This dissertation presents the results of a detailed physical and hydrogeophysical study of two soil-filled sinkholes mantled by ancient New River fluvial terrace deposits. Research was performed at the Virginia Tech Kentland Experimental Farms in Whitethorne, Virginia, USA between fall 2003 and spring 2007, and focused on characterizing infiltration, deep drainage, and recharge through soil-filled sinkholes. Using hydrogeophysical methods, the spatial and temporal distribution of soil moisture was modeled and potential recharge was quantified in two soil-filled sinkholes. Access-tube time domain reflectometry (TDR) was used to derive one-dimensional (1-D) soil moisture profiles. During access-tube installation, 470 soil samples were obtained from depths between 0.3 and to 9.0 m and characterized both physically and chemically. Using these data, a TDR calibration method was developed. Physio-chemical, TDR moisture, and 1-D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) data were used to derive a numerically optimized form of Archie's Law which was used to convert ERT measurements into volumetric soil moisture. These results led to development of 2-D ERT-derived distributions of soil moisture in three transects across the two sinkholes in two terraces. Potential recharge was quantified using time-series ERT data with comparison to modeled cumulative potential evapotranspiration (PET) and cumulative precipitation between May 17 and October 9, 2006. The patterns of ERT-derived potential recharge values compared well with those expected from PET and precipitation data. Over the monitoring period from late spring to early fall during this study, results showed that a period of intense rain followed by a 31-day period of consistent rain, in which the rate of precipitation was equal to or exceeded PET, were the only periods in which significant amounts of potential recharge occurred (from 19 to 31% of cumulative precipitation during the study). Spatial distributions of ERT-derived moisture clearly revealed that significant amounts of infiltration occurred on sinkhole flanks and bottoms. Runoff during periods of intense rain flowed to the topographically lowest point in the sinkholes where it infiltrated and resulted in localized zones of enhanced infiltration and potential recharge to the water table. / Ph. D.

Karst aquifers can be conceptualized as dual flow systems comprised of a low-conductive matrix with embedded high-conductive conduits / preferential flow zones. Discharge in conduits ranges from low-velocity laminar flow to high-velocity transitional and turbulent flow. Commonly employed continuum models do not account for the specific behavior of transitional and turbulent flow. In response to this limitation, enhancements have been made to MODFLOW, a commonly used groundwater flow model, by adding a discrete conduit network to the matrix continuum (hybrid model). The Conduit Flow Process (CFP) package is the latest realization of this model approach. CFP Mode 1 (CFPM1) computes laminar and turbulent flow in discrete conduits that are coupled to the laminar continuum model. CFP Mode 2 (CFPM2) accounts for turbulent flow in preferential flow layers by adapting the continuum model. Therefore, laminar hydraulic conduc-tivities are converted into turbulent hydraulic conductivities. CFPM2 was further modified to consider steady turbulent pipe flow. Karst models based on CFPM2 require potentially less input data and computational efforts than karst models based on CFPM1. Furthermore, CFPM2 integrates more easily into MODFLOW versions including e.g. transport models. Parameter studies for a synthetic catchment demonstrates that continuum models with turbulent flow representation and an additional flow barrier between conduits and matrix can represent karst systems similar to hybrid models. For simulation of highly transient flow processes in karst conduit systems, i.e. during flood events, it is crucial to consider dynamics such as free-surface flow, wave propagation, and changes between pressurized and