Karst terrains are created through the dissolution of rocks (mainly limestone and dolomite) and include features such as sinkholes, depressions, cavities, etc. The ability to detect these features is a great challenge in engineering development projects, ranging from urban infrastructure (roads, bridges, and tunnels) to large infrastructure such as dams, levees, airports, and tall buildings with deep foundations. Further, contaminant migration and remediation in such terrains have been proven to be extremely challenging.

The use of geophysical techniques together with engineering geologic methods contributes to reducing risk, gaining a better understanding of the subsurface structure, and identifying potential hazards associated with the varied karst terrains and related features.

AEG’s and SEG’s panels aim to bring subject matter experts from both geophysics and geological engineering sides together to highlight the challenges associated with this kind of terrain and detail the benefits and uses for geophysics.