Collapse dolines susceptibility mapping in Doukkala Abda (Western Morocco) by using GIS matrix method (GMM)

Abstract

The Doukkala-Abda region, rich in karst forms (caves, dolines, karren…) underwent in the recent years several collapse dolines, essentially due to the presence of caves or underground cavities. These collapse dolines are a risk, especially for densely populated areas, for man-made structures and for areas with agricultural interest. Thus, it’s essential to draw susceptibility maps which are the first step for any hazard or risk assessment. Firstly, a collapse doline inventory was prepared by a geomorphological approach based on the visual interpretation of aerial photographs at medium scale combined with direct observations during field work. Secondly, a collapse dolines susceptibility map was prepared by a bivariate statistical method: GIS matrix method. Finally, this collapse dolines susceptibility map is validated by the degree of fit method.