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In this study, the bryophyte flora of a collapse doline located in the steppe of Central Anatolia has been investigated. As a result of the identification of 365 bryophyte specimens collected from various habitats of doline, a total of 72 taxa (71mosses and 1 liverwort) belonging to 9 families and 24 genera are determined. Among them Didymodon icmadophilus is new for C13 grid-square. The most species-rich families in the study area are Pottiaceae (31 taxa), Bryaceae (13 taxa) and Grimmiaceae (11 taxa) respectively. While the widespread genera are Syntrichia (9 taxa), Didymodon (9 taxa), Ptychostomum (9 taxa) and Grimmia (6 taxa). Syntrichia ruralis, Weissia condensa, Didymodon vinealis and Orthotrichum cupulatum are the most common species in the study area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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LiDAR-based digital terrain models (DTMs) represent an advance in the investigation of small-scale geomorphological features, including dolines of karst terrains. Important issues in doline morphometry are (i) which statistical distributions best model the size distribution of doline morphometric parameters and (ii) how to characterize the volume of dolines based on high-resolution DTMs. For backward compatibility, how previous datasets obtained predominantly from topographic maps relate to doline data derived from LiDAR is also examined. Our study area includes the karst plateaus of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst national parks, whose caves are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. To characterize the study area, the relationships between doline parameters and topography were studied, as well as their geological characteristics. Our analysis revealed that the LiDAR-based doline density is 25% higher than the value calculated from topographic maps. Furthermore, LiDAR-based doline delineations are slightly larger and less rounded than in the case of topographic maps. The plateaus of the study area are characterized by low (5–10 km−2), moderate (10–30 km−2), and medium (30–35 km−2) doline densities. In terms of topography, the slope trend is decisive since the doline density is negligible in areas where the general slope is steeper than 12°. As for the lithology, 75% of the dolines can be linked to Wetterstein Limestone. The statistical distribution of the doline area can be well modeled by the lognormal distribution. To describe the DTM-based volume of dolines, a new parameter (k) is introduced to characterize their 3D shape: it is equal to the product of the area and the depth divided by the volume. This parameter indicates whether the idealized shape of the doline is closer to a cylinder, a bowl (calotte), a cone, or a funnel shape. The results show that most sinkholes in the study area have a transitional shape between a bowl (calotte) and a cone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Taurus Mountains, the most important karst terrains of Türkiye, contain many surface and subsurface karst landforms, and the morphometric features of these landforms provide important data on the geomorphological and morphotectonic development of karst areas in the Taurus Mountains. Micro and macro karst depressions are the most important surface landforms in the Western Taurus Mountains. In this study, a total of 7093 micro depressions (doline) and 74 macro depressions (polje) located in the Western Taurus Mountains were detected and morphometric properties were calculated. The poljes developed within the Beydağları Autochthon and Lycian nappes, while the dolines developed mainly in the high karst plateaus within the Beydağları Autochthon. As briefly described below, the morphotectonic evolution of both landforms is closely related to the tectonic evolution of the Western Taurus Mountains. As a result of this tectonic activity, the Lycian Nappes from the northwest and the Antalya Nappes from the east thrust over the Beydağları autochthon, leading to the development of nappes, reverse faults, and fold systems in the study area. The Western Taurus began terrestrialization starting from the Oligocene and began to erode from the Miocene. This erosion process led to the development of valley systems within the Western Taurus region. The NE–SW and NW–SE directional normal faults have developed under the influence of extensional tectonics since the Miocene. This extensional tectonism has caused widespread development of the poljes in the study area. Furthermore, with the lowering of the karst base level, dolines and paleovalleys began to develop in limestone areas at higher elevations. All morphometric and morphotectonic processes reveal that the extension of both doline and polje areas in the study area are parallel to the elongation of tectonic structures in the Western Taurus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTThis study presents an original mapping of hydrological karst features of the Matese massif (southern Italy), whose relevance is given by large basal springs supplying millions of people and the hydroelectric exploitation of the major endorheic areas. We mapped dolines and endorheic areas from 1- and 5-meter Digital Elevation Models (DEM) using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and techniques. Instead, ponors, caves, and karst springs were mapped mainly based on cartographic and literature analyses. We identified 321 endorheic areas occupying 31% of the massif area and 489 dolines, distinguished in (i) solution (N = 433) and collapse dolines (N = 56), the latter located in the discharge zones of the massif and connected to ascendant flows of CO2- and H2S-rich groundwater. The map shows the hydrological features of a karst massif from a more detailed and new perspective, and it can be helpful in water management, groundwater resource protection, environmental safeguarding, and ecological development.

