Advances in Karst Science – serie

This book presents selected papers from the EuroKarst 2018 conference, which highlighted the latest advances in the field of Karst Hydrogeology and Carbonate Reservoirs. The event attracted more than 180 participants. From among their contributions, the papers were selected and subsequently reviewed by the scientific committee to ensure the highest possible quality.

This book shares essential insights on evaporites and their effects on dams and reservoirs. The intensity of the solution and suffusion process in evaporites (gypsum and salt) is much greater than the solution of carbonates, and evaporites are particularly vulnerable at dam and reservoir sites.Moreover, the presence of evaporites in the vicinity of dams or reservoirs often leads to serious problems: numerous dams in countries around the world (e.g. China, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Peru, Russia, Spain, the Unites States, and Venezuela) have been affected by evaporite dissolution problems. Several of these dams were seriously endangered or ultimately abandoned, even though the best available engineering prevention and remediation practices were applied. Conventional geotechnical methods based on treating the underground (e.g. grout curtains) or surface (e.g. protective blankets) were not successful.This book presents and analyzes revealing case studies in this regard. Toimprove geotechnical remediation in connection with preventing seepage from reservoirs situated in evaporites, particularly in gypsum, it puts forward a new chemical solution that, after painstaking laboratory testing, was successfully applied in the field.

This book shares essential insights on evaporites and their effects on dams and reservoirs. The intensity of the solution and suffusion process in evaporites (gypsum and salt) is much greater than the solution of carbonates, and evaporites are particularly vulnerable at dam and reservoir sites.Moreover, the presence of evaporites in the vicinity of dams or reservoirs often leads to serious problems: numerous dams in countries around the world (e.g. China, Germany, Iran, Iraq, Peru, Russia, Spain, the Unites States, and Venezuela) have been affected by evaporite dissolution problems. Several of these dams were seriously endangered or ultimately abandoned, even though the best available engineering prevention and remediation practices were applied. Conventional geotechnical methods based on treating the underground (e.g. grout curtains) or surface (e.g. protective blankets) were not successful.This book presents and analyzes revealing case studies in this regard. Toimprove geotechnical remediation in connection with preventing seepage from reservoirs situated in evaporites, particularly in gypsum, it puts forward a new chemical solution that, after painstaking laboratory testing, was successfully applied in the field.

This book presents the latest advances in karstology by researchers at the ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute, Slovenia – home of Classical Karst. It features interdisciplinary investigations carried out on the karst surface, subsurface, caves, and associated waters.It covers various topics, such as analysis of karst processes, including the mineralogical and lithological characteristics of sediments and carbonate rocks; structural geological mapping; detecting the old traces of paleokarst; the formation of karst surfaces in a variety of types of rock and conditions; and the evolution of karst, which can aid in dating sediments, and in tracing aquifers using artificial and natural tracers.In addition, the book provides detailed information on the use and development of various research methods, ranging from comprehensive field research, long-term measurements, and laboratory analyses to computer and laboratory modeling. Integrating karst geology, geomorphology, hydrology, ecology, speleobiology, and microbiology research, these methods provide readers with a far deeper understanding of karst terrains.

This book presents the latest advances in karstology by researchers at the ZRC SAZU Karst Research Institute, Slovenia – home of Classical Karst. It features interdisciplinary investigations carried out on the karst surface, subsurface, caves, and associated waters.It covers various topics, such as analysis of karst processes, including the mineralogical and lithological characteristics of sediments and carbonate rocks; structural geological mapping; detecting the old traces of paleokarst; the formation of karst surfaces in a variety of types of rock and conditions; and the evolution of karst, which can aid in dating sediments, and in tracing aquifers using artificial and natural tracers.In addition, the book provides detailed information on the use and development of various research methods, ranging from comprehensive field research, long-term measurements, and laboratory analyses to computer and laboratory modeling. Integrating karst geology, geomorphology, hydrology, ecology, speleobiology, and microbiology research, these methods provide readers with a far deeper understanding of karst terrains.

This book documents and describes 32 natural caves from France and around the globe that have a width larger than 50 m, including data on the largest underground chamber in the world: Sarawak Chamber.  Artificial caves are not able to be constructed at these volumes and most of these naturally forming chambers had never been surveyed before with little geological data available. Methodologies for studying these large volume Karst chambers are described and for each site, a survey, a geomorphological sketch, a description and photographic images are provided. The process of the mechanical transportation by underground running water, of an insoluble but erodible rock located below thick limestone roofs via digging, scouring and racking are explained through these example to clarify the genesis of the largest volumes in the world. The purpose of this study was to estimate whether these natural contexts could be transposed to the digging of artificial caverns to accommodate underground nuclear power plants. Indeed, the comparison of the effects of the Lucens nuclear accident with those of Chernobyl and Fukushima shows the whole interest of an underground solution. These examples of natural chambers indisputably show that this is possible.

