Karst Development Research Articles

Structural and Karst Studies Using 3D Digital Outcrop Model: A Case Study in Gunung Keriang, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia

A digital outcrop model (DOM) of the Permo-Triassic limestone of Gunung Keriang, Kedah, was constructed for structural analysis and karst study. Structural analysis of beddings and fractures within the DOM revealed that the limestone beds are characterized by gently inclined planes with NE ̶ SW and NW ̶ SE strikes, forming an upright N ̶ S trending synclinal fold, and being cross-cut by four steeply-dipping fracture sets (NE ̶ SW, NW ̶ SE, N ̶ S, and E ̶ W). The synthesis of these fracture sets indicates that the NW ̶ SE and NE ̶ SW fractures form a conjugate pattern suggestive of E ̶ W shortening, which aligns with the observed N ̶ S fold. Karst development, including elongated sinkholes and cave paths oriented in the NE ̶ SW direction, correlates with the fracture patterns, highlighting the NE ̶SW fracture network significant role in karst formation. The integrated data supports the hypothesis that these fracture patterns are major factors in the dissolution and development of karst features in the region.

An inception framework hypothesis for karst development in the Burren, Ireland

The Inception Horizon Hypothesis (IHH) postulates that certain stratigraphic horizons in a limestone sequence, combined with structural surfaces such as joints, provide a framework for cave development. Although subsurface and surface karst landforms are fundamentally linked, the IHH has not yet been extended to surface karstification. We tested this extension of the IHH in the world-renowned Burren karst due to its stratigraphic and structural simplicity. We used very high-resolution remote sensing datasets and detailed fieldwork to develop an updated map of the Burren's surface karst features, combined with a 3D geological model containing over 60 km of mapped cave passages.Our analysis shows that karstic connectivity between the surface and subsurface is primarily provided by a suite of vertically-persistent calcite and silica-rich veins, which form a non-stratabound fracture system across the Burren. The flow pathways provided by these veins then intersect the following inception horizons: (i) boundaries between distinct lithological units in the limestone sequence; (ii) crinoidal cycle tops, and more sporadically chert lenses, within one of those units (the Slievenaglasha Formation); (iii) thin horizons of non‑carbonates (‘clay wayboards’) within another unit (the Aillwee member). At the surface, the same horizons have been preferentially exploited by glacial processes, creating surfaces from which meteoric waters now recharge the subsurface and form new surface karst depressions and other karst landforms. Our new inception framework for karstification thus provides a new basis for understanding surface and subsurface connectivity in the karst critical zone in the Burren landscape, and it provides new geological insight into the functioning of carbonate critical zones more generally.

Manifestations of sulfuric acid speleogenesis in the Mulapampa travertine, Central Andes of Peru: evidence from the Gruta con Lago

Sulfuric acid speleogenesis (SAS) is a form of hypogene speleogenesis characterized by the formation of caves in carbonate rocks due to the presence of sulfuric acid. This study focuses on the Gruta con Lago, one of three caves identified in the Mulapampa travertine, located in the central Andes of Peru. These caves are accessed through collapse sinkholes, and much of their morphology results from roof breakdown. The bottom of the studied cave is situated at the current water table. Despite the absence of typical solutional features associated with SAS caves, mineralogical and geochemical evidence of speleogenesis involving H2SO4 has been found in Gruta con Lago. Significant accumulations of gypsum deposits on the cave floor and replacement gypsum crusts on walls – both considered by-products of SAS – are present. Cave gypsum samples exhibit negative sulfur isotopic composition (ranging from -19.4 to -8.2‰) and oxygen (ranging from -9.0 to -1.3‰), which are indicative of sulfide (H2S) oxidation. This article discusses potential scenarios of SAS events in the evolution of hypogene karst in the Mulapampa travertine. It also considers the significance of the proximity of the active volcanoes of the Ampato-Sabancaya Volcanic Complex (ASVC) and seismogenic crustal faults in the formation of a thick travertine cover and the potential for SAS processes.

