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Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Longshore Sand Transport – Initial Results From The Large-Scale Sediment Transport Facility, Ping Wang, Bruce A. Ebersole, Ernest R. Smith Mar 2002

Longshore Sand Transport – Initial Results From The Large-Scale Sediment Transport Facility, Ping Wang, Bruce A. Ebersole, Ernest R. Smith

Geology Faculty Publications

Accurate predictions of the total rate of longshore sand transport (LST) and its cross-shore distribution pattern in the surf zone are central to many coastal engineering studies. Present understanding and methods for calculating the LST rate are largely developed based on field studies (e.g., Komar and Inman 1970; Inman et al. 1981; Kraus et al. 1982; Bodge and Dean 1987a, b; Dean 1989; Schoonees and Theron 1993; Miller 1998; Wang, Kraus, and Davis 1998; Wang 1998; Wang and Kraus 1999; Miller 1999). The Coastal Engineering Research Center (CERC) formula (Shore Protection Manual 1984), which is based on field measurements, is …


Karst Breakdown Mechanisms From Observations In The Gypsum Caves Of The Western Ukraine: Implications For Subsidence Hazard Assessment, Alexander Klimchouk, Vjacheslav Andrejchuk Jan 2002

Karst Breakdown Mechanisms From Observations In The Gypsum Caves Of The Western Ukraine: Implications For Subsidence Hazard Assessment, Alexander Klimchouk, Vjacheslav Andrejchuk

International Journal of Speleology

The term karst breakdown is employed in this paper to denote the totality of processes and phenomena of gravitational and/or hydrodynamic destruction of the ceiling of a karst cavity and of the overlying sediments. It refers not only to the existence of a surface subsidence (collapse) feature but, first of all, to the “internal” (hidden in the subsurface) structures that precede development of a surface form. This study reports and discusses the results of direct mapping and examination of breakdown structures in the gypsum karst of the Western Ukraine, at the level of their origin, i.e. in caves. The accessibility …


Collapse Dolines And Deflector Faults As Indicators Of Karst Flow Corridors, France Šušteršič Jan 2002

Collapse Dolines And Deflector Faults As Indicators Of Karst Flow Corridors, France Šušteršič

International Journal of Speleology

The paper concerns collapse dolines, which appear to be one of the best-defined surface karst phenomena. Despite this appearance, one may find quite different views in the literature, and some of the aspects of their morphogenesis have been overlooked completely. Among these aspects the most obvious is the question of the ongoing development of the closed depression. Five of the most common collapse doline types found in Slovenia are considered in terms of general systems theory, leading to a conclusion that cave roof collapse remains the crucial event in a collapse doline’s development. However, the collapse event itself may be …


Subsidence Hazards In Different Types Of Karst: Evolutionary And Speleogenetic Approach, Alexander Klimchouk Jan 2002

Subsidence Hazards In Different Types Of Karst: Evolutionary And Speleogenetic Approach, Alexander Klimchouk

International Journal of Speleology

The typology of karst, based on distinguishing the successive stages of general hydrogeological evolution, between which major boundary conditions and the overall circulation pattern change considerably, gives a natural clue, properly to classify and tie together karst breakdown settings, speleogenetic styles and breakdown development mechanisms. Subsidence hazards vary substantially between the different karst types so that classifying individual karst according to typology can provide an integrated general assessment. This provides a useful basis for selection and realization of region- and site-specific assessment schemes and management strategies. Intrastratal karst types, subjacent karst in particular, are most potent in generating subsidence problems. …


Subsidence Hazards As A Consequence Of Dam, Reservoir And Tunnel Construction, Petar Milanovic Jan 2002

Subsidence Hazards As A Consequence Of Dam, Reservoir And Tunnel Construction, Petar Milanovic

International Journal of Speleology

Considering all man-made structures in karst areas, dams, reservoirs and tunnels are the most vulnerable in relation to induced subsidence and caverns. Reservoirs that are located entirely or partially on karstified rocks covered with unconsolidated sediments are especially subsidence-prone. As a consequence of induced subsidence a number of reservoirs in karst areas failed and were never fully filled. Such subsidence formation is very damaging because the development is unpredictable and practically instantaneous. Reservoirs in karst areas may fail to fill despite an extensive site investigation programs and sealing treatment. Every problem is unique and past experiences are never repeated. This …


Collapse Above The World's Largest Potash Mine (Ural, Russia), Vjacheslav Andrejchuk Jan 2002

Collapse Above The World's Largest Potash Mine (Ural, Russia), Vjacheslav Andrejchuk

International Journal of Speleology

This paper reports the results of the study of a huge collapse that occurred in June 1986 within the area of the 3rd Berezniki potash mine (the Verkhnekamsky potash deposit, Ural). Processes that took place between the first appearance of a water inflow through the mine roof and the eventual collapse are reconstructed in detail. The origin and development of a cavity that induced the collapse are revealed. Two factors played a major role in the formation of the collapse: the presence of a tectonic fold/rupture zone with in both the salt sequence and the overburden (the zone of crush …