Abstract Key message Dolines may provide important safe havens for many plant species and play a key role in maintaining biodiversity. The combined effects of forest age and topographic position influence the biodiversity patterns of these unique habitats. Forest managers, conservationists, and researchers need to work together in order to maintain the species richness and composition of these habitats under environmental changes. Context Dolines are the most prominent geomorphological features in many karst landscapes that may provide important microhabitats for many species. Aims We aim to contribute to a better understanding of how forest age and topographic position influence the plant species richness and composition of vascular plants within doline habitats. Methods We studied the effects of forest age (four age classes: from 5- to 10-year-old stands to more than 90-year-old stands), topographic position (south-facing slope, bottom, and north-facing slope), and their interaction on the distribution of vascular plants and mean Ellenberg indicator values in dolines using detrended correspondence analysis and mixed-effects models. Diagnostic species for the forest age classes and topographic positions were also determined. Results Different groups of vascular plant species usually showed significant preferences for certain topographic positions and/or forest age classes in dolines. In general, the number of species in all studied groups of plants increased after a few years of canopy removal. The number of plant species in almost all groups was lowest in dolines covered with 40–45-year-old forests. The moist and nutrient-rich doline bottoms covered with 90–120-year-old forests harboured many climate change vulnerable plant species. Conclusions Forest age and topographic position considerably influence the species richness and composition of vascular plants in dolines; therefore, forest managers and conservationists need to consider their potential impacts when evaluating the effects of climate warming on karst landscapes.

LiDAR-based digital terrain models (DTMs) represent an advance in the investigation of small-scale geomorphological features, including dolines of karst terrains. Important issues in doline morphometry are (i) which statistical distributions best model the size distribution of doline morphometric parameters and (ii) how to characterize the volume of dolines based on high-resolution DTMs. For backward compatibility, how previous datasets obtained predominantly from topographic maps relate to doline data derived from LiDAR is also examined. Our study area includes the karst plateaus of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst national parks, whose caves are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. To characterize the study area, the relationships between doline parameters and topography were studied, as well as their geological characteristics. Our analysis revealed that the LiDAR-based doline density is 25% higher than the value calculated from topographic maps. Furthermore, LiDAR-based doline delineations are slightly larger and less rounded than in the case of topographic maps. The plateaus of the study area are characterized by low (5–10 km−2), moderate (10–30 km−2), and medium (30–35 km−2) doline densities. In terms of topography, the slope trend is decisive since the doline density is negligible in areas where the general slope is steeper than 12°. As for the lithology, 75% of the dolines can be linked to Wetterstein Limestone. The statistical distribution of the doline area can be well modeled by the lognormal distribution. To describe the DTM-based volume of dolines, a new parameter (k) is introduced to characterize their 3D shape: it is equal to the product of the area and the depth divided by the volume. This parameter indicates whether the idealized shape of the doline is closer to a cylinder, a bowl (calotte), a cone, or a funnel shape. The results show that most sinkholes in the study area have a transitional shape between a bowl (calotte) and a cone.

