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Spatial sampling considerations and their applications to characterizing fractured rock and karst systems

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

Assessing the existence, location, and mapping of geologic anomalies, such as fractures and cavities within soil and rock, are common to both engineering and hydrologic project needs. There are numerous measurement techniques available to detect, map, and characterize fractures and cavities. A summary of the common methods available for fracture and cavity detection and mapping are presented along with their spatial sampling capabilities. The remote sensing and geophysical methods are but a small part of this list but provide a wide range of tools to attack the problem. They include some of the most effective methods for locating and mapping fractures and cavities and cover the complete range of spatial sampling, from regional to no more than the surface of a borehole wall. An understanding of all of the tools available and their spatial sampling limitations is a necessary part of planning and carrying out an effective fracture/cavity investigation.

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Benson, R.C., Yuhr, L. Spatial sampling considerations and their applications to characterizing fractured rock and karst systems. Geo 22, 296–307 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00767501

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00767501

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