Introduction

Karst hydrogeology involves the study of the flow of water through subsurface karst formations. Karst is a type of terrain formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite, and is characterized by sinkholes, underground rivers, caves, and other geological features.

Karst hydrogeology is an interdisciplinary field of study, drawing on principles of geology, hydrology, and engineering to investigate groundwater flow and chemistry in karst systems. It seeks to understand the flow of water in subsurface karst systems, including the processes that cause water to travel through them and the interactions between surface and subsurface water systems.

By understanding the dynamics of karst systems, researchers can better predict their behavior and help identify potential hazards associated with them. Additionally, karst hydrogeology is used to develop strategies for the sustainable management of groundwater resources.

Week 1 Points to Discuss

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Five Things We Cover

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1. Karst Topography: Study of the surface features of karst terrains such as sinkholes, caves, and springs, and their impact on groundwater flow and recharge.
2. Groundwater Flow: Understanding of the underground flow patterns of groundwater in karst systems and the interconnections between surface and subsurface features.
3. Water Quality: Investigation of the chemical and biological characteristics of karst groundwater, including the impact of surface activities on water quality.
4. Contaminant Transport: Analysis of the transport and fate of pollutants in karst aquifers and the risk they pose to water resources.
5. Management and Protection: Development of effective strategies for the management and protection of karst groundwater resources, including the use of GIS and other technologies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3fKEkibrq8&t=37s

Week 2 Karst Landscape

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Five Aspects of Karst Landscapes

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1. Karst Landforms: Study of the landforms created by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite, including sinkholes, caves, and underground rivers.
2. Geologic Structures: Investigation of the geologic structures of a karst landscape, such as faults, joints, and bedding planes, and their impact on groundwater flow.
3. Groundwater Flow: Understanding of the underground flow patterns of groundwater in karst systems and the interconnections between surface and subsurface features.
4. Sediment Transport: Analysis of the transport and deposition of sediments in karst aquifers and the impact on water quality.
5. Sinkholes: Study of the formation, dynamics, and hazards associated with sinkholes, including the risk of sinkhole collapse.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dq4zf9_cr6c&t=92s

Week 3 Groundwater Flow

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Five Aspects of Groundwater Flow in Fractures

1. Fracture Connectivity: Investigation of the connectivity of fractures to other fractures and to the surface, and the impact on groundwater flow.
2. Fracture Interactions: Study of the interactions between fractures and their effect on groundwater flow.
3. Fracture Geometry: Analysis of the geometry of fractures, including their orientation and width, and the impact on groundwater flow.
4. Flow Velocity: Measurement of the velocity of groundwater flow in fractures and the impact on groundwater recharge.
5. Flow Direction: Understanding of the direction of groundwater flow in fractures and the impact on groundwater movement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqJzcgdP69A&t=339s

Week 4 Water Quality

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Five Aspects of Water Quality in Karst Systems

1. Dissolved Solids: Analysis of the concentrations of dissolved solids and their impact on water quality.
2. Organic Contaminants: Investigation of the presence of organic contaminants in karst groundwater and their impact on water quality.
3. Biological Contaminants: Study of the presence of biological contaminants in karst groundwater and their impact on water quality.
4. Inorganic Contaminants: Analysis of the concentrations of inorganic contaminants in karst groundwater and their impact on water quality.
5. Sediment Transport: Investigation of the transport and deposition of sediments in karst aquifers and the impact on water quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFjDilQMc3o&t=85s

Week 5 Contaminant Transport

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Five Aspects of Contaminant Transport in Karst Systems

1. Source Identification: Investigation of the sources of contaminants in karst systems and the pathways for their transport.
2. Transport Processes: Study of the processes that govern the transport of contaminants, including advection, diffusion, and dispersion.
3. Contaminant Fate: Analysis of the fate and transport of contaminants in karst aquifers and the associated risks.
4. Reactive Transport: Understanding of the interactions between contaminants and groundwater, and the impact on contaminant transport.
5. Contaminant Monitoring: Development of monitoring strategies to assess the presence and transport of contaminants in karst systems.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHyeran7Uk&t=28s

Week 6 Management and Protection

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Five Aspects of Karst Water Management

1. Groundwater Modeling: Development of numerical models to simulate the flow and transport of water in karst aquifers.
2. Monitoring Strategies: Development of effective strategies for monitoring karst groundwater resources, including the use of GIS and other technologies.
3. Management Plans: Creation of comprehensive management plans that consider the unique characteristics of karst systems and their associated risks.
4. Hazard Mitigation: Identification and implementation of strategies to mitigate potential hazards associated with karst aquifers, such as sinkhole collapse.
5. Sustainable Use: Implementation of sustainable practices for the use of karst groundwater resources, including measures to protect water quality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t616JB09SMg

Week 7

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Three Aspects of Karst Landforms

1. Dissolution: The dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone and dolomite by acidic water is the primary process that creates karst landforms.
2. Porosity: Karst landscapes have highly porous and permeable soils, which allow for the rapid movement of water through the subsurface.
3. Hazards: Karst landforms can pose a range of hazards, including sinkhole collapse and flooding due to rapid infiltration of surface water.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=au3yiAI7EUE

Week 8

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Three Aspects of Water Flow

1. Hydraulic Gradient: The hydraulic gradient is the direction and magnitude of water flow through a subsurface karst system, and is affected by differences in hydraulic head.
2. Flow Velocity: The velocity of water flow in a karst system is affected by the characteristics of the subsurface system, including the porosity and permeability of the rock.
3. Flow Direction: The direction of water flow in a karst system is determined by the hydraulic gradient, which is affected by the topography of the subsurface system.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xvvgb-5nzU&t=8s