Dolines are the characteristic landforms in karstic landscapes, and their morphometric characteristics are commonly used for surface karst research. More than 140,000 dolines were identified using 1:25,000 scale topographic maps (TOPO-Maps) in the West and Central Taurus, Türkiye's most important karst terrain. However, the accuracy of these TOPO-Maps in terms of real morphometric characteristics of dolines in the Taurus Mountains is unknown. For this reason, in this study, dolines were automatically delineated from high-resolution digital elevation models (DEMs) produced by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV-DEMs), and their morphometric characteristics were compared with the results obtained from 1:25,000 scale TOPO-Maps. UAV-DEMs with resolution below meter level provide a more accurate representation of the real Earth surface and thus landforms can be examined in more detail. In this study, six locations covering a total of 8.03 km2 were modeled with UAV. According to the results, the accuracy of the TOPO-Maps in terms of doline numbers was 0.24 (24%)–0.98 (98%), and this rate increased as the average area of the dolines increased. Doline density was always high with UAV-DEM data, and doline density had an average 99% increase when compared with TOPO-Map data. Due to UAV-DEMs providing the opportunity to calculate more morphometric characteristics, in this study, we provide information for the first time about the depth, slope, and volume characteristics of dolines in the Taurus Mountains. The mean depth, slope, and volume of solution dolines were 31 m, 45°, and 207,931 m3 in the Taurus Mountains, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Dolines may provide important safe havens for many plant species and play a key role in maintaining biodiversity. The combined effects of forest age and topographic position influence the biodiversity patterns of these unique habitats. Forest managers, conservationists, and researchers need to work together in order to maintain the species richness and composition of these habitats under environmental changes. Context: Dolines are the most prominent geomorphological features in many karst landscapes that may provide important microhabitats for many species. Aims: We aim to contribute to a better understanding of how forest age and topographic position influence the plant species richness and composition of vascular plants within doline habitats. Methods: We studied the effects of forest age (four age classes: from 5- to 10-year-old stands to more than 90-year-old stands), topographic position (south-facing slope, bottom, and north-facing slope), and their interaction on the distribution of vascular plants and mean Ellenberg indicator values in dolines using detrended correspondence analysis and mixed-effects models. Diagnostic species for the forest age classes and topographic positions were also determined. Results: Different groups of vascular plant species usually showed significant preferences for certain topographic positions and/or forest age classes in dolines. In general, the number of species in all studied groups of plants increased after a few years of canopy removal. The number of plant species in almost all groups was lowest in dolines covered with 40–45-year-old forests. The moist and nutrient-rich doline bottoms covered with 90–120-year-old forests harboured many climate change vulnerable plant species. Conclusions: Forest age and topographic position considerably influence the species richness and composition of vascular plants in dolines; therefore, forest managers and conservationists need to consider their potential impacts when evaluating the effects of climate warming on karst landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 10.5 Ha site within three lobes of ancient woodland on the Gaddesden Estate, West Hertfordshire, was investigated using geological and archaeological techniques. 2–3 m of Paleogene silt-sand and gravel drapes the Chalk. Discontinuous lenses of pebbly conglomerate have been silicified to create concretions of Hertfordshire Puddingstone [HPS hereafter], one of which was in situ , a very rare find. The HPS is associated with a pure white sand and a previously un-reported lithology, a soft white pebbly Sarsen. During the Quaternary the feather edge of the Cenozoic cover was punctured following underlying dissolution features in the chalk to create 93 dolines, the largest concentration in the Chilterns AONB. As they grew the dolines were filled with Pleistocene loessic brickearth during the Wolstonian stage (MIS7) and captured blocks of HPS. These were exploited by the Romans as valuable raw material for quern-making. Shortly after the Roman Conquest in AD43 the site was cleared by felling and burning the tree cover. The cortex and poor-quality core stone were cut away from concretions with picks, manageable slices were detached using steel wedges and initial shaping was undertaken to produce blanks of querns to be finished elsewhere. Quarrying continued for, at most, fifty years. The excavated doline fills or upcast formed rims around the pits, which