al (2018); Zhu (2010 the friction angle. We use a friction angle of φ = 54 • , depth z = 20-40 m and an intercept of n = 259 kPa for a specific rock weight of 18 kN m −3 (Frydman et al, 2014).…”

Section: Bulk Parameter Estimation Of Geomaterials Adjacent To the Dementioning

confidence: 99%

Answers to interactive comments Rev. 1

Al-Halbouni¹

2018

Preprint

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Mechanical and/or chemical removal of material from the subsurface may generate large subsurface cavities, the destabilisation of which can lead to ground collapse and the formation of sinkholes. Numerical simulation of the interaction of cavity growth, host material deformation and overburden collapse is desirable to better understand the sinkhole hazard but is a challenging task due to the involved high strains and material discontinuities. Here, we present 2-D distinct element method numerical simulations of cavity growth and sinkhole development. Firstly, we simulate cavity formation by quasi-static, stepwise removal of material in a single growing zone of an arbitrary geometry and depth. We benchmark this approach against analytical and boundary element method models of a deep void space in a linear elastic material. Secondly, we explore the effects of properties of different uniform materials on cavity stability and sinkhole development. We perform simulated biaxial tests to calibrate macroscopic geotechnical parameters of three model materials representative of those in which sinkholes develop at the Dead Sea shoreline: mud, alluvium and salt. We show that weak materials do not support large cavities, leading to gradual sagging or suffusion-style subsidence. Strong materials support quasi-stable to stable cavities, the overburdens of which may fail suddenly in a caprock or bedrock collapse style. Thirdly, we examine the consequences of layered arrangements of weak and strong materials. We find that these are more susceptible to sinkhole collapse than uniform materials not only due to a lower integrated strength of the overburden but also due to an inhibition of stabilising stress arching. Finally, we compare our model sinkhole geometries to observations at the Ghor Al-Haditha sinkhole site in Jordan. Sinkhole depth / diameter ratios of 0.15 in mud, 0.37 in alluvium and 0.33 in salt are reproduced successfully in the calibrated model materials. The model results suggest that the observed distribution of sinkhole depth / diameter values in each material type may partly reflect sinkhole growth trends.

show abstract

Recent advances in karst research: from theory to fieldwork and applications

Cited by 77 publications

References 116 publications

Geomechanical modelling of sinkhole development using distinct elements: model verification for a single void space and application to the Dead Sea area

Geomechanical modelling of sinkhole development using distinct elements: model verification for a single void space and application to the Dead Sea area

Characterization of karst structures using quasi-3D electrical resistivity tomography

Answers to interactive comments Rev. 1

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