Application of geophysical methods in fine detection of urban concealed karst: A case study of Wuhan City, China

Abstract

The construction of modern livable cities faces challenges in karst areas, including ground collapse and engineering problems. Wuhan, with a population of 13.74×10⁶ and approximately 1161 km² of soluble rocks in the urban area of 8569.15 km², predominantly consists of concealed karst areas where occasional ground collapse events occur, posing significant threats to underground engineering projects. To address these challenges, a comprehensive geological survey was conducted in Wuhan, focusing on major karst-related issues. Geophysical methods offer advantages over drilling in detecting concealed karst areas due to their efficiency, non-destructiveness, and flexibility. This paper reviewed the karst geological characteristics in Wuhan and the geophysical exploration methods for karst, selected eight effective geophysical methods for field experimentation, evaluated their suitability, and proposed method combinations for different karst scenarios. The results show that different geophysical methods have varying applicability for karst detection in Wuhan, and combining multiple methods enhances detection effectiveness. The specific recommendations for method combinations provided in this study serve as a valuable reference for karst detection in Wuhan.

Keywords

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) / Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) / Opposing-coils Transient Electromagnetic Method (OCTEM) / Microtremor Array Measurements (MAM) / Multi-channel Analysis of surface wave (MASW) / Multi-source surface wave exploration (MSSW) / Electromagnetic wave CT (EM CT) / Surface Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (SNMR) / Concealed karst / Urban geological survey engineering

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Dao-han Liu, Lei Wang conceived of the presented idea. Dao-han Liu, Lei Liu, and Jian-Qiang Wu completed the study of section inversion and comparative analysis. Dao-han Liu wrote the manuscript under supervision of Jun-jie Xu, Jian-Qiang Wu, Lei Liu, Lei Wang, and Pan Liu. Jian-Qiang Wu and Jun-jie Xu helped the English polishing of the manuscript. All authors discussed the results and contributed to the final manuscript.

Declaration of competing interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Acknowledgement

This research was jointly supported by the project of Chinese National Natural Science Foundation (42107485), National Key R&D Program (2020YFC1512400, 2018YFC800804) and China Geological Survey (DD20190282, DD20221734, and DD20230323). The authors would like to thank Zhen-yu Li, Tie Liu, Song Chen, Xueming Shi, and Zhen-zhu Xi for their detailed and constructive comments.

References

[1] Anchuela OP, Casas-Sainz AM, Soriano MA, Pocoví-Juan A. 2009. Mapping subsurface karst features with GPR: Results and limitations. Environmental Geology, 58, 391-399. doi: 10.1007/s00254-008-1603-7.

[2] Bechtel TD, Bosch FP, Gurk M. 2007. Geophysical methods. Methods in karst hydrogeology, 171-199.

[3] Behroozmand AA, Keating K, Auken E. 2015. A Review of the Principles and Applications of the NMR Technique for Near-Surface Characterization. Surveys in Geophysics, 36(1), 27-85. doi: 10.1007/s10712-014-9304-0.

[4] Chalikakis K, Plagnes V, Guerin R, Valois R, Bosch FP. 2011. Contribution of geophysical methods to karst-system exploration: An overview. Hydrogeology Journal, 19, 1169-1180. doi: 10.1007/s10040-011-0746-x.

[5] Chen BD, Li X, Li ZC, Jiang C, Jia Y, Li HJ, Liu PR. 2021. Classification of geological structure and karst collapse in concealed karst area of Wuhan Baishazhou, Hubei. The Chinese Journal of Geological Hazard and Control, 32(02), 43-52 doi: 10.16031/j.cnki.issn.1003-8035.2021.02.06. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[6] Chen B, Hu XY, Liu DH, Zhang YX. 2014. The development history and new progress of magnetic resonance sounding technique. Progress in Geophysics, 29(2), 650-659 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[7] Chen YL, Gan FP, Lu CJ, Wei JY, Zhao W. 2013. The study of underground river course detection by integrated geophysical methods in bare karst area. Progress in Geophysics, 28(3), 16081616 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[8] Constantin P, Kurosch T, Michael K, Reinhard S. 2019. Testing the effectiveness of an inverse Wenner-Schlumberger array for geoelectrical karst void reconnaissance, on the Swabian Alb high plain, new line Wendlingen, southwestern Germany. Engineering Geology, 249, 71-76. doi: 10.1016/J.ENGGEO.2018.12.014.

[9] Eftychia A, George V, Panagiotis T. 2022. Combined application of seismic and electrical geophysical methods for karst cavities detection: A case study at the campus of the new University of Western Macedonia, Kozani, Greece. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 196, 144-156. doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2021.104499.