Using hydrochemistry and stable isotopes to character the karst water environment in a cave site, South China

For cave sites located within the seasonal fluctuation zone of groundwater, obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the hydrogeological conditions and hydrochemical environment is of utmost importance in assessing the preservation of cultural deposits. However, due to the heterogeneity of karst development, the hydrochemical environment of the overburden karst water-bearing unit may exhibit complex variations. In this study, the characteristics of the water environment in a foot cave system and its surrounding aquifer were investigated at the Zengpiyan site, employing hydrochemistry, hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis, as well as sulfate isotope analysis, in conjunction with the hydrogeological background. Based on the exposure of the karst cave and the groundwater flow conditions, the water-bearing medium was categorized into five types. The aquifer exhibited either an oxidation or reduction condition, with a distinct "dissolved oxygen hole" observed in the saturated zone of the cave site. Ion concentration analysis revealed that the groundwater was influenced by the prior accumulation of cinders in the upstream region, leading to sulfate contamination within the foot cave system. However, during the groundwater movement from upstream to downstream, the attenuation rate of pollutants displayed significant variations. Notably, the sulfate content was unusually low within the site cave. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopes provided insights into the differing circulation and movement velocities of groundwater within the local environment. Additionally, sulfate isotopes confirmed the sources of sulfate and the occurrence of bacterial sulfate reduction within the site cave. Consequently, an environmental zoning classification was established based on these analyses. Although the concentration of dissolved ions appears low in the anoxic area, it does not imply a diminished environmental risk. Under reducing conditions, these pollutants can be converted into more aggressive gases, posing a substantial threat to the preservation environment of cave sites. Therefore, sufficient attention should be given to this aspect in order to ensure adequate protection.

Recognition of a cryptic maximum flooding surface in shallow marine carbonate sequences using geochemical (Y/Ho) proxy data

ABSTRACTSince diagnostic primary depositional sedimentary structures and depth‐dependent grain‐size trends are rarely preserved, building a comprehensive sequence stratigraphic framework for the vast majority of the Phanerozoic carbonate platform sequences is pending. Among the two most important sequence stratigraphic surfaces, while the subaerial unconformity can be reliably identified by either karst development or the appearance of siliciclastic materials, the demarcation of the maximum flooding surface remains difficult in lithologically uniform shallow marine carbonate sequences. The present study attempts to identify the globally documented maximum flooding surface within the body of the negative carbon isotope excursion of the Palaeocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum recorded in the shallow marine carbonate platform sequences. The results show that, along with the carbonate microfacies, the yttrium to holmium ratio (Y/Ho ratio) of the carbonate fraction reliably records the sea‐level changes. A Y/Ho ratio between 70 and 80 demarcates the stratigraphic position of the maximum sea‐level state (the most open marine condition in the studied interval) and maximum flooding surface in the studied sections. Since the Y/Ho ratios remain relatively stable throughout diagenesis, they can be used for maximum flooding surface identification in shallow marine carbonate platform sequences. The possibility exists that the same method can also be applied to the mixed siliciclastic–carbonate systems.

An integrated approach for characterization of a fractured-rock carbonate aquifer in the Zagros Region of Iran

Karst aquifers typically exhibit a wide range of dissolution effects that include end-members of matrix, fractured-rock, and conduit-dominated types. This study employs an integrated approach involving geological studies, hydrogeological assessments, hydrochemical and isotopic analysis, and dye tracer tests to investigate the Sarvak limestone aquifer (SLA) in the Zagros Region, southwest Iran. Key characteristics of the SLA include numerous stratification boundaries, thin limestone layers with intercalated siliceous and marl impurities, extensive joint and fracture networks, predominant autogenic recharge, and absence of notable point recharge features (e.g., sinkholes, dolines), and the exchange flow with the Bakhtiari River (B-R) has made it a unique aquifer. Numerous pieces of evidence, such as low spatial and temporal changes in groundwater level, insignificant seasonal variations in the hydrochemical and isotopic composition of water samples, and the supersaturation state of groundwater with calcite and dolomite minerals, suggested a slow flow regime in many parts of the SLA. This regime is characterized by low velocity and long residence time of groundwater. The results reveal that despite the high solubility of carbonate rocks, extensive joint networks can limit significant karst development, leading to fluid flow behavior similar to that of fractured-rock aquifers. Therefore, SLA can be considered a fractured-rock and karst aquifer. The identified paths with fast flow in the dam area are unremarkable and cannot provide a large portion of the Pelle Khan Spring discharge.

