Geophysical studies applied to near-surface karst structures: the dolines

Abstract

The formation of dolines is a very common near-surface karst phenomenon which is widespread and evident throughout most of Italy. In this study different geophysical methods have been applied to doline-like structures in the volcaniclastic section of the Alps in order to define their main morpho-structural characteristics. An integrated analysis of the geophysical data was also carried out to ascertain the quality and the resolution obtained through these geophysical methods and more in general, to evaluate their applicability to areas displaying features which are similar to those currently investigated. The fundamental differences found in different dolines are related to the geometries of the contact between the sublayer and the infill and to the mineralogy of the latter. From a geophysical standpoint the contact represents a discontinuity between materials characterized by different geophysical properties, whereas the infill shows properties which vary according to their composition and texture.