A study on karst development characteristics and key control factors of collapse in Xuzhou, eastern China

Abstract

The regularity of karst collapse distribution in Xuzhou city is based on the study of karst collapse development characteristics and key control factors in this region. Several findings are noted. (1) Karst collapse distribution is controlled by the fault zone of the ancient Yellow River; the karst develops stronger while located near the fault zone of the ancient Yellow River, and the karst develops weaker while far away from the fault zone of the ancient Yellow River. (2) The collapse is located in strong development section of shallow karstification level. Collapse karst is mainly located in Ordovician System limestone with a small part of which is located in the Cambrian system limestone. (3) The collapse concentration is within the ancient channel. Most collapse happens in the sand soil monolayer and some small part of the collapse happens in the sand-clay double layer. (4) All collapse is in the cone of depression due to the extraction of karst water. The results of this study provide scientific basis for prevention of karst collapse hazards in Xuzhou in the future.