Geological and Hydrochemical Processes Driving Karst Development in Southeastern Riyadh, Central Saudi Arabia

This study investigates the processes leading to karst development in the southeastern part of Riyadh city extending up to Al Kharj. Numerous solution features such as sinkholes, collapsed dolines, and solution caverns are common in the area. The role of water in the development of the karst features was investigated using an integrated geological and hydrochemical approach. Geological investigations included the petrographic analysis of rock samples collected from zones of intense karstification with special emphasis on mineral dissolution. The study showed that the Sulaiy Formation is commonly fractured, brecciated, foliated, and contains numerous cavities, vugs, and openings. These features have formed by mineral dissolution by circulating groundwater, which has removed anhydrite beds from the underlying Arab–Hith sequence. Karstification likely started from the tectonically weak zones when there was more groundwater recharge. Studies show that during the early to mid-Holocene period, the climate in the Arabian Peninsula was humid, promoting groundwater recharge and subsequent mineral dissolution, though the process of karstification must have started much earlier. Hydrochemical findings reveal that mineral dissolution (halite and calcium sulfate) is the main process affecting groundwater chemistry. The Piper plot revealed two main hydrochemical facies: the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)–(Cl+ SO42−) Type (Type A) and the (Na+ + K+)–(SO42− + Cl) Type (Type B). Most of the samples belong to Type B, typical of groundwater facies affected by dissolution of halite and anhydrite mineral. The absence of the (Ca2+ + Mg2+)–(CO32− + HCO3−) type of groundwater facies indicates a lack of recent groundwater recharge and the removal of carbonate minerals from the system through precipitation, as evidenced by the saturation indices. Plots of the major ionic pairs (cations vs. anions) in groundwater indicate strong halite and gypsum/anhydrite dissolution. Of the three carbonate minerals, calcite has the highest average saturation index followed by aragonite and dolomite. This suggests significant past rock–water interaction leading to carbonate dissolution. Presently, any additional calcium or carbonate ions introduced into the water lead to calcite precipitation. The study indicates that the process of karst development may not be active today. Currently, groundwater chemistry is mainly influenced by rock–water interaction leading to gypsum/anhydrite dissolution, which has resulted in a high concentration of Na+, Ca2+, Cl− and SO42− ions in groundwater. The dissolution of gypsum and halite from the Hith Formation weakens the structural integrity of the overlying Sulaiy Formation, creating large underground cavities. These cavities increase the risk of roof collapse, leading to cover-collapse sinkholes as the roof becomes too thin to support the weight above.

Quantitative Assessment and Validation of Groundwater Pollution Risk in Southwest Karst Area

AbstractGroundwater pollution risk assessment is a useful tool for groundwater pollution prevention and control. However, it is difficult to accurately quantify groundwater flow and contaminant fluxes in karst areas and different types of karst areas have different hydrogeological characteristics. Therefore, the assessment of groundwater pollution risk in karst areas must use different assessment indicator systems. This study developed a new methodology that modified the vulnerability assessment model PLEIK, determined pollutant fluxes considering hydrogeological conditions, and revised parameter weights using the random forest method. The resulting PLEIKD-RF model was used to assess the risk of groundwater contamination in the southwestern karst region and its validity was verified. The results showed that the groundwater pollution risk in the region was low, with 65.64% of the low and relatively low risk areas located in the middle and high mountainous regions. 11.81% of the high and relatively high risk areas were sporadically located in the western and central regions, which were mainly controlled by the distribution of the pollution sources and the karst development. The accuracy of the results of groundwater pollution risk assessment in the study area was 71.87% as verified by the horizontal difference method. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that accurate, detailed, and representative data on the protective layer, surface water-groundwater interactions, and pollution source loads would improve the accuracy of groundwater pollution risk zoning. This assessment method provided a reference for similar assessments and the results provide a basis for the protection and management of groundwater resources in the region.

