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

The geophysical survey presented in this paper deals with the combined application of multiple geophysical methods in the area where the new University of Wester Macedonia is to be build. The aim of the survey was to investigate the optimal methodological approach regarding the detection of karst features on limestone rocks. Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT), Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT) and Multichannel Analysis of Surface Waves (MASW) were applied. All measurements took place at the area of building C, where a cavity was observed on the surface. ERT was initially applied in order to delineate known features and determine a 3D geoelectric model. Seismic exploration followed in order to evaluate the potential of seismic methods in karst environment and the overall combined interpretation. The results highlighted the main advantages and disad-vantages of each method, confirming the importance of joint interpretation. Seismic methods were crucial for the clarification of ambiguous ERT results caused by a resistive environment. Synthetic modeling and real data inversion proved that refraction tomography is a useful and reliable tool in cavity detection. MASW can be used as a complementary technique as it still faces challenges in the delimitation of karst features.

Automated summary

The geophysical survey in the area of the new University of Wester Macedonia focused on detecting karst features on limestone rocks. Multiple methods including ERT, SRT, and MASW were used, highlighting the importance of joint interpretation and the reliability of seismic methods in cavity detection. MASW, as a complementary technique, still faces challenges in delimitating karst features.