Rock/water interaction. Factors guiding karst processes. Morphological effects of karst processes. Karst hydrogeology. Study of karst systems. Study and monitoring of karst aquifers. Karst aquifers vulnerability. Environmental problems and hydrogeological hazards in karst areas. Karst deposits.
Ford, D. C. & Williams, P. W. (2007). Karst hydrogeology and geomorphology. Chichester, United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Learning Objectives
The course aims to provide the basic elements for the study and knowledge of the particular characteristics of karst areas and in particular of those in carbonate rocks, in order to make the student able to deepen geo-environmental problems, hydrogeological and related to natural and anthropic factors of hydrogeoological risk.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of geology, geomorphology, hydrogeology and geochemistry normally acquired in a three-year degree in Geological Sciences.
Teaching Methods
Lectures in the classroom, exercises of analysis of hydrogeological data time series, excursions on the field.
Further information
To overcome the exam, the handouts provided by the teacher can be supplemented with some in-depth articles available on the internet.
Type of Assessment
Written paper: the student will have to present a geomorphological and / or hydrogeological elaboration related to a karst area or part of it, to be carried out on the basis of data available on the internet or provided by the teacher.
Oral examination: the student will be required to answer some questions related to the main topics covered in the course and to the written paper presented. The critical capacity on the problems of the course will then be evaluated.
The final vote will result from an overall and equal evaluation of the written and oral exam.
Course program
Rock/water interaction: dissolution and corrosion. Definition of karst: factors guiding karst processes. Morphological effects of karst processes. Karst hydrogeology, Characteristics of carbonate rock aquifers. Study of karst systems: structure, morphometry and evolution. Study and monitoring of karst aquifers, hydro-geochemical parameters of springs. Karst aquifers vulnerability. Environmental problems and hydrogeological hazards in karst areas. Karst deposits: genesis and research methods.