Constraining the evolutionary stages of a hypogene karst system by combining morphological, geochemical and geochronological data - the example of carbonate breccia-hosted Melnička Peštera

A combination of morphological observations, geochemical data from calcite minerals and geochronology by burial age dating and U-series is used to constrain the geological and geomorphological setting and the evolutionary stages of a hypogene karst system. This methodological suit is applied to Melnička Peštera, a horizontal cave developed in carbonate breccia overlying dolomite marble in Melnica locality (N. Macedonia), where hydrothermal karst development occurred in both dolomite and calcite marble. The passage morphology of the cave, having a reverse triangle, Laughöhle cross-sections, suggests development near the water table by slowly moving waters. Calcite crusts are found throughout the cave, and based on their relationship to passage morphology, appear to pre-date main horizontal passage formation. Their carbonate stable and clumped isotope and fluid inclusion noble gas compositions indicate cooling of the hydrothermal system with an increased contribution of shallower groundwater. U-series data suggests Early Pleistocene deposition of the calcite crusts. Water table notches and convectional features carved into breccia bedrock and calcite crusts point to subsequent development at and above the water table by condensation corrosion. The solutional aggressiveness near the water table was likely related to CO2, that previously degassed from the deeper parts of the system where calcite was depositing, and redissolved in the cooler, shallower waters. Due to poor connection with the surface, the cave air above the water table likely had high pCO2, that further helped to maintain aggressiveness of the groundwater at the water-air contact, and boosted condensation corrosion above it, preventing deposition of related secondary calcite minerals. The cave-hosting carbonate breccia deposited as an alluvial fan filling up a paleovalley cut into Upper Miocene sediments. Cosmogenic nuclide burial age dating of quartz fragments confirms Early Pliocene age for the breccia, and constrains the paleovalley incision to Late Miocene, likely related to base level lowering caused by the Messinian Salinity Crisis.

Paleoclimatic and environmental conditions of the Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate reservoir in the middle of Tarim Basin (NW China): Constrained by petrographic, geochemical, and carbon–oxygen isotopic characteristics

Breakthroughs have been made recently in the exploration of hydrocarbon in the middle of Tarim Basin, NW China. The complexity of the Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate reservoir remains enigmatic and hinders the source, developmental mechanism of the calcite fills, and paleo-environmental conditions of the Yingshan and Yijianfang Formations have been unclear. Here we present the related paleoenvironmental settings and diagenetic history, using petrographic, geochemical, and carbon (13C) and oxygen (18O) isotopic characteristics of calcite fracture, cave, and fissure fillings of a Lower-Middle Ordovician carbonate reservoir. The results indicate that the limestone caves dominantly consist of CaO, FeO, and MgO, and minor quantities of TiO2 and MnO. Among the trace elements, Ni reported the highest values (with an average of 1162.16 ppm) and other trace elements such as Ba, V, and Ga occur in minor values (with an average of 71.03, 19.18, and 12.92 ppm) respectively. The enrichment of light rare earth elements (LREEs) over the heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), with positive and negative Ce, and negative Eu anomalies indicate the contexts of oxic and anoxic conditions in seawater and sediments interface. The variation in δ18OPDB values ranges from −4.72 to −14.48‰ (with an average of −10.12‰), indicating a setting of paleo-karstification by atmospheric freshwater dissolution. While the variation in δ13CPDB indicates relatively significant values, ranging between 0.82 to −3.80‰ (with an average of −1.07‰), suggests that the paleo-karstification in this region has experienced episodes of supergene and burial diagenesis. The paleo-temperature average value of 59.1 °C, and the paleo-salinity average (Z-value) of 120.07, indicating a relatively warm paleoclimatic environment during the development of calcite-filling deposits. The results suggest several paleo-environmental conditions when paleokarst occurred: a marine deposition environment, an atmospheric freshwater karstification environment, a shallow burial paleo-karstification environment, and a high-temperature deep-burial environment in Yingshan and Yijianfang Formation in the Shunbei area. This study serves as an analog for similar carbonate systems worldwide, providing valuable insights for understanding paleo-karstification processes in different tectonic and climatic settings. Comparative studies between the Shunbei area, Tarim Basin, and other carbonate platforms contribute to our knowledge of karst evolution and its implications for reservoir development and groundwater resources.