non-pressurized conduit flow. The coupled overland- and groundwater flow model MODBRANCH was therefore enhanced to consider unsteady and non-uniform flow processes in karst conduits. Flow in discrete conduits is simulated using the Saint-Venant-equations for free-surface flow. Contrary to overland flow, the cross sectional area of karst conduits is finite. Accordingly, both pressurized and non-pressurized flow may occur within conduits. To simulate pressurized flow, a hypothetical, narrow, open-top slot (Preissmann slot) is added to the conduit crown, which allows the use of the free-surface flow equations for fully filled conduits. Beyond this, the model features a variable time step to consider wave speed variations, for example due to the transition from free-surface to pressurized flow. Parameter studies for a synthetic catchment demonstrate the significance of free-surface flow representation for variably filled conduits. / Karstgrundwasserleiter können als duale Fließsysteme konzeptionalisiert werden, bestehend aus einer geringdurchlässigen Matrix mit eingebundenen hochdurchlässigen Bereichen, z. B. Karströhren. Der Abfluss in den hochdurchlässigen Bereichen reicht von langsamer laminarer Strömung bis zu schneller turbulenter Strömung. Herkömmliche numerische Grundwasser-strömungsmodelle berücksichtigen nicht die spezifischen Eigenschaften von nicht-laminarer Strömung (Übergangsbereich laminar-turbulent bzw. turbulente Verhältnisse). Ein Ansatz um diese Einschränkung zu umgehen, ist die Erweiterung des laminaren Kontinuums um ein dis-kretes Röhrenmodell, das zustandsabhängig laminare und turbulente Strömung berücksichtigt (Hybridmodell). Eine aktuelle Umsetzung dieses Ansatzes ist Conduit Flow Process (CFP), ein Modul für das weitverbreitete Grundwasserströmungsmodell MODFLOW. CFP Mode 1 (CFPM1) berechnet laminare und turbulente Strömung in diskreten, mit dem Kontinuummodell gekoppelten Röhren. CFP Mode 2 (CFPM2) berücksichtigt nicht-laminare Strömung in hochdurchlässigen Schichten mit einer angepassten hydraulischen Leitfähigkeit des Kontinuummodells. CFPM2 wurde weiter modifiziert, so dass auch turbulente Strömung in Karströhren berechnet werden kann. Dadurch kann möglicherweise der Parameterbedarf sowie der Rechenaufwand gegenüber Hybrid¬modellen reduziert werden. CFPM2 lässt sich einfach in vorhandene MODFLOW Modelle einbinden, z. B. zur Berechnung von Transportprozessen. Parameterstudien für ein idealisiertes Karsteinzugsgebiet zeigen, dass Kontinuummodelle bei Berücksichtigung der turbulenten Strömung sowie des zusätzlichen hydraulischen Widerstand zwischen Röhren und Matrix, Karstsysteme ähnlich wie Hybridmodelle darstellen. Zur Simulation von instationären Prozessen in Karströhren, z. B. ausgeprägte Abflusssignale infolge pulsförmiger Grundwasserneubildung, ist es notwendig, dynamische Prozesse infolge Freispiegelabfluss, Wellenausbreitung sowie Wechsel zwischen Abfluss in teil- und vollgefüllten Röhren zu berücksichtigen. Aus diesem Grund wurde das numerische Modell MODBRANCH, welches ein diskretes Oberflächenwassermodell mit einem Kontinuummodell koppelt, so angepasst, dass instationäre und nichtgleichförmige Abflussprozesse in Karströhren berücksichtigt werden können. Der Abfluss in diskreten Röhren wird dabei mit den Saint-Venant-Gleichungen für Freispiegelabfluss berechnet. Im Gegensatz zu Oberflächengewässern ist der für den Abfluss zur Verfügung stehende Querschnitt in Karströhren limitiert, so dass sowohl Freispiegel- als auch Druckabfluss innerhalb der Röhren auftreten kann. Druckabfluss wird mit Hilfe eines schmalen virtuellen Schlitzes an der Röhrenoberkante simuliert (Preissmann Schlitz), der auch im Fall vollgefüllter Röhren die Anwendung der Gleichungen für Freispiegelabfluss erlaubt. Durch die Verwendung eines variablen Zeitschrittes kann die geänderte Dynamik beim Übergang von Freispiegel- zu Druckabfluss berücksichtigt werden. Parameterstudien für idealisierte, synthetische Karsteinzugsgebiete demonstrieren die Bedeutung der Berücksichtigung von Freispiegelabfluss in teilgefüllter Röhren.

