This book provides a practical strategy for obtaining a more complete and accurate geologic site characterization. The strategy and methods to characterize complex geologic settings are readily available. The strategy utilizes readily available technology, basic science and good, old-fashioned common sense resulting in a solid understanding of geologic and even karst or pseudokarst conditions. We provide an introduction to many off-the-shelf methods available for site characterization as well as examples of their application throughout the book. The purpose of a geologic site characterization is to understand the 3-dimensional geologic framework, along with the engineering and hydrologic properties of a site including any man-made impacts. A well-done site characterization is the cornerstone of all geotechnical, groundwater and environmental projects. The geologic conditions, particularly karst conditions, can significantly impact a site including its structural stability, groundwater pathways and potential for rapid transport or traps for contaminants. Once we have adequately characterized the geologic conditions can we carry our remediation, design and construction, model flow, and make risk assessments that are accurate and reliable.

Karst Hydrogeology, Geomorphology and Caves A Comprehensive Resource Covering All Aspects of Karst Hydrogeology, Geomorphology, and Caves This essential book covers all physical, chemical, and geological aspects of karst science. It reviews current knowledge on hydrogeology, geomorphology and caves in karst, based on the vast existing literature and investigations carried out by the authors worldwide. The different topics are profusely illustrated with color figures and images from all continents and climates, showing the scientific and aesthetic appeal of karst environments. The book covers in a systematic way the significant features of karst rocks, the chemistry and kinetics of their dissolution, the rate and distribution of karst denudation, the unique hydrogeology of karst terrains, the landforms endemic to karst, the morphology of caves and their diverse sedimentary records, and the multiple processes that lead to the formation of underground voids. Overall, the work reflects the increasing recognition of karst as a fundamental part of the Earth’s dynamic systems, and helps readers understand this multidisciplinary field from a holistic and nuts-and-bolts perspective. Some of the ideas discussed within the book include: How karst is gaining importance for human development, because of its valuable resources (groundwater) and associated environmental problems (impacts and hazards) The enormous technological developments achieved in recent years Recent major breakthroughs in the field and their influence on other scientific disciplines The central role played by karst science for understanding and mitigating global environmental issues (global warming, depletion of resources, human-induced hazards) For all scientists working in karst, and for students and lecturers of karst-related programs, this book serves as a valuable all-in-one source. It is also a valuable resource for professional hydrogeologists, the petroleum industry, environmental geologists, and of course speleologists, the last true geographic explorers in the world.

This book explores state-of-art techniques based on methodological and modeling aspects of solid and hazardous waste management, specifically focusing on the recent trends in data acquisition and robust modeling of the results obtained. In addition to an in-depth description of the recent regulatory paradigm for solid waste disposal and revealing insights into solid waste management models, the book also addresses significant case history and remediation methodologies for sustainable development in emerging economies like India, China and Brazil. The main emphasis is on a suitable regulatory framework with site-specific baseline calibration and aimed at the robust modeling of contaminant transport and its remediation. This is based on instructive case history in various locations/regions worldwide. The focus on recent modeling and quantification methods is the backbone of the book. One of the major aspects discussed is the application of non-invasive methods for studies related to the Earth's interior, which are increasingly preferred over invasive techniques thanks to their economic utility, as well as robust techniques for the interpretation of geophysical data. The increasing demand for groundwater and energy resources, especially for rapidly emerging countries with large populations like India and China, has made it vital to derive safe utilization approaches for our resources, including suitable waste disposal and remediation methodologies that can be adopted for 'contaminated sites.'

This book collects 15 papers written by renowned scholars from across the globe that showcase the forefront research in Earth observation (EO), remote sensing (RS), and geoscientific ground investigations to study archaeological records and cultural heritage. Archaeologists, anthropologists, geographers, remote sensing, and archaeometry experts share their methodologies relying on a wealth of techniques and data including, but not limited to: very high resolution satellite images from optical and radar space-borne sensors, air-borne surveys, geographic information systems (GIS), archaeological fieldwork, and historical maps. A couple of the contributions highlight the value of noninvasive and nondestructive laboratory analyses (e.g., neutron diffraction) to reconstruct ancient manufacturing technologies, and of geological ground investigations to corroborate hypotheses of historical events that shaped cultural landscapes. Case studies encompass famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites (e.g., the Nasca Lines in Peru), remote and yet-to-discover archaeological areas in tropical forests in central America, European countries, south Asian changing landscapes, and environments which are arid nowadays but were probably full of woody vegetation in the past. Finally, the reader can learn about the state-of-the-art of education initiatives to train site managers in the use of space technologies in support of their activities, and can understand the legal aspects involved in the application of EO and RS to address current challenges of African heritage preservation.

The prime focus of the book is to determine the mechanism, extent, and efficiency of biodegradation processes, as it is necessary to know the composition of the original crude oil or crude oil product. The technology of bioremediation and the concerns of whether or not bioremediation technologies can accelerate this natural process enough to be considered practical, and, if so, whether they might find a niche as replacements for, or adjuncts to, other crude oil-spill response technologies. This book also introduces the reader to the science of the composition of crude oil and crude oil products is at the core of understanding the chemistry of biodegradation and bioremediation processes.

Encyclopedia of Caves, Third Edition, provides detailed background information to anyone with a serious interest in caves. This includes students, both undergraduate and graduate, in the earth, biological and environmental sciences, and consultants, environmental scientists, land managers and government agency staff whose work requires them to know something about caves and the biota that inhabit them. Caves touch on many scientific interests in geology, climate science, biology, hydrology, archaeology, and paleontology, as well as more popular interests in sport caving and cave exploration. Case studies and descriptions of specific caves selected for their special features and public interest are also included. This book will appeal to these audiences by providing in-depth essays written by expert authors chosen for their expertise in their assigned subject. - Features 14 new chapters and 13 completely rewritten chapters - Contains beautifully illustrated content, with more than 500 color images of cave life and features - Provides extensive bibliographies that allow readers to access their subject of interest in greater depth

This book reviews the hydrogeology of karst systems, starting with the classifications from the applied point of view, and then the hydraulic parameters (porosity, permeability, and transmissivity). It also addresses the karstification process, its resulting forms, and their hydrogeological significance. Besides, the author describes possible models of karstic aquifers and their characterization. The book also explains the classical methods for analyzing hydrograms of karst springs and deepens the analysis of time series, as a preliminary phase to the mathematical simulation of karst aquifers. Finally, it introduces the hydrogeochemical characterization of karst, of the processes involved as well as the possible pollution and protection of karst aquifers. This book is intended to be of interest for professionals in hydrogeology as well as graduate and undergraduate students.

"Knowledge and understanding of cave and karst systems have evolved dramatically since the creation of the Geological Society of America in 1888. This book, which came out of a session during GSA's 2013 Annual Meeting, highlights the changes in the study and application of cave and karst systems since GSA's origin, while looking ahead to future advancements"--

This book discusses the geology, hydrogeology, and water quality/geochemistry of karst systems in geologically young terrain, using the state of Florida as an example. Also discussed are sinkhole-development models; sinkhole risk; eogenetic karst features developed in rocks as young as 125,000 years and as old as 65 million years; and karst landscapes of Florida, including regional geology and geomorphology with important examples of karst features, such as springs, sinkholes, caves, and other karst landforms. The eogenetic karst of Florida is largely covered and this book extensively discusses the interactions of karst processes with sand- and clay-rich cover materials.