Void evolution in soluble rocks: Development and validation of numerical models by field evidence

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Steffen Birk
• Subject Area: Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Limnology, Urban Water Management, Water Chemistry, Integrated Water Resources Management
• Term: from 2004 to 2009
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5437925

The relation between hydrogeological environment and void evolution in soluble rocks will be examined by numerical modeling. Whereas earlier research focussed on generic conceptual settings, this project aims to establish site-related numerical models that are largely based on field data compiled from selected study sites. The study sites will be located in the karst terrain of the Western Ukraine, because this area is well documented, displays the full sequence of karst evolutionary stages, and hosts a wide variety of karst phenomena. Consequently, project results will be readily transferable to other karst areas. Using a Geographic Information System (GIS), field data will be compiled and analysed yielding site-related conceptual models of void evolution in various types of settings. These conceptual models will be tested by numerical modelling and iteratively improved by comparing model outcome and field observations. As a result, hydrogeological environments promoting the evolution of voids in suluble rocks will be identified. Based on a through literature review, the concepts derived from the study sites will be transferred and adapted to other karst regions. Thus, the fundamental knowledge required for the assessment of karst geohazards, such as land subsidence, collapses, and dam failure, will be provided.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria, Ukraine
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Alexander Klimchouk; Professor Dr. Rudolf Liedl; Professor Dr. Martin Sauter