Author Description

Proceedings of the Ninth Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst, held in Huntsville, Alabama, September 6-10, 2003. Sponsored by the Geo-Institute of the National Ground Water Association; P.E. LaMoreaux & Associates, Inc.This Geotechnical Special Publication (GSP 122) contains 66 papers on karst terrain, which presents unique engineering and environmental problems. The top rock is highly irregular and the rock itself is often riddled with voids, creating unreliable foundation conditions. Precipitation drains down the rock rather than running off over the surface and erodes the surficial sediments downward, causing sinkhole collapse and ground settlement. Groundwater moves rapidly through dissolved drainage channels in the rock resulting in a turbulent flow, which allows pollutants to be transported great distances very quickly. Traditional groundwater quality monitoring systems as required by many regulations are inapplicable in karst terrains and may fail to detect contaminants. The unique set of problems requires new and innovative techniques developed by engineers and scientists from all over North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.