Rock/water interaction: dissolution. Definition of karst. Morphological effects of karst processes. Karst hydrogeology. Study and monitoring of karst aquifers. Study of krst systems: morphometry and geomorphology. Karst deposits: enesis and research methods. Environmental problems and hydrogeological hazards in karst areas.
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 to address the problems of geo-environmental character typical of the karst areas, with particular reference to those in carbonate rocks.
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.
Course program
Rock/water interaction: dissolution. Definition of karst. Morphological effects of karst processes. Karst hydrogeology. Study and monitoring of karst aquifers. Study of krst systems: morphometry and geomorphology. Karst deposits: enesis and research methods. Environmental problems and hydrogeological hazards in karst areas.
N.: being a newly established course the detailed program is still being prepared.