Геохимическая характеристика озера Чваниха, памятника природы Кировской области

The article presents characteristics of the abiotic components (water and bottom sediments) of the karst Lake Chvanikha. The lake is located in the Nolinsky district of the Kirov region and has the status of the hydrological natural monument of regional significance. The results are based on precision analytic data (obtained by ICP-MS, X-ray fluorescence analysis, chemical methods, photometry, etc.) and on thermodynamic calculations (Visual-MINTEQ. ver. 3.1). The composition of the waters indirectly indicates to the development of carbonate karst (mainly the dissolution of dolomite) in the upper rock strata at the base of the lake basin and to the presence of minor gypsum interlayers at depth. The concentrations of dissolved forms of trace elements do not exceed the MPCs of harmful substances in the waters of fishery basins and generally corresponds to the average contents in the rivers of the world. The base forms of trace elements in water are their free ions (for Sr, Ba, Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Cd) and carbonate complexes (for Pb and Cu). The bottom sediments are represented of fine quartz sands, which overlap the karst rocks. In the absence of a significant technogenic impact, the poor grade of sand’s ferruginization determines low contents of potential pollutants (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Mo, Ni, Cr, V), typical for quartz sands.

Role of hypogenesis in the evolution of karst in the Taurus Mountains Range, Turkey

Field observations and laboratory data collected from the Taurus Mountains Range, Turkey during the last two decades provided evidence for the link between the evolution of hypogene karst and the geodynamic history. Major evidence includes; carbonate-hosted secondary ore deposits that are converted from primarily hypogene minerals by epigene, oxygen-rich groundwater circulating at local to intermediate depths. Another piece of evidence of hypogene karst in the Tauride is the Kırkgöz springs’ huge submerged cave/conduit system, which formed the Antalya Travertine Plateau, which is the world’s largest deposit precipitated by cool karst groundwater. The obruks in central Tauride are giant collapse dolines formed by ascending hypogene fluids in the upper continental crust, rich in volcanogenic carbondioxide. The groundwater’s noble gas and carbon isotope data are helpful in determining the existing but asymptomatic hypogene activity in the upper crust. Hypogene karst development seems common in parts of the world with current or past geodynamic activity. However, a hydrogeological overview of the geodynamic history is essential to assess the hypogene processes and their reflections on the land surface.

Palaeolithic Cave deposits and Karst evolution in the Venetian Pre-Alps

Palaeolithic Cave deposits and Karst evolution in the Venetian Pre-Alps

Quantitative study of rainfall lag effects and integration of machine learning methods for groundwater level prediction modelling

