Masters Theses

Abstract

"Surface geophysical methods can provide valuable bedrock anomaly detection in karst environments. The University of Missouri--Rolla Department of Geology and Geophysics used ground penetrating radar, shallow reflection seismic, and resistivity methods in conjunction to evaluate a proposed highway construction site north of Cabool, Missouri. We acquired sixty-eight radar, five seismic, and four resistivity profiles around an existing sinkhole at the future construction site. Our goal for this integrated survey was to correlate the three methods to obtain a detailed image of the subsurface around the visible sinkhole. In particular, we hoped to image the solid bedrock and delineate possible karst problems within the rock.

The ground-penetrating radar method provided a detailed image of the subsurface to a depth of approximately three meters and identified a shallow gravel layer. The high- resolution shallow reflection seismic method provided deeper penetration to solid bedrock at between three and five meters. Dipole-dipole resistivity profiles delineated regions with anomalous lateral character, indicating variations in the bedrock.

Interpreted anomalies associated with each method were plotted onto a site map and compared. We recommended further study by the Missouri Department of Transportation to evaluate eight anomalous locations where two or three of the methods indicated abnormal subsurface conditions. MoDOT drilled five of those suggested locations and encountered various degrees of karst activity at each position including cavities and highly fractured dolomite bedrock.

Because ground truth confirmed the presence of karst features as indicated by the geophysical results, the survey was a success from our perspective. Additionally, because the features found during drilling were not severe enough to require moving the planned highway site or require more extensive geotechnical investigation, the project was also successful from the perspective of MoDOT"--Abstract, pages iii-iv.

Advisor(s)

Cardimona, Steven James, 1963-

Committee Member(s)

Anderson, Neil L. (Neil Lennart), 1954-
Cawlfield, Jeffrey D.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geology and Geophysics

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Spring 2000

Pagination

xi, 89 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 87-88).

Rights

© 2000 Todd Alan Lippincott, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Thesis Number

T 7722

Print OCLC #

44637490

Electronic OCLC #

1104790845

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