Mechanisms Of Karst Breakdown Formation In The Gypsum Karst Of The Fore-Ural Region, Russia (From Observations In The Kungurskaja Cave), Vjacheslav Andrejchuk, Alexander Klimchouk Jan 2002

Mechanisms Of Karst Breakdown Formation In The Gypsum Karst Of The Fore-Ural Region, Russia (From Observations In The Kungurskaja Cave), Vjacheslav Andrejchuk, Alexander Klimchouk

International Journal of Speleology

The fore-Ural is a classical region of intrastratal gypsum karst. The intensive development of karst in the Permian gypsums and anhydrites causes numerous practical problems, the subsidence hazard being the most severe. Mechanisms of karst breakdown formation were studied in detail in the Kunguskaya Cave area. The cave and its setting are characteristic to the region and, being a site of detalied stationary studies for many years, the cave represents a convenient location for various karst and speleological investigations. Breakdown structures related to cavities of the Kungurskaya Cave type develop by two mechanisms: gravitational (sagging and fall-in of the ceilings …


The Engineering Classification Of Karst With Respect To The Role And Influence Of Caves, Tony Waltham Jan 2002

The Engineering Classification Of Karst With Respect To The Role And Influence Of Caves, Tony Waltham

International Journal of Speleology

The engineering classification of karst defines various complexities of ground conditions, in terms of the hazards that they provide to potential construction. Karst is divided into five classes (from immature to extreme). The three key parameters within the classification are caves (size and extent), sinkholes (abundance and collapse frequency) and rockhead (profile and relief). As one component of karst, caves are a hazard to foundation integrity, though natural surface collapses over caves are extremely rare. A cave roof is normally stable under engineering loading where the roof thickness is greater than 70% of the cave width. Construction can proceed over …


Cave Breakdown By Vadose Weathering, R. A. L. Osborne Jan 2002

Cave Breakdown By Vadose Weathering, R. A. L. Osborne

International Journal of Speleology

Vadose weathering is a significant mechanism for initiating breakdown in caves. Vadose weathering of ore bodies, mineral veins, palaeokarst deposits, non-carbonate keystones and impure, altered or fractured bedrock, which is intersected by caves, will frequently result in breakdown. Breakdown is an active, ongoing process. Breakdown occurs throughout the vadose zone, and is not restricted to large diameter passages, or to cave ceilings. The surfaces of disarticulated blocks are commonly coated, rather than having fresh broken faces, and blocks continue to disintegrate after separating from the bedrock. Not only gypsum, but also hydromagnesite and aragonite are responsible for crystal wedging. It …


Stability Appraisal Of The Medvedova Konta Pothole, Jože Kortnik Jan 2002

Stability Appraisal Of The Medvedova Konta Pothole, Jože Kortnik

International Journal of Speleology

Until 1956 the underground details of areas around Pokljuka were practically unknown due to the area’s non-karstic outward appearance. However, the presence of karst phenomena on this Alpine plain is undoubtedly indicated, primarily by the absence of a surface drainage network. A mathematical model was made of the Medvedova konta pothole, in which two different sets of material properties were used, corresponding to the Triassic limestone that forms the bedrock under the greater part of Pokljuka. The model simulates the gradual thinning of the ceiling of the underground hall, from the surface downwards, until its collapse. The paper presents a …


Karst Subsidence In South-Central Apulia, Southern Italy, Marco Delle Rose, Mario Parise Jan 2002

Karst Subsidence In South-Central Apulia, Southern Italy, Marco Delle Rose, Mario Parise

International Journal of Speleology

Subsidence in the karst of Apulia (Southern Italy), one of the classical karst areas of Italy, is described in this paper. The carbonate rocks that make up the geological structure of the Apulia region are affected by subsidence, which is of different type and intensity depending upon geological, topographical, and hydrogeological conditions. In particular, we discriminate between inland subsidence and coastal subsidence. Inland subsidence is generally restricted to the presence of individual cavities, either empty or partly or totally filled with deposits produced by dissolution of soluble rocks underground. Locally, such subsidence can cause severe effects on anthropogenic structures above. …


Karstology And The Opening Of Caves During Motorway Construction In The Karst Region Of Slovenia, Martin Knez, Tadej Slabe Jan 2002

Karstology And The Opening Of Caves During Motorway Construction In The Karst Region Of Slovenia, Martin Knez, Tadej Slabe

International Journal of Speleology

The nature of karst makes constructing a roadway across karst areas a complex task, which is why karstologists take part in motorway construction across Slovenia’s karst. Working with planners, karstologists select the best route on the basis of preliminary research. Then they carry out regular karstological monitoring of the construction, to study newly discovered karst phenomena, mostly caves, and also help builders overcome the challenges of karst in a way that will preserve nature as much as possible. During the recent construction of a section of motorway, more than three hundred caves were encountered within a sixty-kilometre stretch of road. …