AbstractGroundwater level (GWL) is a significant indicator for quantifying groundwater availability. Currently, hydrologists worldwide are actively engaged in modelling and predicting GWL. In karst regions, GWL exhibit varying responses to rainfall events across different locations and the impact of rainfall events on GWL within the same location also varies. Despite incorporating rainfall as an input variable, most existing data‐driven GWL prediction models inadequately account for the spatio‐temporal heterogeneity of karst water areas. Therefore, this study proposes a new analysis method to investigate the response patterns of GWL to rainfall events in karst regions with typical spatio‐temporal variations, known as the sensitivity analysis of rainfall‐GWL response. The method introduces the rainfall response coefficient to describe the response characteristics of GWL to rainfall. Through the rainfall response coefficient, the rainfall response variable (RR) is calculated and incorporates it as an input in the RR‐long short‐term memory (LSTM) GWL prediction model. The effectiveness of proposed method was validated by GWL prediction in karst aquifers located in Jinan City, China, renowned for its spatial–temporal heterogeneity in karst development. Through the analysis and validation conducted by integrating geographical multi‐feature, the study revealed a significant improvement in the accuracy of the RR‐LSTM model after integrating RR as a variable, particularly during significant rainfall events. These findings affirm that the method proposed in this study is highly effective in karst regions characterized by anisotropic karst features.

Karst hyporheic zone and its aquatic environmental effects: a preliminary study in South China

ABSTRACT Groundwater (GW)–surface water (SW) interactions profoundly impact aquatic systems. In karst regions characterized by the coexistence of various media, the hyporheic zone (HZ) remains poorly understood. This study explores the HZ by examining karst development and various hydrological, hydrochemical, and biological processes. The research reveals high development of karst and difference in water environment may suggest a diversity of water sources beyond GW, leading to the formation of a karst hyporheic zone (KHZ). Four common KHZ types are proposed based on karst development, with a focus on spring outlet and karst window types. Interactions in these zones are driven by river backflow and GW abstraction in high- and low-water periods, respectively. KHZs may have water quality purification capabilities, but further research on biogeochemical processes is needed. This study provides preliminary insight into KHZs in karst water systems and suggests key scientific questions for future research in South China.

Threat Existence to Limestone Formations Around Goa Peteng in South Bali Island, Indonesia

The limestone formations are a unit of geological rock formations that are important for the formation of unique Karst landscapes but are often threatened by development interests, one of which is in the environment around Goa Peteng, whose existence is threatened. This research aims to investigate: 1) the conditions of limestone formations around Goa Peteng, 2) identified threats to the existence of limestone formations around Goa Peteng, and 3) potential opportunities for protecting the existence of limestone formations around Goa Peteng. The methods used in this research include field observation, literature review, and assistance with map digitization. This assistance involves utilizing literature studies, both scientific articles and reports containing maps that also cover the study location. The results of the research show that the limestone formations in the Goa Peteng environment exist at of a level of karst development in the Goa Peteng environment, which is Mesokarst and parts of the surrounding area are Non-Karst apart from that there is Exokarst Potential and Endokarst though not much exists at the study location. The real threat to the existence of the karst landscape in the Goa Peteng environment is the development of mass tourism in the form of tourist accommodation such as hotels and villas, which has developed rapidly over the last 14 years, as seen from Satellite Image data. The limestone formations in the Goa Peteng environment themselves has the opportunity to be a place for education and further studies need to be carried out on the limestone formations and karst development in South Bali.

Underground karst development characteristics and their influence on exploitation of karst groundwater in Guilin City, southwestern China

Underground karst development characteristics and their influence on exploitation of karst groundwater in Guilin City, southwestern China

Study on the process of mass transfer and deterioration of limestone under dynamic dissolution of CO2 solution

The long-term erosion of rock by solution can induce a series of karst problems. Therefore, this study focused on limestone and conducted dynamic dissolution experiments under deionized water and CO2 solution conditions to study the deterioration mechanism of limestone under nonequilibrium conditions. The results showed that the degree of degradation of the mechanical properties of the samples in a CO2 solution was obviously greater. In a deionized water environment, the degradation of the mechanical properties of the sample is mainly controlled by the physical softening action of the solution. In the CO2 solution environment, the degradation process can be divided into two stages. In the early stage of the experiment (10 days to 20 days), the degradation of mechanical properties of the sample is also controlled by the physical softening action of the solution. With increasing soaking time, the main rock-forming minerals of limestone gradually react with the CO2 solution, the degradation of the sample is controlled mainly by the chemical corrosion of the CO2 solution, and its degradation rate is much greater than that of physical softening. The results can be used as a reference for assessing the long-term stability of underground engineering in limestone karst development areas.

