M. S. Bedinger
1967
<p><span>This </span>study<span> of the </span>geometry<span> of </span>limestone<span> </span>solution<span> is based on the following conditions: (1) the </span>limestone<span> is impermeable but contains and transmits water in joints, fractures, bedding‐plane partings, and </span>solution<span> channels; (2) at depth, the </span>limestone<span> aquifer is underlain by impermeable rock; (3) ground water in the </span>limestone<span> is under water‐table conditions; (4) recharge to the </span>limestone<span> is by infiltration of precipitation through the overlying rock to the zone of saturation; (5) discharge from the aquifer is by seeps and springs; and (6) ground water dissolves the </span>limestone<span> through which it flows, continuously modifying the flow pattern and the hydrologic properties of the medium. These conditions commonly are found in </span>limestone<span> terranes in the eastern and central United States. An </span>electrical<span> </span>analog<span> was constructed conforming to this description of the ground‐water flow system and has been used to define the pattern, velocity, and density of ground‐water flow and the relative length of time of contact of water with the aquifer. Successive models are used to illustrate progressive </span>limestone<span> </span>solution<span> and changes in ground‐water flow in the aquifer. The initial </span>analog<span> indicates a strongly convex water table with the greatest density of flow at shallow depths beneath the water table near the point of discharge. Successive models indicate greater concentration of flow near and on the level of ground‐water discharge, an overall lowering of the water table, and a pronounced flattening of the water table near the discharge point. Results of the </span>analog<span> </span>study<span> support the following conclusions: (1) The most active zone of </span>solution<span> is at shallow depths beneath the water table and near the point of ground‐water discharge. Consequently, the size of channels generally decreases with depth and increases with proximity to the point of ground‐water discharge. (2) Generally, </span>solution<span> channels have a greater lateral than vertical extent.</span></p>
application/pdf
10.1111/j.1745-6584.1967.tb01235.x
en
Wiley
An electrical analog study of the geometry of limestone solution
article