Modelling of karst structures by geophysical methods. An example: the doline of S. Pietro dei Monti (Western Liguria)

Abstract

Integrated geophysical investigations of karst structures were carried out in Liguria and Piedmont (NW Italy); this paper refers to the S. Pietro dei Monti doline, in the karst area of Mt. Carmo (Savona). The techniques used in the integrated study were magnetics, electromagnetics and seismic refraction. The target was to identify, without drilling, the nature of the doline, for example if it is of dissolution or collapse type. A preliminary susceptibility sampling of the outcrop and topsoil and the diffuse fractures with a probable water seepage suggested magnetics and VLF electromagnetics. Such methods applied in an area with an extremely low cultural noise allowed modelling of the buried structure of the doline.

Keywords

• karst environment
• doline
• magnetics
• VLF
• geophysical modelling