Karst aquifers can be conceptualized as dual flow systems comprised of a low-conductive matrix with embedded high-conductive conduits / preferential flow zones. Discharge in conduits ranges from low-velocity laminar flow to high-velocity transitional and turbulent flow. Commonly employed continuum models do not account for the specific behavior of transitional and turbulent flow. In response to this limitation, enhancements have been made to MODFLOW, a commonly used groundwater flow model, by adding a discrete conduit network to the matrix continuum (hybrid model). The Conduit Flow Process (CFP) package is the latest realization of this model approach. CFP Mode 1 (CFPM1) computes laminar and turbulent flow in discrete conduits that are coupled to the laminar continuum model. CFP Mode 2 (CFPM2) accounts for turbulent flow in preferential flow layers by adapting the continuum model. Therefore, laminar hydraulic conduc-tivities are converted into turbulent hydraulic conductivities. CFPM2 was further modified to consider steady turbulent pipe flow. Karst models based on CFPM2 require potentially less input data and computational efforts than karst models based on CFPM1. Furthermore, CFPM2 integrates more easily into MODFLOW versions including e.g. transport models. Parameter studies for a synthetic catchment demonstrates that continuum models with turbulent flow representation and an additional flow barrier between conduits and matrix can represent karst systems similar to hybrid models. For simulation of highly transient flow processes in karst conduit systems, i.e. during flood events, it is crucial to consider dynamics such as free-surface flow, wave propagation, and changes between pressurized and non-pressurized conduit flow. The coupled overland- and groundwater flow model MODBRANCH was therefore enhanced to consider unsteady and non-uniform flow processes in karst conduits. Flow in discrete conduits is simulated using the Saint-Venant-equations for free-surface flow. Contrary to overland flow, the cross sectional area of karst conduits is finite. Accordingly, both pressurized and non-pressurized flow may occur within conduits. To simulate pressurized flow, a hypothetical, narrow, open-top slot (Preissmann slot) is added to the conduit crown, which allows the use of the free-surface flow equations for fully filled conduits. Beyond this, the model features a variable time step to consider wave speed variations, for example due to the transition from free-surface to pressurized flow. Parameter studies for a synthetic catchment demonstrate the significance of free-surface flow representation for variably filled conduits. / Karstgrundwasserleiter können als duale Fließsysteme konzeptionalisiert werden, bestehend aus einer geringdurchlässigen Matrix mit eingebundenen hochdurchlässigen Bereichen, z. B. Karströhren. Der Abfluss in den hochdurchlässigen Bereichen reicht von langsamer laminarer Strömung bis zu schneller turbulenter Strömung. Herkömmliche numerische Grundwasser-strömungsmodelle berücksichtigen nicht die spezifischen Eigenschaften von nicht-laminarer Strömung (Übergangsbereich laminar-turbulent bzw. turbulente Verhältnisse). Ein Ansatz um diese Einschränkung zu umgehen, ist die Erweiterung des laminaren Kontinuums um ein dis-kretes Röhrenmodell, das zustandsabhängig laminare und turbulente Strömung berücksichtigt (Hybridmodell). Eine aktuelle Umsetzung dieses Ansatzes ist Conduit Flow Process (CFP), ein Modul für das weitverbreitete Grundwasserströmungsmodell MODFLOW. CFP Mode 1 (CFPM1) berechnet laminare und turbulente Strömung in diskreten, mit dem Kontinuummodell gekoppelten Röhren. CFP Mode 2 (CFPM2) berücksichtigt nicht-laminare Strömung in hochdurchlässigen Schichten mit einer angepassten hydraulischen Leitfähigkeit des Kontinuummodells. CFPM2 wurde weiter modifiziert, so dass auch turbulente Strömung in Karströhren berechnet werden kann. Dadurch kann möglicherweise der Parameterbedarf sowie der Rechenaufwand gegenüber Hybrid¬modellen reduziert werden. CFPM2 lässt sich einfach in vorhandene MODFLOW Modelle einbinden, z. B. zur Berechnung von Transportprozessen. Parameterstudien für ein idealisiertes Karsteinzugsgebiet zeigen, dass Kontinuummodelle bei Berücksichtigung der turbulenten Strömung sowie des zusätzlichen hydraulischen Widerstand zwischen Röhren und Matrix, Karstsysteme ähnlich wie Hybridmodelle darstellen. Zur Simulation von instationären Prozessen in Karströhren, z. B. ausgeprägte Abflusssignale infolge pulsförmiger Grundwasserneubildung, ist es notwendig, dynamische Prozesse infolge Freispiegelabfluss, Wellenausbreitung sowie Wechsel zwischen Abfluss in teil- und vollgefüllten Röhren zu berücksichtigen. Aus diesem Grund wurde das numerische Modell MODBRANCH, welches ein diskretes Oberflächenwassermodell mit einem Kontinuummodell koppelt, so angepasst, dass instationäre und nichtgleichförmige Abflussprozesse in Karströhren berücksichtigt werden können. Der Abfluss in diskreten Röhren wird dabei mit den Saint-Venant-Gleichungen für Freispiegelabfluss berechnet. Im Gegensatz zu Oberflächengewässern ist der für den Abfluss zur Verfügung stehende Querschnitt in Karströhren limitiert, so dass sowohl Freispiegel- als auch Druckabfluss innerhalb der Röhren auftreten kann. Druckabfluss wird mit Hilfe eines schmalen virtuellen Schlitzes an der Röhrenoberkante simuliert (Preissmann Schlitz), der auch im Fall vollgefüllter Röhren die Anwendung der Gleichungen für Freispiegelabfluss erlaubt. Durch die Verwendung eines variablen Zeitschrittes kann die geänderte Dynamik beim Übergang von Freispiegel- zu Druckabfluss berücksichtigt werden. Parameterstudien für idealisierte, synthetische Karsteinzugsgebiete demonstrieren die Bedeutung der Berücksichtigung von Freispiegelabfluss in teilgefüllter Röhren.