This book documents and describes 32 natural caves from France and around the globe that have a width larger than 50 m, including data on the largest underground chamber in the world: Sarawak Chamber.  Artificial caves are not able to be constructed at these volumes and most of these naturally forming chambers had never been surveyed before with little geological data available. Methodologies for studying these large volume Karst chambers are described and for each site, a survey, a geomorphological sketch, a description and photographic images are provided. The process of the mechanical transportation by underground running water, of an insoluble but erodible rock located below thick limestone roofs via digging, scouring and racking are explained through these example to clarify the genesis of the largest volumes in the world. The purpose of this study was to estimate whether these natural contexts could be transposed to the digging of artificial caverns to accommodate underground nuclear power plants. Indeed, the comparison of the effects of the Lucens nuclear accident with those of Chernobyl and Fukushima shows the whole interest of an underground solution. These examples of natural chambers indisputably show that this is possible.

This book comprehensively documents the various types of karst collapse and related conceptual site models, before discussing these collapses in terms of their impacts on engineering and the environment. Featuring over 200 real-world photos to illustrate the variety of karst collapses and their consequences, the book also provides specific methods and techniques to prevent, investigate, monitor and remediate these collapses. Decades of experience with these collapses make it clear that addressing the related hazards requires a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates geomorphology, engineering geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, geophysics, geochemistry, and risk assessment.

This book comprehensively documents the various types of karst collapse and related conceptual site models, before discussing these collapses in terms of their impacts on engineering and the environment. Featuring over 200 real-world photos to illustrate the variety of karst collapses and their consequences, the book also provides specific methods and techniques to prevent, investigate, monitor and remediate these collapses. Decades of experience with these collapses make it clear that addressing the related hazards requires a multi-disciplinary approach that integrates geomorphology, engineering geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, biology, geophysics, geochemistry, and risk assessment.

This book covers advances in the field of karst from a variety of perspectives to facilitate knowledge and promote interaction between disciplines. New methods are addressed that advance data collection, analysis, and interpretation in a wide range of karst contexts. Case studies are presented to provide examples of advancing science. Issues addressed include karst hydrogeology (water resources assessment, groundwater pollution and protection), methods to study karst aquifers (based on hydrodynamic, hydrochemistry, isotopes, dye tracing, geophysical surveys, and modeling techniques), karst geomorphology and landscape, mining and engineering in karst media (tunnels, dams, etc.), and karst cavities (touristic caves, natural heritage).This book is a resource for scientists around the world to compare problems, results, and solutions. Likewise, the examples included are used in policy decision making in karst regions. Finally, the contributions are used as a tool for university teaching.

This book covers advances in the field of karst from a variety of perspectives to facilitate knowledge and promote interaction between disciplines. New methods are addressed that advance data collection, analysis, and interpretation in a wide range of karst contexts. Case studies are presented to provide examples of advancing science. Issues addressed include karst hydrogeology (water resources assessment, groundwater pollution and protection), methods to study karst aquifers (based on hydrodynamic, hydrochemistry, isotopes, dye tracing, geophysical surveys, and modeling techniques), karst geomorphology and landscape, mining and engineering in karst media (tunnels, dams, etc.), and karst cavities (touristic caves, natural heritage).This book is a resource for scientists around the world to compare problems, results, and solutions. Likewise, the examples included are used in policy decision making in karst regions. Finally, the contributions are used as a tool for university teaching.

This book compiles a broad range of monitoring and early warning technologies focused on high-resolution in-situ water quality parameters at springs and monitoring wells. The surface collapses often cause severe damage to infrastructures, properties, and loss of lives, whereas contaminated groundwater poses risks to human health and the environment. Collapses are critical in karst systems, sparsing a seventh of Earth’s land surface. Karsts are also very relevant for drinking water, yet karst represents a fourth of global drinking water. Mitigating collapses and contaminated groundwater in karst aquifers can be complicated and costly.These parameters detect hydrodynamics, internal soil erosion, and ground deformation changes as karst collapse and pollution proxies. This book represents the most comprehensive overview of decades of research on karst collapse and groundwater contamination.This book is of interest to researchers and policymakers.

This book compiles a broad range of monitoring and early warning technologies focused on high-resolution in-situ water quality parameters at springs and monitoring wells. The surface collapses often cause severe damage to infrastructures, properties, and loss of lives, whereas contaminated groundwater poses risks to human health and the environment. Collapses are critical in karst systems, sparsing a seventh of Earth’s land surface. Karsts are also very relevant for drinking water, yet karst represents a fourth of global drinking water. Mitigating collapses and contaminated groundwater in karst aquifers can be complicated and costly.These parameters detect hydrodynamics, internal soil erosion, and ground deformation changes as karst collapse and pollution proxies. This book represents the most comprehensive overview of decades of research on karst collapse and groundwater contamination.This book is of interest to researchers and policymakers.

