Karst and its bearing on conditions in Bahrain

Abstract

Abstract : Soluble rocks are divided into two major groups, the soluble carbonate rocks and the soluble поп-carbonate rocks. Main representatives of the soluble carbonate group are limestones, dolomites and chalk. dissolved principally by aggressive water, They are aided by erosion, solution landforms. to form surface and subsurface The surface landforms include variety of solution and collapse dolines, swallow holes and other enclosed depressions such as polje and uvala. The subsurface landforms are represented by cave systems which provide drainage corridors for ground water. Soluble non carbonate rocks are principally gypsum, anhydrite and halite genetically weaker rocks than those of the soluble carbonate group. They are also dissolved by aggressive water and may produce surface features such as collapse and gash brecciation of the overlying strata. Soluble rocks represent. hidden engineering hazard, as illustrated by case histories, expressed in the reduction of bearing capacity and differential settlement of the ground and increased secondary permeability. A number of methods exist for the detection of solution features but по one method has yet been successfully applied to all existing variable rock regions. The carbonate rocks in Bahrain display limited solution landforms. In view of the seriousness of the engineering problems associated with soluble rocks a study is proposed to verify the extent of presence of solution landforms on the island.