The potential use of geophysical methods to identify cavities, sinkholes and pathways for water infiltration
Authors
Hussain, YawarUagoda, Rogerio
Borges, Welitom
Nunes, José
Hamza, Omar
Condori, Cristobal
Aslam, Khurram
Dou, Jie
Cárdenas-Soto, Martín
Affiliation
Clemson University (USA)University of Brasilia (Brazil)
University of Derby (UK)
University of Oregon (USA)
China University of Geosciences
Nagaoka University of Technology (Japan)
National Autonomous University of Mexico
Issue Date
2020-08-14
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
The use of geophysical characterization of karst systems can provide an economical and non-invasive alternative for extracting information about cavities, sinkholes, pathways for water infiltration as well as the degree of karstification of underlying carbonate rocks. In the present study, three geophysical techniques, namely, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) and Very Low Frequency Electromagnetic (VLFEM) methods were applied at three different locations in relation to fluvial karst, which is listed as an environmentally sensitive area in Rio Vermelho, Mambaí, Goiás, Brazil. In the data acquisition phase, the GPR, direct-current (DC) resistivity and VLFEM profiles were obtained at the three locations in the area. Data were analyzed using commonly adopted processing workflows. The GPR results showed a well-defined lithology of the site based on the amplitude of the signal and radar typologies. On the other hand, the inverted resistivity cross-sections showed a three-layered stratigraphy, pathways of water infiltration and the weathered structures in carbonate (Bambui group). The interpretation of VLFEM as contours of current density resulted from Fraser and Karous–Hjelt filters, indicated the presence of conductive structures (high apparent current density) that might be linked to the weathered carbonate and other conductive and resistive anomalies associated with the water-filled and dry cavities (cave), respectively. The results encourage the integrated application of geophysical techniques such as the reconnaissance for further detailed characterization of the karst areas.Citation
Hussain, Y., Uagoda, R., Borges, W., Nunes, J.G.D.S., Hamza, O., Condori Quispe, C., Aslam, K., Dou, J. and Cárdenas Soto, M., (2020). 'The potential use of geophysical methods to identify cavities, sinkholes and pathways for water infiltration: a case study from Mambaí, Brazil.' Water, 12(8), pp. 1-19.Publisher
MDPI AGJournal
WaterDOI
10.3390/w12082289Additional Links
https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/12/8/2289Type
ArticleLanguage
enEISSN
2073-4441ae974a485f413a2113503eed53cd6c53
10.3390/w12082289
Scopus Count
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