Scientific-methodological Rationale and Evaluation of Carbonate Karst Development on the Territory of Izhora Upland and Mapping Associated Risks

Abstract

There was considered environmentally dangerous geological processes, as a result of which has place changes in geological terrain (eco-geological volume); these changes lead to creation of negative conditions for bio environment’s sustainable development, interconnections of biota and inert substance, as well as anthropogenic activities. To such processes is belongs development chasm, that provoked decay of buildings, constructions, infrastructure lines, damaged land and soils, threatened life and health of people. Process of karst development was considered within territory of Izhora Upland. Besides, in the article provided peculiarities, from the perspective of thermodynamics, process of rock formation dissolution within the zone of aeration, saturation and cavern formation. From the perspective of rock mechanics, there was considered self-supporting arch over cavern and down warping formation. There was appraised intensity of karst process occurrence within the territory of Izhora Upland, in accordance with existing standardized documents. There was developed procedure of map development for environmental risks, connected with karst process development. These risks are based on probability of undesired events and possible damages from its. There were described recommendations of rationale nature management and geological terrain protection.