Although karst processes in south central Kentucky have been studied extensively, the Haney Limestone Member of the Golconda Formation has not been studied in detail in contrast to limestones stratigraphically below it that are thicker. In addition, the relationship between petrographic features of the Haney Limestone and the formation of caves and karst features has not been studied extensively compared to lithographic, petrographic, or structural variables Petrographic data were collected using core and surface exposures across the study area of south central Kentucky from northern Logan and Warren counties up toward the Rough Creek Graben region, and stratigraphic columns were constructed. Twenty-three petrographic thin-sections were made from samples collected at these sites, described, and photo documented. These studies have revealed that grain size and silica content play a role in how the Haney weathers both in surface exposure and in a cave setting. Petrographic thin-section analysis suggests that the Haney possesses a complex diagenetic history that involves several generations of calcite cementation, dolomitization, silicification, and pressure-dissolution features in the form of microstylolites and stylolites. A basal shale in the Big Clifty occurs commonly at the Big Clifty/Haney contact and acts as a confining hydrogeologic unit, which is favorable for the development of springs and caves. Studying the Haney Limestone petrographically provides an opportunity not only to study a lesser known unit, but also in the context of relating petrographic influences or controls on the morphology of Haney cave-passage development under both vadose and phreatic hydrologic regimens. Heretofore, the vast majority of cave morphological studies have only linked the hydrologic regimen to formation of cave passages, but such studies have not considered petrographic variance. This study not only relates karst features to petrographic variance, but also provides a petrographical description of the Haney across south central Kentucky, whereas many previous studies focused on Illinois and Indiana. Understanding Haney petrographic characteristics also provides context for potential carbonate hydrocarbon reservoirs and groundwater resources in the Illinois Basin region.

Les nitrates, largement dérivés des activités anthropiques posent un réel problème pour la santé et l'environnement lorsqu'ils se retrouvent dans le milieu naturel, en particulier lorsque la ressource est destinée à la production d'eau potable. Déterminer l'origine de ces nitrates est alors une première étape indispensable pour assurer ensuite une meilleure gestion de ces ressources en eau. C'est dans ce but, qu'une approche multi-traceurs originale a été développée sur la source karstique du Marseillon, située dans le Sud-Ouest de la France et exploitée pour l'eau potable. Une stratégie d'échantillonnage a été menée entre octobre 2010 et janvier 2013 à différentes échelles spatiales (du régional à l'étude du forage) et temporelles (du suivi mensuel au suivi horaire). Les outils hydrodynamiques et géochimiques ont mis en évidence une contribution importante d'une eau pauvre en nitrate à l'alimentation de la source. Les outils isotopiques (?15N-NO3, ?18O-NO3 et ?11B) et microbiologiques ont permis d'identifier une connexion hydraulique entre les eaux de surface et la source du Marseillon, favorisée pendant les épisodes de crues de surface. Les outils de datation ont permis d'estimer une contribution d'environ 80% d'une eau de 1980 et de 20 % d'une eau rechargée au cours de l'année de la mesure (2011) caractérisée par des nitrates d'origine organique et des contaminations fécales humaines et animales. Les résultats obtenus ainsi que la démarche développée dans cette thèse ont permis de dresser les grandes lignes d'un guide méthodologique, accessible aux plus grand nombre d'acteurs de l'eau, pour la détermination de l'origine des nitrates dans les eaux souterraines. / Nitrate is widely derived from anthropogenic activities. When it reaches groundwater bodies, it becomes an environmental issue especially when the resource is used for drinking water supply. The determination of nitrate sources is thus the first step in water restoration and preservation management. An innovative multi-indicators approach has been used in Marseillon karstic spring (Southwest of France) which is considered as a strategic resource for drinking water supply. A spatial and temporal multi-scale sampling plan has been carried out in surface waters and groundwater. Hydrodynamic and geochemical tools helped to highlight an important contribution of deep water origin (i.e.: low nitrate concentration) in spring alimentation. Isotopic (?15N-NO3, ?18O-NO3 and ?11B) and microbiological tools have allowed identifying a hydraulic connection between surface water and the spring. This connection seems to be more important during the river?s flood events. Water dating shows a heterogeneous recharge of Marseillon spring with old water (<1940) mixed with current water characterized by nitrate derived from organic sources and fecal contamination originated from both human and animal wastes. This original multi-tracers approach developed in this thesis improves the knowledge on the nitrate origin determination and can be seen as a methodological guide for drinking water management.

Na Área de Proteção Ambiental Carste de Lagoa Santa, no distrito da Lapinha, Município de Lagoa Santa, se localiza a Bacia Poligonal da Vargem da Lapa. Esse sistema, que não apresenta qualquer drenagem perene, tem na sua posição mais deprimida duas cavernas, a Vargem da Lapa e do Lapa do Beijo, que são o destino final de todo material transportado por suas vertentes. Os pisos de ambas as cavernas estão totalmente colmatados por depósitos sedimentares, contrariando o observado no Carste de Lagoa Santa, onde a tendência é a remoção destes materiais e exposição dos condutos. Para a melhor compreensão do comportamento dos materiais e características do recorte estudado, bem como completando estudos já realizados no carste, foram adotadas três linhas de pesquisa (i) análise das propriedades físicas e químicas da cobertura pedológica da bacia e dos depósitos clásticos do interior das cavernas, (ii) caracterização morfológica dos três compartimentos do carste local exocarste, epicarste e endocarste e (iii) emprego de novos dispositivos para a caracterização espacial destes compartimentos. Os resultados das análises física e química do material móvel da paisagem, apontou a presença de cambissolos nas áreas de cimeira e vertente, enquanto nas zonas de topografia mais branda, ocorre a presença dos latossolos além disso, foi atestada a hipótese de que a cobertura pedológica da região não é fruto da pedogênese das rochas carbonáticas. Já no material do interior da caverna foram identificadas argilas de alta atividade, insinuando uma rigorosa seleção granulométrica durante seu transporte A morfologia da paisagem chamou atenção pelo discreto desenvolvimento de seus elementos, se comparados à outras posições do Carste de Lagoa Santa. No exocarste só foi anotada ocorrência de uma dolina, enquanto as feições do epicarste não chamam a atenção como no Planalto das Dolinas. Já o endocarste expõe corredores estreitos e ausência de salões amplos e ornamentados. O imageamento da bacia para posterior geoprocessamento foi realizado com o auxílio de um Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) e trouxe ao estudo um produto gráfico muito proveitoso pois permitiu alcançar elementos não visíveis em softwares de visualização do terreno. Já no levantamento topográfico da caverna foram utilizados dispositivos novos na sua mensuração, reduzindo consideravelmente o tempo desta tarefa. O concatenamento das conclusões desses três eixos permitiu inferir que as áreas de influência das cavernas são variáveis e deve ser considerado a condição que elas se posicionam em relação à bacia. Além disso os resultados obtidos, abriram portas para futuras averiguações mais complexas no ambiente. / In the Environmental Protection Area of Lagoa Santa, in the district of Lapinha, Municipality of Lagoa Santa, the Poligonal Basin of Vargem da Lapa is located. This system, which does not have any perennial drainage, has in its most depressed position two caves, Vargem da Lapa and Lapa do Beijo, which are the final destination of all material transported by its slopes. The floors of both caves are completely covered by sedimentary deposits, contrary to what is observed in the Carte de Lagoa Santa, where the tendency is the removal of these materials and exposure of the conduits. In order to better understand the behaviour of the materials and characteristics of the studied clipping, as well as completing studies already carried out on the karst, three lines of research were adopted: (i) analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the pedological cover of the basin and the clastic deposits of the interior of the (ii) morphological characterization of the three local karst compartments - exocarste, epicarste and endocarste and (iii) use of new devices for the spatial characterization of these compartments. The results of the physical and chemical analysis of the mobile material of the landscape, pointed to the presence of cambisols in the