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Catastrophic subsidence: An environmental hazard, shelby county, Alabama

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Environmental Geology and Water Sciences

Abstract

Induced sinkholes (catastrophic subsidence) are those caused or accelerated by human activities These sinkholes commonly result from a water level decline due to pumpage Construction activities in a cone of depression greatly increases the likelihood of sinkhole occurrence Almost all occur where cavities develop in unconsolidated deposits overlying solution openings in carbonate rocks. Triggering mechanisms resulting from water level declines are (1) loss of buoyant support of the water, (2) increased gradient and water velocity, (3) water-level fluctuations, and (4) induced recharge Construction activities triggering sinkhole development include ditching, removing overburden, drilling, movement of heavy equipment, blasting and the diversion and impoundment of drainage Triggering mechanisms include piping, saturation, and loading

Induced sinkholes resulting from human water development/management activities are most predictable in a youthful karst area impacted by groundwater withdrawals Shape, depth, and timing of catastrophic subsidence can be predicted in general terms

Remote sensing techniques are used in prediction of locations of catastrophic subsidence. This provides a basis for design and relocation of structures such as a gas pipeline, dam, or building Utilization of techniques and a case history of the relocation of a pipeline are described

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. P E LaMoreaux and Associates, Inc, 35403, Tuscaloosa, Alabama

    Philip E. Lamoreaux

  2. Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA

    J. G. Newton

Authors
  1. Philip E. Lamoreaux
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  2. J. G. Newton
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Lamoreaux, P.E., Newton, J.G. Catastrophic subsidence: An environmental hazard, shelby county, Alabama. Environ. Geol. Water Sci 8, 25–40 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02525556

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02525556

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