[10] Fan SK. 2006. A discussion on karst collapse in Wuhan (Hubei). Resources Environment and Engineering, (S1), 608-616 doi: 10.16536/j.cnki.issn.1671-1211.2006.s1.005. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[11] Fauchard C, Pothérat P. 2004. Detection of underground cavities by geophysical techniques. Guide technique, Laboratoire Central des Ponts et Chaussées, Paris, 170.

[12] Flinchum BA, Holbrook WS, Parsekian AD, Carr AJ. 2019. Characterizing the critical zone using borehole and surface nuclear magnetic resonance. Vadose Zone Journal, 18(1), 124-131. doi: 10.2136/vzj2018.12.0209.

[13] Fu ZY, Ren ZY, Hua XR, Shi Y, Chen H, Chen CJ, Li YN, Tang JT. 2020. Identification of underground water-bearing caves in noisy urban environments (Wuhan, China) using 3D electrical resistivity tomography techniques. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 174. doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2020.103966.

[14] Gambetta M, Armadillo E, Carmisciano C, Stefanelli P, Cocchi L, Tontini FC. 2011. Determining geophysical properties of a nearsurface cave through integrated microgravity vertical gradient and electrical resistivity tomography measurements. Journal of cave and karst studies, 73, 11-15. doi: 10.4311/jcks2009ex0091.

[15] Gan F, Han K, Lan F, Chen Y, Zhang W. 2017. Multi-geophysical approaches to detect karst channels underground - a case study in Mengzi of Yunnan Province. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 136, 91-98. doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2016.10.036.

[16] Gutiérrez F, Cooper HA, Johnson KS. 2008. Identifification, prediction and mitigation of sinkhole hazards in evaporate karst areas. Environmental Geology, 53, 1007-1022. doi: 10.1007/s00254-007-0728-4.

[17] He J, Liu L, Li QH, Liu DH, Chen BD, Zhang A, Zhao YB. 2020. Study on technique and method of underground space exploration in concealed karst area: A case study of Wuhan. Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology, 47(6), 47-56 doi: 10.16030/j.cnki.issn.1000-3665.202007066. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[18] Hoover RA.2003. Geophysical choices for karst investigations. Sinkholes and the engineering and environmental impacts of karst. American Society of Civil Engineers, Reston, 529-538. doi: 10.1061/40698(2003)48.

[19] Huang SG, Liu DJ, Hu YJ. 2018. Simulation analysis and application study of electromagnetic wave computed tomography in detecting karst caves. Rock and Soil Mechanics, 39(S1), 544-550 doi: 10.16285/j.rsm.2017.2292. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[20] Hutchinson DJ, Phillips C, Cascante G. 2002. Risk considerations for crown pillar stability assessment for mine closure planning. Geotechnical & Geological Engineering, 20, 41-64. doi: 10.1023/A:1013852722768.

[21] Ismail A, Anderson N. 2012. 2-D and 3-D resistivity imaging of karst sites in Missouri, USA. Environmental & Engineering Geoscience, 18(3), 281-293. doi: 10.2113/gseegeosci.18.3.281.

[22] Kaufmann O, Deceuster J. 2014. Detection and mapping of ghost-rock features in the Tournaisis area through geophysical methods -an overview. Geologica Belgica, 17(1), 17-26.