summit and slope areas, while in the areas with a milder topography, the presence of the oxisols also occurred, it was attested to the hypothesis that the pedological cover of the region is not the result of the pedogenesis of the carbonate rocks. In the material of the interior of the cave, high activity clays were identified, insinuating a rigorous granulometric selection during its transportation The morphology of the landscape attracted attention due to the discrete development of its elements, if compared to the other positions of the Carte de Lagoa Santa. In the exocarste was only noted occurrence of a dolina, while the features of the epicarste do not attract attention as in the Sinkhole Plateau. The endocarste exposes narrow corridors and the absence of large, ornate halls.The imaging of the basin for subsequent geoprocessing was accomplished with the aid of a Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and brought to the study a very useful graphic product because it allowed to reach elements not visible in software of visualization of the terrain. Already in the topographic survey of the cave were used new devices in its measurement, considerably reducing the time of this task. The concatenation of the results of these three axes allowed inferring that the areas of influence of the caves are variable and must be considered the condition that they are positioned in relation to the basin. In addition the results obtained, opened doors for future more complex enquiries.

Orientador: Sérgio dos Anjos Ferreira Pinto / Coorientador: Joël Georges Marie Andre Rodet / Banca: Fabiano Tomazini da Conceição / Banca: Augusto Sarreiro Auler / Banca: Francisco Sergio Bernardes Ladeira / Banca: Benoit Laignel / Banca: Anne-Veronique Walter-Simonnet / Banca: Luc Denis Mathieu Willens / Em regime de cotutela de tese com a "Université de Rouen" - Docteur en Géologie (França) / Resumo: A carstificação dos arenitos já foi considerado um tema polêmico no passado, mas nas últimas décadas, vem sendo cada vez mais aceito pela comunidade de pesquisadores do carste. No Brasil, uma ampla área do território possui afloramentos de arenitos e meta-arenitos, e o clima tropical, com abundância de chuva e vegetação, associado a presença de matéria orgânica, óxidos de ferro, sais e longo tempo de exposição às intempéries, entre outros elementos, permitem uma aceleração do processo de intemperismo químico do quartzo, produzindo uma ampla variedade de formas cársticas, além de uma organização espacial, permitindo-se falar em Sistemas Cársticos em Arenitos. Visando a comparação e a caracterização da morfologia cárstica e dos sistemas cársticos nesta litologia, quatro áreas foram estudadas com maior grau de detalhamento, bem como outras áreas foram visitadas, com a ideia de fornecer subsídios comparativos na compreensão dos processos e organização, através do estudo das formas. As áreas estudadas foram a Serra de Itaqueri; a Chapada dos Guimarães, e a região dos Campos Gerais, no Brasil, e a região da Forêt de Fontainebleau, na França. Conseguiu-se, com isso, demonstrar a natureza cárstica das formas de relevo encontradas, entender a organização destas formas na paisagem e sua integração sistêmica, e fornecer subsídios para a formulação de hipóteses dos processos envolvidos na estruturação de tais formas e sistemas, sobretudo da importância da cobertura vegetal, como auxiliar na dissolução do quartzo, e do processo de "fantomização" da rocha (alteração "in situ") e posterior remoção, por dissolução completa ou mecanicamente, da matéria alterada, resultando em formas e sistemas cársticos... (Resumo completo, clicar acesso eletrônico abaixo) / Abstract: Karstification of sandstone was considered a controversial topic in the past, but has become increasingly accepted by karst researchers in recent decades. A large area of Brazil's territory has sandstone and metasandstone outcrops. The country's tropical climate, abundant rainfall and vegetation, allied to the presence of organic matter, iron oxides, salts and long weathering processes, among other factors, accelerate the chemical weathering of quartz. This combination of factors has produced a wide variety of karst landforms, as well as a spatial organization, that allows them to be referred to as Sandstone Karst Systems. Four areas were studied in great detail to compare and characterize the karst morphology and karst systems in this lithology. In addition, other areas were visited to collect comparative data to help shed further light on geological processes and the organization of landforms. The areas under study were Serra de Itaqueri, the Chapada dos Guimarães, and