Understanding The Hydrogeology Of A Karst Region In Missouri

In 2009 and 2010, our client was hired by a limestone mining operation in Missouri to survey a collapse in a mine. The mine, located in a Karst region, had huge pillar rooms interconnected by tunnels, and one of the tunnels collapsed due to water intrusion.

 

The client used electrical resistivity imaging (ERI) in order to help understand the cause of the catastrophic collapse and identify the geohazards and plumbing of the subsurface Karst.

Process

The client used the AGI SuperSting instrument to survey the Karst region as well as EarthImager 2D and 3D for processing the data into images. Because they knew the area was all limestone, they could subtract everything as either limestone or air filled voids—except low resistivity values—which indicates the network of water channels in this karst region.

Results

The results of this survey showed that there was considerable risk in using the tunnel, and the client recommended moving the tunnel somewhere else in the area. Unfortunately, there is almost always risk associated with tunneling in a Karst area. In this location, which is near the Mississippi River, heavy rains, flooding, and surface water all meant there was a risk the mine could experience a collapse.

Benefits & Similar Applications

You can use this method to identify solution zones and geohazards with accuracy. In this case, our client was able to “see underground” to find out whether or not the tunnel could be repaired and used or if it needed to be relocated. You can also use this method to find water in any underground application. Additionally, the extreme terrain was no issue for our tools, which are built to withstand the elements.

Products Used