[23] Li CX, Liu L, Zhou SC, Wang BZ. 2021. Application of geophysical prospecting technology in karst collapse disaster monitoring and early warning. Resources Environment and Engineering, 35(06), 887894 doi: 10.16536/j.cnki.issn.1671-1211.2021.06.020. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[24] Li SC, Liu ZY, Liu B, Xu XJ, Wang CW, Nie LC, Sun HF, Song J, Wang SR. 2015. Boulder detection method for metro shield zones based on cross-hole resistivity tomography and its physical model tests. Chinese Journal of Geotechnical Engineering, 37(3), 446457 doi: 10.11779/CJGE201503008. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[25] Li SC, Wang K, Li LP, Zhou ZQ, Shi SS, Liu S. 2017. Mechanical mechanism and development trend of water-inrush disasters in karst tunnels. Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, 49(1), 22-30 doi: 10.6052/0459-1879-16-345. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[26] Li WL, Liu SF, Tian QN, Lv P, Jiang ZX, Jia LX. 2018. A review of urban geophysics. Progress in Geophysics, 33(5), 2134-2140 doi: 10.6038/pg2018BB0463. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[27] Li XY, Chen XF, Yang ZT, Wang B, Yang B. 2020. Application of highorder surface waves in shallow exploration: An example of the Suzhou River, Shanghai. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 63(1), 247-255 doi: 10.6038/cjg2020N0202. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[28] Lin J, Zhang Y. 2016. Research status and prospect of ground nuclear magnetic resonance water exploration. Chinese Journal of Scientific Instrument, 37(12), 2657-2670 doi: 10.19650/j.cnki.cjsi.2016.12.003. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[29] Liu LB, Qian RY. 2015. Ground Penetrating Radar: A critical tool in near-surface geophysics. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 58(8), 2606-2617 doi: 10.6038/cjg20150802. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[30] Liu DH, Xu JJ, Liu L, He J, Qi x, Chen S. 2022a. Application of the integrated geophysical methods in the fine exploration of karst collapses: A case study of Wuhan. Geology and exploration, 58(04), 865-874 doi: 10.12134/j.dzykt.2022.03.000. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[31] Liu DH, Zhang X, He J, Wu J, Liu L. 2022b. Study on the application of surface nuclear magnetic resonance in the detection of karst collapse in Wuhan. Carsologica Sinica, 41(01), 13-20 doi: 10.11932/karst202201. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[32] Liu SX, Nie JF. 2020. Review for cross-hole electromagnetic method. Progress in Geophysics, 35(1), 153-165 doi: 10.6038/pg2020DD0088. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[33] Luo XJ, Luo C. 2021. Three-Mechanism Theory (TMT) of karst ground collapse and its application. Carsologica sinica, 40(2), 171-188 doi: 10.11932/karst2021y001. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[34] Lü QT, Zhang XP, Tang JT, Jin S, Liang LZ, Niu JJ, Wang XB, Lin PR, Yao CL, Gao WL, Gu JS, Han LG, Cai YZ, Zhang JC, Liu BL, Zhao JH. 2019. Review on advancement in technology and equipment of geophysical exploration for metallic deposits in China. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 62(10), 3629-3664 doi: 10.6038/cjg2019N0056. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[35] Meng Y, Lei MT. 2019. Current situation and trend analysis of karst collapse research. Carsologica Sinica, 38(3), 411-417 doi: 10.11932/karst20190311. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[36] Peng JB, Huang WL, Wang FY, Liu Y. 2019. Geological structural classification of and geological survey method for urban underground space in China. Earth Science Frontiers, 26(3), 9-21 doi: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.5.34. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[37] Peng Y, Dong YP, Fan YS, Xu LZ, Zhao XG. 2016. Application of the electromagnetic CT in Karst exploration of T1d in Wuhan. CT Theory and Applications, 25(4), 419-424 doi: 10.15953/j.1004-4140.2016.25.04.05. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[38] Rodriguez V, Gutiérrez F, Green AG, Carbonel D, Horstmeyer H, Schmelzbach C. 2014. Characterizing sagging and collapse sinkholes in a mantled karst by means of ground penetrating radar (GPR) characterizing mantled karst sinkholes by GPR. Environmental and Engineering Geoscience, 20(2), 109-132. doi: 10.2113/gseegeosci.20.2.109.

[39] Solbakk T, Fichler C, Wheeler W, Lauritzen S, Ringrose P. 2018. Detecting multiscale karst features including hidden caves using microgravimetry in a Caledonian nappe setting: Mefjell massif, Norway. Norsk Geologisk Tidsskrift, 98(3), 359-378. doi: 10.17850/njg98-3-04.

[40] Thomas B, Roth MJS. 1999. Evaluation of site characterization methods for sinkholes in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Engineering Geology, 52(1-2), 147-152. doi: 10.1016/S0013-7952.

[41] Ungureanu C, Priceputu A, Bugea AL, Chiric A. 2017. Use of electric resistivity tomography (ERT) for detecting underground voids on highly anthropized urban construction sites. Procedia Engineering, 209, 202-209. doi: 10.1016/j.proeng.2017.11.148.

[42] Valois R, Camerlynck C, Dhemaied A, Guerin R, Hovhannissian G, Plagnes V, Rejiba F, Robain H. 2011. Assessment of doline geometry using geophysics on the Quercy plateau karst (South France): Morphology of dolines using geophysics. Earth Surface Processes & Landforms, 36(9), 1183-1192. doi: 10.1002/esp.2144.

[43] Verdet C, Sirieix C, Marache A, Riss J, Portais JC. 2020. Detection of undercover karst features by geophysics (ERT) Lascaux cave hill. Geomorphology, 360(1), 167-177. doi: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107177.

