Originally published in 1989, Karst Geomorphology andHydrology became the leading textbook on karststudies. This new textbook has been substantially revised andupdated. The first half of the book is a systematic presentation of thedissolution kinetics, chemical equilibria and physical flow lawsrelating to karst environments. It includes details of themany environmental factors that complicate their chemicalevolution, with a critique of measurement of karst erosionrates. The second half of the book looks at the classificationsystem for cave systems and the influence of climate and climaticchange on karst development. The book ends with chapters onkarst water resource management and a look at the important issuesof environmental management, including environmental impactassessment, environmental rehabilitation, tourism impacts andconservation values. Practical application of karst studiesare explained throughout the text. "This new edition strengthens the book's position as theessential reference in the field. Karst geoscientists will not dareto stray beyond arm's reach of this volume. It is certain to remainthe professional standard for many decades." Journal of Cave andKarst Studies, August 2007
Physical landscapes are one of the most fascinating facets of our Planet, which tell stories about the evolution of the surface of the Earth. This book provides up-to-date information about the geomorphology of the selected ‘classic’ sites from around the world and shows the variety of geomorphological landscapes as moulded by different sets of processes acting over different timescales, from millions of years to days. The volume is written by nearly fifty geomorphologists from more than twenty countries who for many years have researched some of the unique sceneries on the planet. The thirty six chapters present each continent of the world. They describe landscapes of different origin, so that the reader can learn about the complexity of processes behind the sceneries. This is a useful reference book, linking geomorphology with global initiatives focused on nature conservation.
This text covers topics such as sinkhole formation and regional studies of sinkholes and karst. Issues addressed are taken from the 8th multidiscilinary conference on this subject and chart the characteristics of sinkholes and karst as well as their environmental repercussions.
This book presents (i) a comprehensive methodological approach in analyzing karst surface features using contemporary GIS tools of high resolution applied on a large study area and extensive dataset, (ii) a revision and evaluation of the existing concepts valid in the modern karst geomorphology, (iii) a detailed elaboration of overlooked and yet undefined karst surface features, and (iv) an innovation in the discussion on origin and evolution of karst surface features. The book contains the first example of such comprehensive application of the modern technologies in spatial analysis in the field of karst geomorphology, and it offers several new methodological and theoretical perspectives and presents numerous starting points for further research. It contributes both to the understanding of the local karst evolution and to the knowledge of karst surface features globally.
With recent innovations in the arena of remote sensing and geographic information systems, the use of geoinformatics in applied geomorphology is receiving more attention than ever. Geoinformatics in Applied Geomorphology examines how modern concepts, technologies, and methods in geoinformatics can be used to solve a wide variety of applied geomorphologic problems, such as characterization of arid, coastal, fluvial, aeolian, glacial, karst, and tectonic landforms; natural hazard zoning and mitigations; petroleum exploration; and groundwater exploration and management. Using case studies to illustrate concepts and methods, this book covers: Arid environments, such as the Thar desert, West Texas, the Qatar Peninsula, and the Dead Sea areas Coastal shoreline changes in Kuwait Coastal zone management in India Estuarine bathymetric study of Tampa Bay, Florida Fluvial landforms of the Elbe river basin, Germany Subsurface coastal geomorphology and coastal morphological changes due to tsunamis in the East coast of India The Himalayas, Jammu & Kashmir, Western Ghats, and Precambrian terrain of South India The result of extensive research by an interdisciplinary team of contributors, Geoinformatics in Applied Geomorphology is designed for students, researchers, and professionals in the areas of geomorphology, geological engineering, geography, remote sensing, and geographic information systems.
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.
The plate tectonics revolution in the earth sciences has provided a valuable new framework for understanding long-term landform development. This innovative text provides a comprehensive introduction to the subject of global geomorphology, with the emphasis placed on large-scale processes and phenomena. Integrating global tectonics into the study of landforms and incorporating planetary geomorphology as a major component the author discusses the impact of climatic change and the role of catastrophic events on landform genesis and includes a comprehensive study of surface geomorphic processes.
Introduction to Process Geomorphology provides an integrative approach to the process dynamics and the origin of landforms by the contemporary processes involved in their evolution. The author highlights the physical and chemical laws governing the activity of the earth-surface processes in specific environmental stress conditions, puts forward com
Carbonate rock coasts are found world-wide, from continental shorelines of the Adriatic Sea of Europe to the Yucatan Peninsula of North America, and on tropical islands from Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean, to the Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean, to the Bahama Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. Such coasts are well known for their unusual and distinctive karst landforms. Karst processes, particularly those associated with coastal landforms, are proving to be surprisingly unique and complex. This volume presents a comprehensive overview of the processes associated with coastal karst development comparing examples from a broad geographical and geomorphological range of island and continental shoreline/paleoshoreline settings, including a review of pseudokarst processes that can compete with and overprint dynamic coastal karst landscapes. As effective management of hydrologic resources grows more complex, coastal caves and karst represent fundamental components in associated coastal aquifers, which in the rock record can also form significant petroleum reservoirs. Audience By providing a clearer understanding of the geological, biological, archaeological and cultural value of coastal caves and karst resources, this volume offers a critical tool to coastal researchers and geoscientists in related fields and to coastal land managers as it illustrates the diversity of coastal karst landforms, the unique processes which formed them, the diversity of resources they harbor and their relationship to coastal zone preservation strategies and the development of sustainable management approaches.