Environmental and engineering effects of Sinkholes—the processes behind the problems |
| |
| Authors: | Barry F Beck |
| |
| Institution: | (1) Florida Sinkhole Research Institute, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA |
| |
| Abstract: | 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 tunnelling 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.
This article was presented as a keynote address at the 21st meeting of the International Association of Hydrogeologists in
Guilin, China, October, 1988. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
| 本文献已被 SpringerLink 等数据库收录！ |
|