[44] Walsh D, Grunewald E, Turner P, Hinnell A. 2014. Surface NMR instrumentation and methods for detecting and characterizing water in the vadose zone. Near Surface Geophysics, 12(2), 271-284. doi:10.3997/1873-0604.2013066.

[45] Wang CS, Zhou CH, Peng JB, Fan J, Zhu HH, Li XZ, Cheng GH, Dai CS, Xu NX. 2019. A discussion on high-quality development and sustainable utilization of China's urban underground space in the new era. Earth Science Frontiers, 26(3), 1-8 doi: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2018.9.2. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[46] Wang F, Chai B, Xu GL, Chen L, Xiong ZT. 2017. Study on the evolution mechanism of karst collapse in Wuhan. Journal of Engineering Geology, 25(3), 824-832 doi: 10.13544/j.cnki.jeg.2017.03.030. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[47] Wang JX, Yang LZ, He J. 2001. The coupling interaction of groundwater-soil-rock mass in karst collapse evolution. Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 14(3), 314-317 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[48] Wang LM, Xia JH, Luo YH, Bian AF. 2022. Progress and prospect of surface-wave imaging techniques in near-surface applications. Reviews of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, 53(6), 613-655 doi: 10.19975/j.dqyxx.2022-008. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[49] Wang X, Wang ZH, Chen CX, Wang H, Yan JY. 2021. Geophysical exploration and application for urban underground space. Progress in Geophysics, 36(5), 2204-2214 doi: 10.6038/pg2021EE0497. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[50] Wu AM, Ma F, Wang GL, Liu JX, Hu QY, Miao QZ. 2018. A study of deep-seated karst geothermal reservoir exploration and huge capacity geothermal well parameters in Xiongan New Area. Acta geoscientica sinica, 39(05), 523-532 doi: 10.3975/cagsb.2018.071104. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[51] Wu YR. 1982. Borehole electromagnetic wave method. Geological Publishing House (in Chinese).

[52] Xi ZZ, Long X, Zhou S, Huang L, Song G, Hou HT, Wang L. 2016. Opposing coils transient electromagnetic method for shallow subsurface detection. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 59(9), 34283435 doi: 10.6038/cjg20160925. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[53] Xu PF, Du YN, Ling SQ, You ZW, Yao J, Zhang H. 2020. Microtremor survey method based on inversion of the SPAC coefficient of multimode Rayleigh waves and its application. Chinese Journal of Geophysics, 63(10), 3857-3867 doi: 10.6038/cjg202000148. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[54] Yan DP, Pei LZ, Zhang HX, Wang JT, Xu K, Yu SW, Han DC. 2015. Report on the three -dimensional Geological Survey Achievements of the Wuhan City Group in the Middle of the Yangtze River. Wuhan Center, China Geological Survey, 55-58 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[55] Yan JY, Meng GX, Lü QT, Zhang K, Chen XB. 2012. The progress and prospect of the electrical resistivity imaging survey. Geophysical and Geochemical Exploration, 36(4), 576-584 (in Chinese with English abstract).

[56] Yang WC, Tian G, Xia JH, Bao XW, Wang BB, Shi ZJ, Yang B, Zhao WK, Mi BB. 2021. Study on geophysical methods and technologies of underground space survey in Hangzhou area. East China Geology, 42(02), 125-136 doi: 10.16788/j.hddz.32-1865/P.2021.02.001. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[57] Zhang W, Gan FP, Wei W, Guan ZD, Liu W, Wu JQ. 2019. Applied research of comprehensive geophysical method to the investigation of karst collapse in the riverside shoal of Huaihe River. Progress in Geophysics, 34(2), 832-839 doi: 10.6038/pg2019CC0051. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[58] Zheng XM, Jin XG, Liu PR, Yang GX, Li HT, Yang T. 2019. Genesis mechanism and collapse model of karst collapse in Wuhan, Hubei Province. The Chinese Journal of Geological Hazard and Control, 30(5), 75-82 doi: 10.16031/j.cnki.issn.1003-8035.2019.05.10. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[59] Zheng ZJ, Zeng J, Zhao W, Gan FP. 2019. Application research of high density resistivity method in water exploring in karst area. Progress in Geophysics, 34(3), 1262-1267 doi: 10.6038/pg2019CC0190. (in Chinese with English abstract).

[60] Zhu J, James C, James D. 2011. Challenges of using electrical resistivity method to locate karst conduits-a field case in the Inner Bluegrass Region, Kentucky. Journal of Applied Geophysics, 75(3), 523-530. doi: 10.1016/j.jappgeo.2011.08.009.