Development characteristic and main controlling factors of the Ordovician karst caves in the Keping area, Tarim Basin

This research endeavors to characterize the primary factors that influence the formation of Ordovician karst caves in the Keping area of China. A 3D digital model of the cave structure and fracture sets was generated using an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). The characterization of fracture and cavity development involved the examination of thin sections, fluid inclusion testing, and the analysis of C and O isotopes. Key parameters controlling karst development were identified through the application of multiple linear regressions and statistical analysis. The Ordovician limestone karst cave exhibited four distinct fracture sets. Set 1 consisted of partially filled fractures with a sub-horizontal orientation and a striking direction of SEE, interpreted to have formed during the Middle-Late Caledonian orogeny. Set 2 comprised inclined tensile-shear fractures with a striking direction of NEE, likely formed during the Early Hercynian orogeny. Set 3 included fully filled conjugate shear fractures with variable orientations, which developed during the Indo-Yanshanian orogeny. Set 4 comprised high-angle shear fractures with striking directions of NNE 20–40° and NEE 60–80°, formed during the Himalayan orogeny. Two stages of cave filling deposition were identified. Stage I coincided with the Middle-Late Caledonian Set 1 fractures and can be attributed to the circulation of freshwater fluid. Stage II occurred concurrently with the Early Hercynian Set 2 fractures and can be attributed to deep hydrothermal fluid circulation. The karst caves are interconnected and aligned along a fault zone. The Ordovician limestone possesses high permeability, which facilitates karst development. The lithologies in the Aksu area play a crucial role in cavity formation and dissolution. The development of cavities is influenced by the combined patterns of the fracture system, with larger fault and fracture zones resulting in larger cave sizes. As one moves away from the fault zone, limestone dissolution decreases, resulting in less pronounced karst development.

Экзогенные процессы формирования современной геоэкологичеcкой ситуации в Белгородской области

According to the “Fundamentals of state policy in the field of environmental development of the Russian Federation for the period up to 2030”, it is the anthropogenic factor that has a greater impact on the environmental situation in our country. In such conditions, the risk of dangerous geological processes increases significantly. The authors found that exogenous geological processes in combination with anthropogenic factors make a significant negative contribution to the ecological situation in the region. The object of the study is exogenous geological processes occurring on the territory of the Belgorod region. The subject of the study is exogenous geological processes, anthropogenic processes, and their contribution to the current state of the ecological situation in the Belgorod region. The purpose and objectives of the study are as follows: to study the characteristics and patterns of development of exogenous geological processes in the Belgorod region; methods and technologies for the rapid detection and prediction of the occurrence of exogenous geological processes, as well as preventive measures to reduce them in the region are developed. The authors have come to the following conclusions: On the territory of the region, the development of erosive, landslide, karst, Aeolian and suffusion processes has a significant impact on the environmental situation, the manifestation of which is primarily due to the geological structure of its parts, physical and geographical conditions, the deve­lopment and condition of the mining industry and agriculture. The dominant exogenous geological process that makes the greatest contribution to the formation of the ecological situation of the Belgorod region is linear erosion. The degree of damage to the territory of the region by erosion processes is quite high. Intensive erosion dismemberment is one of the main indicators of the unfavorable ecological and geomorphological condition of the territory. The influence of the anthropogenic factor on exogenous processes is expressed, first of all, in environmental pollution, landscape transformation and changes in the hydrological regime. The possibility of neutralizing exogenous geological processes in order to ensure the safety of the population of the Belgorod region should be justified by knowledge of the engineering and geomorphological conditions of the territory. To do this, it is necessary to create a strict modern system for monitoring exogenous geological processes, which will reduce the risks associated with them, more accurately predict their occurrence and obtain more reliable data. The solution of this problem is possible within the framework of the regional monitoring center for exogenous geological processes.