Assessing relationship between surface karst features and some geostructural elements by GIS in the Gran Sasso range (Abruzzi, Italy)

Abstract

Several studies carried out previously on the Gran Sasso Range and nearby (Monti della Laga) in Province of L’Aquila (Abruzzi, Italy) noted qualitative relationships among the rock fracturing degree, and the karst landforms. This research deals with the identification of more detailed relationship between some geo-structural and morphologic elements and karst features. The rock fracturing conditions of carbonate formations are like to increase the karst processes by the forming of preferential way for penetrating waters. A comparison between jointing class and surface karst landform was carried out using a standard GIS approach (ILWIS). The results showed a significant inverse correlation between jointing density classes and the karst polygonal features. Moreover by combining the geostructural information with the karst landform occurrence, the AA. conclude that: the faults occurrence and proximity are like to increase both the jointing density and the fissure permeability of the carbonate rocks; the high degree of rock jointing is favouring a rapid water penetration so hindering more complex karst landform genesis. Some petrographic observations suggest that the hard limestone are showing more micro-stress features than softer ones.