Geoindicators of changing landscapes -- an example of karst development in North Lithuania

Authors

  • Jonas Satkunas Lithuanian Geological Survey, S. Konarskio str. 35, LT-03123 Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Julius Taminskas Lithuanian Institute of Geology and Geography, T. Sevčenkos str. 13, LT-03223 Vilnius, Lithuania
  • Kazimieras Dilys Lithuanian Institute of Geology and Geography, T. Sevčenkos str. 13, LT-03223 Vilnius, Lithuania

Keywords:

geoindicators, sulphate karst, sinkholes, karst denudation

Abstract

During the last two decades of the 20th century and first years of the 21st century more intensive karst processes have been witnessed in North Lithuania. The intensity of the karst process is visible as new sinkholes appearing that severely damage crops, constructions and communication systems. Explanation and forecast of these hazardous phenomena requires knowledge based on systematic monitoring data and adequate interpretation with identification of relevant geoindicators of the intensive sulphate karst processes which are of primary significance for environmental planning and management of the region. Two geoindicators, gypsum chemical denudation and the intensity of appearance of new sinkholes, were selected for monitoring of karst processes in North Lithuania. Chemical denudation has been measured since 1964 in this region. These geoindicators show that since 1978 the intensity of karst denudation has increased by 30%, with more frequent formation of sinkholes. A correlation of this phenomenon with climate change -- increasing air temperature and decreasing of the duration of seasonally frozen ground -- is proposed and discussed in this paper.

Downloads

Published

2010-03-27

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 4 (2006)

Section

Articles

License

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
  2. Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as this can lead to productive exchanges and earlier and more frequent citation of the published work (See The Effect of Open Access).