taken together protect the second largest remaining area of Roman ground surface in Hertfordshire. The site was abandoned and has been largely undisturbed apart from some quarrying of chalk and brickearth and offers further opportunities for research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an original mapping of hydrological karst features of the Matese massif (southern Italy), whose relevance is given by large basal springs supplying millions of people and the hydroelectric exploitation of the major endorheic areas. We mapped dolines and endorheic areas from 1- and 5-meter Digital Elevation Models (DEM) using Geographic Information System (GIS) tools and techniques. Instead, ponors, caves, and karst springs were mapped mainly based on cartographic and literature analyses. We identified 321 endorheic areas occupying 31% of the massif area and 489 dolines, distinguished in (i) solution (N = 433) and collapse dolines (N = 56), the latter located in the discharge zones of the massif and connected to ascendant flows of CO2- and H2S-rich groundwater. The map shows the hydrological features of a karst massif from a more detailed and new perspective, and it can be helpful in water management, groundwater resource protection, environmental safeguarding, and ecological development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Panggang and the Wonosari-Baron Hydrogeological Subsystems are part of the Gunungsewu karst landscape in Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. This landscape has many dolines as one of the epikarst of the phenomenon. These dolines usually classified as solution dolines. This study aims to determine the presence or absence of groundwater flow in doline based on hydrochemical characteristics. Hydrochemical data were collected during the dry and rainy seasons, supplemented by water doline sampling on the ten selected dolines. Data were taken from the field and laboratory, both in physical (color, taste, odor, and turbidity) and chemical (pH, EC, and ionic content) properties of water. The hydrochemical analysis was performed using Stiff and Gibbs diagrams. The doline’s water has Ca and Na-bicarbonate facies during the dry season but tends to change to Ca-bicarbonate facies in the rainy season. The water-rock interaction process and precipitation found strongly influence the hydrochemistry of dolines water. The hydrogeological system involves conduit-type groundwater flow. The groundwater is interpreted to contribute to the water doline based on its hydrochemistry, both locally and regionally.

Testing the effectiveness of an inverse Wenner‐Schlumberger array On the Swabian Alb high plain, southwestern Germany, the new high‐speed railway line Wendlingen–Ulm of the German Railway Company (Deutsche Bahn AG) is under construction. 2.5D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements (meaning the use of parallel 2D lines) were performed at the excavation bottom level in addition to the investigation program of the construction company including microgravimetric and seismic methods. The aim was to test the effectiveness of an inverse Wenner‐Schlumberger array for exploring geological defective karst voids and other karstic features in a highly heterogeneous karstic environment. The 2.5D ERT survey provided resistivity values of marls and marlstones, a limestone bedrock, a collapse doline and of an air‐filled cavity. A clear demarcation between the marls and marlstones and the limestone bedrock was only possible outside the area of influence of the collapse doline; the latter could not be exactly delineated from the adjoining geological units. In addition, one of three air‐filled voids (open fractures, cavities) could be derived accurately in location and roughly in size and shape from the 2.5D ERT survey; the other two were not detected by means of ERT because of (i) its location beneath a high‐resistive anomaly and (ii) its comparatively small maximum horizontal opening width of only 1 time the used inter‐electrode spacing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed plants and their traits in dolines, which are characteristic enclosed terrain depressions on carbonate (karst) plateaus. These landforms range from a few meters to over 100 m in diameter, their depth generally varying from a few meters to a few tens of meters. A pronounced ecological gradient can be found from the bottom to the top, starting from humid, cool and shaded bottoms to sunny, dry and warm slopes and tops. We sampled dolines of various depths and analyzed the distribution of plant species on the gradient and how this distribution is reflected in plant traits: chorotypes, life forms, plant architecture and strategies. We used the transect method and sampled the floristic composition from the doline bottom to the top. We collected information about plant traits from various literature sources. The results show life forms and plant architecture explain this gradient well and, to a lesser extent, also chorotypes, but functional strategies have a low explanatory power. Life forms and plant architecture are the result of adaptation of