Karst terranes are among the most unique geological features and comprise a significant portion of the territory of Vietnam. These areas have provided extensive geological and archeological evidence of the evolution of life on Earth, and host natural resources and exotic lands upon which a large human population depends. Most of the UNESCO-recognized natural heritages and geoparks of Vietnam are in karstic regions. These settings are also considered among the most vulnerable in the world to natural and/or man-induced hazards. A well-founded and diverse understanding of karst, arrived at using a multi-disciplinary approach combining expertise from different fields of geological sciences, is prerequisite to the preservation and sustainable use of natural resources and protection of humans from risks within the karst areas. This book is dedicated to better understanding the geology, natural resources, natural and anthropogenic hazards in karst areas as well as the responsible use and sustainable management of karst areas. This is the first book of this type ever published on one of the most unique geological features of Vietnam. It will serve as an excellent reference resource on the geology and water resources of karstic area in Vietnam for students and professionals alike. Published in English, this book will help international readers to obtain useful information on the geology and natural resources of Vietnam and as such will stimulate further research and co-operation among different fields of expertise in karst geology from Vietnam and other areas of the world.

"Nearly 25% of the world's population lives in karst areas -- landscapes that are characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage. Living with Karst, the 4th booklet in the AGI Environmental Awareness Series, vividly illustrates what karst is and why these resource-rich areas are important. The booklet also discusses karst-related environmental and engineering concerns, guidelines for living with karst, and sources of additional information."--Provided by publisher.

This practical training guidebook makes an important contribution to karst hydrogeology. It presents supporting material for academic courses worldwide that include this and similar topics. It is an excellent sourcebook for students and other attendees of the International Karst School: Characterization and Engineering of Karst Aquifers, which opened in Trebinje, Bosnia & Herzegovina in 2014 and which will be organized every year in early summer. As opposed to more theoretical works, this is a catalog of possible engineering interventions in karst and their implications. Although the majority of readers will be professionals with geology/hydrogeology backgrounds, the language is not purely technical making it accessible to a wider audience. This means that the methodology, case studies and experiences presented will also benefit water managers working in karst environments.

Originally published in 1989, Karst Geomorphology and Hydrology became the leading textbook on karst studies. This new textbook has been substantially revised and updated. The first half of the book is a systematic presentation of the dissolution kinetics, chemical equilibria and physical flow laws relating to karst environments. It includes details of the many environmental factors that complicate their chemical evolution, with a critique of measurement of karst erosion rates. The second half of the book looks at the classification system for cave systems and the influence of climate and climatic change on karst development. The book ends with chapters on karst water resource management and a look at the important issues of environmental management, including environmental impact assessment, environmental rehabilitation, tourism impacts and conservation values. Practical application of karst studies are explained throughout the text. "This new edition strengthens the book's position as the essential reference in the field. Karst geoscientists will not dare to stray beyond arm's reach of this volume. It is certain to remain the professional standard for many decades." Journal of Cave and Karst Studies, August 2007

A definitive guide, this book focuses on the design and construction of water infrastructure projects within karst formations and provides engineering approaches for preventing and mitigating their environmental problems. It features 200 figures, investigative techniques, practical design solutions, case studies with failure analysis, criteria prop

One quarter of the world's population lives in karst terrains, yet karsts are highly vulnerable to stresses caused by human activity. This book surveys human impact on karst water, showing that the increasing pollution of the environment has, to a great extent, spoiled sensitive karst ecosystems. This text examines such consequences and offers proposals for future solutions and strategies. Part One provides an overview of the functioning of karsts and of human interaction with karst environments over several millennia. Part Two consists of a systematic examination of the major areas of human activity affecting karst waters, such as agriculture, industry, mining and water exploitation. Finally, Part Three views the effects on karst groundwater within a broader societal and legislative perspective and considers possible changes of methodology and approach.

Filling a gap in the karst literature, this book describes methods most appropriate for use in karst terrains. These include methods that are basic to all hydrogeological studies, such as hydraulic investigations, hydrochemistry, geophysics, isotope chemistry and modelling, with the emphasis placed on their application to karst systems. The various chapters of this book are written by experts in all the different methods. Most of the chapters are multi-authored, and the authors include hydrogeologists who are experienced in evaluating a variety of karst environments and who together, provide a balanced view of all the karst methods.

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.