Abstract
It is generally considered that karst aquifers have distinctly different properties from other bedrock aquifers. A search of the literature found five definitions that have been proposed to differentiate karst aquifers from non-karstic aquifers. The five definitions are based upon the presence of solution channel networks, hydraulic conductivities >10−6 m/s, karst landscapes, channels with turbulent flow, and caves. The percentage of unconfined carbonate aquifers that would classify as ‘karst’ ranges from <1 to >50%.
Résumé
On considère généralement que les aquifères karstiques ont des propriétés nettement différentes des autres aquifères rocheux. Une recherche bibliographique a trouvé cinq définitions qui ont été proposées pour différencier les aquifères karstiques des aquifères non karstiques. Les cinq définitions sont basées sur la présence de réseaux de conduits de dissolution, des conductivités hydrauliques supérieures à 10−6 m/s, des paysages karstiques, des conduits avec un écoulement turbulent, et des cavités. Le pourcentage d’aquifères carbonatés libres qui serait classé en tant que ‘karst’ varie de <1 à >50%.
Resumen
Generalmente se considera que los acuíferos kársticos tienen propiedades claramente distintas de otros acuíferos de la roca de base. Una búsqueda de la literatura encontró cinco definiciones que se han propuesto para diferenciar los acuíferos kársticos de los acuíferos no kársticos. Las cinco definiciones se basan en la presencia de redes de canales de disolución, conductividades hidráulicas >10−6 m/s, paisajes kársticos, canales con flujo turbulento y cuevas. El porcentaje de acuíferos carbonáticos no confinados que se clasificarían como “kársticos” oscilan entre <1 y > 50%.
摘要
通常认为岩溶含水层与其它基岩含水层相比具有明显不同的特性。文献搜索发现,从非岩溶含水层中区别岩溶含水层有五种定义。五种定义立足于存在着溶解通道网络、水力传导率 > 10−6 米/秒、岩溶景观、具有湍流的通道和洞穴。归为“岩溶”的非承压碳酸盐含水层的百分比范围为 < 1 到 >50%。
Resumo
Considera-se, geralmente, que os aquíferos cársticos têm propriedades diferentes de outros aquíferos rochosos. Uma pesquisa na literatura encontrou cinco definições que foram propostas para diferenciar os aquíferos cársticos dos aquíferos não-cársticos. As cinco definições baseiam-se na presença de redes de canais de solução, condutividades hidráulicas >10−6 m/s, paisagens cársticas, canais com fluxo turbulento e cavernas. A porcentagem de aquíferos livres carbonáticos que se classificariam como “carste” varia de <1 a > 50%.
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The authors are grateful to Derek Ford and to three anonymous reviewers for comments on the manuscript.
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Worthington, S.R.H., Jeannin, PY., Alexander, E.C. et al. Contrasting definitions for the term ‘karst aquifer’. Hydrogeol J 25, 1237–1240 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-017-1628-7
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10040-017-1628-7