the region of Campos Gerais in Brazil, and the region of Forêt de Fontainebleau in France. This study allowed for the determination of the karst topography and an understanding of the organization of these landscape processes and their systemic integration. The knowledge thus gained served to underpin the formulation of hypotheses about the processes involved in the structuring of these landforms and systems, and above all the importance of vegetation as an aid for quartz dissolution, and about the process of rock phantomization (in situ alteration) and subsequent removal of modified material by complete dissolution or by mechanical means, resulting in karst landforms and systems. The aforementioned hypotheses served as the basis for a proposal to amend the definition of karst with respect to the term... (Complete abstract click electronic access below) / Résumé: L'existence de karsts dans les grès a été longtemps sujette à controverse, mais est de plus en plus acceptée depuis les dernières décennies par les karstologues. Le sous-sol d'une grande partie du territoire brésilien se constitue de grès et de métagrès. Des pluies abondantes, un couvert végétal et une matière organique abondante liés au climat tropical caractérisant majoritairement le pays, la présence d'oxydes de fer et de périodes d'érosion physicochimique prolongées ont favorisé l'altération chimique des quartz. Cette combinaison de facteurs a produit une grande variété de reliefs karstiques, ainsi que leur organisation sous la forme de systèmes karstiques gréseux. Quatre zones ont été étudiées en détail afin de comparer et de caractériser la morphologie karstique et les systèmes karstiques dans cette lithologie. Au Brésil, il s'agit de la Serra d'Itaqueri, de la Chapada dos Guimarães et de la région de Campos Gerais. En France, nous avons examiné les morphologies associées aux grès de la forêt de Fontainebleau. En outre, d'autres sites ont été visités afin de recueillir des données comparatives permettant une meilleure compréhension des processus morphogénétiques et de l'organisation des reliefs. Cette étude démontre la nature karstique des formes rencontrées et apporte une meilleure compréhension à leur intégration dans les paysages et leur intégration systémique. Les connaissances ainsi acquises autorisent la formulation d'une série d'hypothèses sur les processus impliqués dans la structuration de ces reliefs et des systèmes karstiques. L'influence de la végétation est soulignée, notamment comme... (Résumé complet accès életronique cidessous) / Doutor

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Telogenetic epikarst carbon sourcing and transport processes and the associated hydrogeochemical responses are often complex and dynamic. Among the processes involved in epikarst development is a highly variable storage and flow relationship that is often influenced by the type, rate, and amount of dissolution kinetics involved. Diffusion rates of CO2 in the epikarst zone may drive hydrogeochemical changes that influence carbonate dissolution processes and conduit formation. Most epikarst examinations of these defining factors ignore regional-scale investigations in favor of characterizing more localized processes. This study aims to address that discrepancy through a comparative analysis of two telogenetic epikarst systems under various land uses to delineate regional epikarst behavior characteristics and mechanisms that influence carbon flux and dissolution processes in south-central Kentucky. High-resolution hydrogeochemical and discharge data from multiple data loggers and collected water samples serve to provide a more holistic picture of the processes at work within these epikarst aquifers, which are estimated to contribute significantly to carbonate rock dissolution processes and storage of recharging groundwater reservoirs on the scale of regional aquifer rates. Data indicate that, in agricultural settings, long-term variability is governed by seasonal availability of CO2, while in urban environments extensive impermeable surfaces trap CO2 in the soil, governing increased dissolution and conduit development in a heterogonous sense, which is often observed in eogenetic karst development, as opposed to bedding plane derived hydraulic conductivity usually observed in telogenetic settings. These results suggest unique, site-specific responses, despite regional geologic similarities. Further, the results suggest the necessity for additional comparative analyses between agricultural settings and urban landscapes, as well as a focus on carbon sourcing in urban environments, where increased urban sprawl could influence karst development