Assessment of doline geometry using geophysics on the Quercy plateau karst (South France).

Alternative Title

Earth Surface Processes and Landforms

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Publication Date

7-11-2011

Volume Number

36

Issue Number

9

Abstract

In the protection of karstic aquifers, the role played by dolines is of interest as these shallow structures can be preferential infiltration pathways for groundwater recharge. In this study, three depressions in South France (Orniac, Lot) were identified and characterized using combined geophysical methods. Apparent conductivity mapping allows precise definition of dolines corresponding to topographic depressions. It also reveals other dolines that are hidden by soil cover. Electrical resistivity and seismic refraction tomography provide detailed cross-sections. Even though the dolines studied are close one to another, they exhibit great variability in shape and content. Moreover, time-lapse data show that the most saturated regions are on the edges of the first doline. Such information helps to evaluate human impacts and forecast potential groundwater contamination. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Keywords

Electrical resistivity tomography, Seismic refraction tomography, Sinkhole, Electromagnetic survey, Quercy plateau karst

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1002/esp.2144

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