The book deals with the relationship and interaction between epikarst and surface karstification in seven chapters. The focus of the book is the development of the epikarst of different karst types and the genetics between the epikarst and landscape features. Chapter 1 gives a general description on the epikarst. Chapter 2 describes the sediment structure of subsidence dolines and interprets their development. It illustrates the interaction between the epikarst and surface karstification in different environments and rocks, which is primarily based on geoelectric resistance data of the bedrock of the karst. The investigations include covered karsts (Chapters 3 and 4), glaciokarsts (Chapter 4), a dolomite terrain (Chapter 6) and tropical karren (Chapter 7).

The book deals with the relationship and interaction between epikarst and surface karstification in seven chapters. The focus of the book is the development of the epikarst of different karst types and the genetics between the epikarst and landscape features. Chapter 1 gives a general description on the epikarst. Chapter 2 describes the sediment structure of subsidence dolines and interprets their development. It illustrates the interaction between the epikarst and surface karstification in different environments and rocks, which is primarily based on geoelectric resistance data of the bedrock of the karst. The investigations include covered karsts (Chapters 3 and 4), glaciokarsts (Chapter 4), a dolomite terrain (Chapter 6) and tropical karren (Chapter 7).

This book covers advances in the field of karst from a variety of perspectives to facilitate knowledge and promotes interaction between disciplines. New methods are addressed that advance data collection, analysis, and interpretation in a wide range of karst contexts. Case studies are presented to provide examples of advancing science.Issues addressed include karst hydrogeology (water resources assessment, groundwater pollution and protection), methods to study karst aquifers (based on hydrodynamic, hydrochemistry, isotopes, dye tracing, geophysical surveys, and modelling techniques), karst geomorphology and landscape, mining and engineering in karst media (tunnels, dams, etc.), and karst cavities (touristic caves, natural heritage).This book is a resource for scientists around the world to compare problems, results and solutions. Likewise, the examples included can be used in policy decision making in karst regions. Finally, the contributions can be used as a tool for university teaching.

This book provides a comprehensive account of the underground shelters in the Cappadocia region of Central Anatolia. These subterranean defensive structures, which are estimated to have been constructed by the local population between the 7th and 11th centuries AD to protect themselves against Arab raids, have regrettably not been extensively archaeologically and scientifically investigated until now. Nevertheless, these shelters, which are estimated to number in excess of 200, represent a significant and invaluable component of the architectural and cultural history of the region, in a manner analogous to the renowned rock-cut churches of Cappadocia. After providing an overview of the geological and historical background of the region and summarising previous studies on the subject, this book discusses a wide range of issues pertaining to these underground shelters, including excavation techniques, defensive devices, and dating debates. Finally, a list of all the underground shelters identified so far is presented, and 50 important structures selected from among them are described in full detail.

This book presents the latest advances in the field of karst hydrogeology and carbonate reservoirs. These include, but are not limited to: geomorphology of karst, flow and solute transport in karst; innovative metrology; modelling; speleogenesis and geology of carbonate reservoirs; deep reservoir exploration and production; water management and protection in karst environments; contaminant migration and chemical behavior; hydrochemistry and regional aquifer studies. EuroKarst offers a platform for professional exchanges between field practitioners and academic researchers. It is the European biennial conference on the hydrogeology of karst and carbonate reservoirs. It is organized every two years bythe Universities of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), Besançon (France), and Malaga (Spain).

This book sheds new light on contaminant transport in karst aquifers and the public health implications of contaminated karst groundwater. The papers included were presented at a conference held in early 2016 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and range from lengthy reviews on contaminant transport mechanisms to short articles summarizing research findings. The conference addressed a variety of topics, such as contamination sources, the hydrogeology of contaminant transport, the storage and release of contaminants, and the health impacts as well as the epidemiology of contaminated water supplies drawn from karst aquifers, and gathered perspectives from experts in different disciplines, including hydrogeologists and public health specialists. Although there is a wealth of literature on specific instances of karst groundwater contamination, this book offers an integrated conceptual framework for the public health impacts of karst groundwater, making it a valuable resource for a broad interdisciplinary readership.

This book presents the latest advances in the field of karst hydrogeology and carbonate reservoirs. These include, but are not limited to: geomorphology of karst, flow and solute transport in karst; innovative metrology; modelling; speleogenesis and geology of carbonate reservoirs; deep reservoir exploration and production; water management and protection in karst environments; contaminant migration and chemical behavior; hydrochemistry and regional aquifer studies. EuroKarst offers a platform for professional exchanges between field practitioners and academic researchers. It is the European biennial conference on the hydrogeology of karst and carbonate reservoirs. It is organized every two years bythe Universities of Neuchâtel (Switzerland), Besançon (France), and Malaga (Spain).