A Gis-Based Spatial Analysis of Caves and Solution Cavities

Solution cavities and caves at a variety of scales were analyzed within a GIS to quantify their spatial heterogeneity and to evaluate potential geologic controls on their distribution. Techniques were first established on robust datasets of small pores taken from photographs of limestone in core and outcrop. Pore density maps and histograms of pore area proved highly effective in identifying horizons of enhanced dissolution that fall along linear trends parallel to stratigraphic layering. The technique proved equally effective for a complex network of man-made caves, suggesting that geospatial analysis can identify specific geologic horizons of localized cave development. When combined with lithologic maps and structural interpretation, these trends of high cave frequency may serve as potential targets for locating undiscovered caves in rugged terrain, an important mission confronting coalition forces in Afghanistan.