Environmental and engineering effects of sinkholes - the processes behind the problems

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02574791· OSTI ID:5884623

Beck, B F ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Central Florida, Orlando (United States)

Karstic erosion of the land surface is controlled by processes occurring in the epikarstic zone-the upper portion of the limestone which is most intensely dissolved. Sinkholes developing today are generally the effects of downward movement of mantling sediment into the major karren shafts which drain the epikarstic zone deeper into the true karstic aquifer. Dissolution of the limestone itself does not cause significant changes in man's time frame. The downward erosion of mantling sediment is termed ravelling. Only in uniform sediment will an arched cavity occur. In unconsolidated sediment which is stratified, lateral tunneling may even occur. Only the major karren can transmit sediment downward, the majority are ineffective. In mantled karst the location of surficial depressions and photo-linears does not necessarily correlate to areas of new collapse. The irregular and highly dissolved character of the epikarstic zone complicates foundation engineering. Downward drainage through this zone may be limited and cause flooding. An understanding of processes in the epikarstic zone is essential in developing on karst.

• OSTI ID: 5884623
• Journal Information: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States) Vol. 12:2; ISSN 0177-5146; ISSN EGWSE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540250* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Site Resource & Use Studies-- (1990-)
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000 -- Geosciences
CARBONATE ROCKS
CAVES
CAVITIES
DISASTERS
DISSOLUTION
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
EROSION
FLOODS
GEOLOGY
GROUND SUBSIDENCE
LIMESTONE
RISK ASSESSMENT
ROCKS
SEDIMENTARY ROCKS
SITE CHARACTERIZATION
SITE SELECTION
SOIL-STRUCTURE INTERACTIONS
SUBSURFACE ENVIRONMENTS