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Comparing and refining karst disturbance index methods through application in an island karst setting

Environmental Management volume 58, pages 1027–1045 (2016)Cite this article

Abstract

The interconnected nature of surface and subsurface karst environments allows easy disturbance to their aquifers and specialized ecosystems from anthropogenic impacts. The karst disturbance index is a holistic tool used to measure disturbance to karst environments and has been applied and refined through studies in Florida and Italy, among others. Through these applications, the karst disturbance index has evolved into two commonly used methods of application; yet, the karst disturbance index is still susceptible to evaluation and modification for application in other areas around the world. The geographically isolated and highly vulnerable municipality of Arecibo, Puerto Rico’s karst area provides an opportunity to test the usefulness and validity of the karst disturbance index in an island setting and to compare and further refine the application of the original and modified methods. This study found the both methods of karst disturbance index application resulted in high disturbance scores (Original Method 0.54 and Modified Method 0.69, respectively) and uncovered multiple considerations for the improvement of the karst disturbance index. An evaluation of multiple methods together in an island setting also resulted in the need for adding additional indicators, including Mogote Removal and Coastal Karst. Collectively, the results provide a holistic approach to using the karst disturbance index in an island karst setting and suggest a modified method by which scaling and weighting may compensate for the difference between the original and modified method scores and allow interested stakeholders to evaluate disturbance regardless of his or her level of expertise.

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Acknowledgments

We graciously thank individuals and agencies that supported this research, including Abel Vale of Citizens of the Karst, the U.S. Geological Survey, Dr. Pat Kambesis, and Victoria Allen. This work was funded in part through a Western Kentucky University New Faculty Research Grant.

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Affiliations

  1. International School of Panama, P.O. Box 0819-02588, El Dorado, Panama, Republic of Panama

    Brandon L. Porter

  2. Center for Human GeoEnvironmental Studies, Department of Geography and Geology, Western Kentucky University, 1906 College Heights Blvd, Bowling Green, KY, 42101, USA

    Leslie A. North & Jason S. Polk

Authors
  1. Brandon L. Porter
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  2. Leslie A. North
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Correspondence to Leslie A. North.

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Porter, B.L., North, L.A. & Polk, J.S. Comparing and refining karst disturbance index methods through application in an island karst setting. Environmental Management 58, 1027–1045 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-016-0738-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-016-0738-7

Keywords

  • Karst
  • Human impact
  • Disturbance index
  • Resource conservation
  • Puerto Rico