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Karst-Induced Sinkhole Detection Using a Tomography Imaging Survey, Case of Setifian High Plain, NE Algeria

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Abstract

Sinkhole collapse is one of the major hazards for people and property in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, especially if the bedrock structure is karstic, covered by unconsolidated material. Our study identifies localized deformation that may be caused by a sinkhole activity based on the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) technique in Setifian high plains. For this task; we applied 2-D Wenner and Wenner-Schlumberger transects. The geological and hydrogeological investigations helped calibrate the resistivity model and in this regard, expound on the proneness of the limestone layer to collapse. The obtained model highlights the heterogeneity of the subsurface. The inverted transects allowed the investigation of 20 m depth with Wenner array and 52 m with Wenner-Schlumberger. The Wenner inverted models imaged the chimney and different karst networks until 20 m depth; even as the Wenner-Schlumberger models imaged a new karstic cavity in the limestone layer. Electrical tomography imaging has once again proven its effectiveness in mapping sinkholes based on its ability to detect resistivity. Our research can certainly benefit karst collapse management in other areas of the Setifian high plain.

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Acknowledgements

This work was overseen by the International Association of Water Resources in the Southern Mediterranean Basin-Tunisia. The authors appreciate the support of the Water and Environment laboratory at Tebessa University. We are grateful to the Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water Sciences, and Environment, Setif 1 University, Algeria, for help in the field data acquisition. Acknowledgments, to the General Directorate of Scientific Research and Technological Development (DGRSDT-MESRS) for the technical support. Tribute to the editor and reviewers for their valuable improvement on the manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Earth Sciences, Larbi Tebessi University, Tebessa, Algeria

    Serhane Brahmi, Chemsedine Fehdi, Smail Brahmi & Amor Hamad

  2. Water and Environnement Laboratory Larbi, Tebessi University, Tebessa, Algeria

    Serhane Brahmi, Chemsedine Fehdi, Smail Brahmi & Amor Hamad

  3. Department of Earth Sciences, Institute of Architecture and Earth Sciences, Ferhat Abbas University, Setif, Algeria

    Riheb Hadji

  4. Laboratory of Applied Research in Engineering Geology, Geotechnics, Water Sciences, and Environment, Ferhat Abbas University, 19137, Setif, Algeria

    Riheb Hadji

  5. Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Sciences of Gafsa, University of Gafsa, Gafsa, Tunisia

    Younes Hamed

  6. International Association of Water Resources in the Southern Mediterranean Basin, Sousse, Tunisia

    Serhane Brahmi, Riheb Hadji, Smail Brahmi, Amor Hamad & Younes Hamed

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  1. Serhane Brahmi
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Correspondence to Riheb Hadji.

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Brahmi, S., Fehdi, C., Hadji, R. et al. Karst-Induced Sinkhole Detection Using a Tomography Imaging Survey, Case of Setifian High Plain, NE Algeria. Geotech Geol Eng 41, 1961–1976 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10706-023-02384-x

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