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Sinkhole hazards in Tasmania

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-26, 10:11 authored by Kiernan, K
Subsidence and collapse have occurred in surficial mantles of glacial, glaciofluvial, periglacial and alluvial origin that are widespread overlying karstified rocks in Tasmania. Stnkholes have formed in several areas within a few years of forests being cleared for pasture or by the timber industry. These sinkholes have probably resulted from increased water movement through the regolith due to decreased transpiration, coupled with the rotting of tree roots that formerly helped bind the regolith. Other sinkholes have formed at some road margins, particularly where culvert design is poor, and some of these collapses have damaged roads. Sinkholes that are probably the result of groundwater pumping have formed adjacent to a large limestone quarry. Because economic losses associated with individual sinkhole incidents have generally been comparatively minor, and because the incidents have been geographically dispersed, they have attracted little official attention. However, the individuals affected may suffer significant personal loss and the combined cost of karst-related land surface instability in Tasmania is probably significant.

History

Publication title

Proceedings of the third multidisciplinary conference on sinkholes and the engineering and environmental impacts of karst

Pagination

123-128

Publication status

  • Published

Event title

Engineering and environmental impacts of sinkholes and karst : 3rd Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes

Event Venue

Florida

Date of Event (Start Date)

1989-10-04

Date of Event (End Date)

1989-10-04

Rights statement

ISBN: 9061919878

Repository Status

  • Restricted

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