Doctoral Dissertations

Abstract

"Automated electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) supported with multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW) and boring data were used to map karst related features in Missouri in order to understand karst processes better in Missouri. Previous works on karst in Missouri were mostly surficial mapping of bedrock outcrops and joints, which are not enough to define the internal structure of karst system, since most critical processes in karst occur underground. To understand these processes better, the density, placement and pattern of karst related features like solution-widened joints and voids, as well as top of bedrock were mapped. In the course of the study, six study sites were visited in Missouri. The sites were in Nixa, Gasconade River Bridge in Lebanon, Battlefield, Aurora, Protem and Richland. The case studies reflect to a large extent some of the problems inherent in karst terrain, ranging from environmental problems to structural problems especially sinkhole collapses. The result of the study showed that karst in Missouri is mostly formed as a result of piping of sediments through solution-widened joints, with a pattern showing that the joints/fractures are mostly filled with moist clay-sized materials of low resistivity values. The highest density of mapped solution-widened joints was one in every one hundred and fifty feet, and these areas are where intense dissolution is taking place, and bedrock pervasively fractured. The study also showed that interpreted solution-widened joints trend in different directions, and often times conform with known structural lineaments in the area. About 40% of sinkhole collapses in the study areas are anthropogenic. Karst in Missouri varies, and can be classified as a combination of kI (juvenile), kIII (mature) and kIV (complex) karsts."--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-

Committee Member(s)

Rogers, J. David
Liu, Kelly H.
Torgashov, Evgeniy V.
Ge, Mao Chen

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

Ph. D. in Geological Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2016

Pagination

xvi, 139 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographic references (pages 135-138).

Geographic Coverage

Missouri

Rights

© 2016 Jeremiah Chukwunonso Obi, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Dissertation - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Karst -- Missouri -- Case studies
Acoustic surface waves
Electrical impedance tomography

Thesis Number

T 10921

Electronic OCLC #

952597859

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Dissertation Location

 
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