Sinkhole genesis and evolution in Apulia, and their interrelations with the anthropogenic environment

Abstract

Abstract. Sinkhole development occurs in many areas of the world where soluble rocks crop out. Sinkholes are generally the surface expression of the presence of caves and other groundwater flow conduits in carbonate rocks, which are solutionally enlarged secondary permeability features. Their formation may be either natural or caused by man's activities. In both cases, heavy consequences have to be registered on the anthropogenic environment and related infrastructures. Knowledge of the mechanism of formation of this subtle geohazard is therefore necessary to planners and decision makers for performing the most appropriate and suitable programs of land use and development.The Apulia region of southern Italy is characterized for most of its extension by carbonate rocks, which makes it one of the most remarkable example of karst in the Mediterranean Basin. Based on analysis of literature and in situ surveys, including caving explorations, we have identified in Apulia three main types of possible mechanisms for sinkhole formation: 1) collapse of a chamber in a natural cave or in man-made cavities; 2) slow and gradual enlargement of doline through dissolution; 3) settlement and internal erosion of filling deposits of pre-existing dolines. Since sinkhole formation very often affects directly the human settlements in Apulia, and have recently produced severe damage, some considerations are eventually presented as regards the interrelationships between sinkholes and the anthropogenic environment.

Evaporite karst in Italy: a review

“…In Southern Italy, Apulia is one of the sectors most intensely interested by development of karst processes, due to its geological setting, and, consequently, highly affected by sinkhole phenomena (Delle Rose et al, 2004). Most of the region, however, consists of carbonate rocks, whilst the outcropping Triassic evaporite deposits are limited to a small sector of the Gargano Promontory, in Northern Apulia, at Marina di Lesina.…”

Modelling of cave-in occurrence using AHP and GIS

“…Accordingly, many significant variables were not accounted for in the functions due to whether or not the height of fracture zones could be calculated. Many years' observation of sinkhole formation sites reveals that a number of qualitative factors have had a great impact on the caving-in processes (Chudek et al, 1988;Delle Rose et al, 2004;Fenk, 1981;Janusz and Jarosz, 1976;Kowalski, 2005;Liu, 1981;Ryncarz, 1992;Whittaker and Reddish, 1989). Therefore, by incorporating such factors in the evaluation of cave-in occurrence, the accuracy of the present prediction methods can be definitely increased.…”

“…The geometry, intensity, and rate at which discontinuous deformations occur depend on a number of mining-geological factors. As a result of many years' observation, groups of factors with the most distinctive influence on the formation of discontinuous deformations at the surface were found: depth of bed deposition, thickness of selected beds, exploitation system, rock mass tectonics, hydrogeological conditions, way in which the overlying beds are disposed, and their physico-mechanical properties (Chudek et al, 1988;Delle Rose et al, 2004;Fenk, 1981;Janusz and Jarosz, 1976;Kowalski, 2005;Liu, 1981;Ryncarz, 1992;Whittaker and Reddish, 1989). Detailed analyses revealed that the main causes of anthropogenic discontinuous deformations on the surface are the following (Chudek et al, 1988): Parenthesized values stand for percentage of a given element in the analysed population.…”

Natural and anthropogenic hazards in karst areas of Albania

“…Sinkholes may form in karst due to the presence of underground cavities and conduits, or to settlements of filling deposits of ancient caves (Williams, 2003;Delle Rose et al, 2004). Even generally a natural process, in many cases their development may be favoured and/or accentuated by human activities.…”