Masters Theses

Keywords and Phrases

Electrical Resisistivity Tomography (ERT); Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW)

Abstract

"Karst topographies pose danger to the environment. The associated gradual subsidence or sudden collapse of the ground can lead to loss of lives and damage to property. A sinkhole is the subsidence or collapse of the overburden into subsurface cavities. Sinkholes develop in different sizes, shapes and rates all over the world especially in areas where the bedrock can be dissolved by percolating slightly acidic surface water.

Different methods have been used to investigate sinkholes. Boring is the most common of these methods. But the boring technique is quite inefficient; it only provides information of the subsurface conditions at the boring location thereby requiring multiple borings to more accurately characterize a sinkhole. Geophysical methods have also been used to investigate sinkholes including Gravity, Electromagnetic, Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW), Electrical Resistivity Tomography and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). But these methods work best in appropriate geological environments in mapping sinkholes.

This project describes a framework for an efficient investigation of sinkholes. The study uses the combination of Aerial photographs, Topographic maps, geological maps and cross sections which are categorized as preliminary studies; appropriate geophysical methods (MASW and ERT) and a few borings to effectively characterize sinkholes. This approach was successfully applied in two case study sites located in Greene County, Missouri and is recommended for future sinkhole investigations where applicable."--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

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

Committee Member(s)

Maerz, Norbert H.
Gertsch, Leslie S.

Department(s)

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Geological Engineering

Publisher

Missouri University of Science and Technology

Publication Date

Spring 2014

Pagination

xi, 75 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 72-74).

Geographic Coverage

Missouri
Greene County (Mo.)

Rights

© 2014 Stanley Chinedu Nwokebuihe, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Open Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Sinkholes -- Missouri -- Greene County -- Case studies
Karst -- Missouri
Sinkholes -- Maps
Surface waves -- Measurement
Subsidences (Earth movements)

Thesis Number

T 10466

Electronic OCLC #

882485561

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Thesis Location

 
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