species to the environment, and chorotypes are defined as species with an overlapping geographical distribution pattern due to their distribution and environmental histories. Functional strategies, which have evolved to enable plants to succeed in various environments, unexpectedly have a low explanatory power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sinkhole (doline) collapse is one of the major natural hazards threatening people and property in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, especially if the bedrock structure is epi-karstic, covered by encrusted material. Many dolines-avens collapses have been recorded in urban and rural areas in Northeast Algeria. Our study identifies localized deformation that may be caused by a sinkhole activity based on the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) imaging in Setifian high plains. For this task, we conducted 2-D Wenner and Wenner-Schlumberger transects profiles. The geological and hydrogeological study helped to calibrate the resistivity model, and in this regard, expound on the proneness of the limestone layer to collapse. The obtained model highlights the heterogeneity of the subsurface. The inverted transects allowed the investigation of 20 m depth with Wenner array and 52 m with Wenner-Schlumberger. The Wenner inverted models imaged the chimney and different karst networks until 20 m depth; even as the Wenner-Schlumberger models imaged a new karstic cavity in the limestone layer. ERT imaging has once again proven its effectiveness in mapping sinkholes based on its ability to detect resistivity. Our research can certainly benefit karst collapse monitoring in other areas of the high plain region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filling of dolines with aeolian sediments, one of the less frequently described ways in which they are filled, is analysed in the present study on an example of a doline in the high-mountain karst of the Dinarides. There is a series of deep dolines on a broad ridge (about 2450 m a.s.l.) on Mt. Durmitor (Montenegro) in the southeastern part of the Dinarides. The accumulation of very fine-grained sand that almost completely fills one of the dolines was analysed. More than 99% of the accumulation was found to be composed of well-sorted quartz grains with an average size of 89 µm and no vertical differences in granulometric or textural characteristics. With respect to mineral composition, the accumulation differs significantly from that prevalent in this part of the Dinarides, in which different kinds of carbonate rocks are dominant. The conducted analyses indicated an aeolian origin of the sediments. Significant aridification that began in the Middle Holocene made the area of North Africa a source of sediments that were transported by the aeolian process to neighbouring regions. Geomorphological-sedimentological research on Mt. Durmitor and earlier investigations of the wider Mediterranean region indicate that dolines in high-mountain karst can be filled with aeolian sediments. The sediments originated from territory of the northern Sahara, and the filling occurred in the Late Holocene, at the close of the African humid period. The present study shows that apart from the influence of local factors, regional geomorphological processes such as aeolian transport can also exert significant influence on the filling of dolines. It also indicates a high intensity and strongly expressed dynamics of aeolian sediment transport from the territory of Africa to this part of Southern Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsurface formations with low compaction, often, due to the presence of underlying cavities, are potential sources of hazards. Thus, understanding the occurrence, properties, and extension of these weak zones poses a major concern in engineering geophysics. In this study, we examine the ability of geophysical methods to map weak areas over carbonates in Northern Oman. The weak zones are known to cause surface depression in many areas. The geophysical methods examined involve Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). This integrated geophysical survey was conducted near the Bimmah sinkhole, in the Quriya area, Northern Oman. The survey covers both an area with ground truth (low compaction sediments overlaying a cave) and a part with unknown subsurface properties. GPR velocity analysis using selected diffraction's fitting helped to identify high-velocity anomalies that were attributed to the cavity. The GPR interpretation was calibrated with SRT and ERT. The former showed a clear drop in P-wave velocity and low ray coverage at the cavity zone, while the latter demonstrated high resistivity anomalies caused by the air filling the cavity. The scope was to examine the geophysical methods response, especially the GPR, and utilize the results of this preliminary approach for a wider exploration investigation in the area. The results from the study indicated that the GPR is capable to serve as a pioneer method in detecting the cavities. Hence, the GPR will cover large area in the site and the other two methods will be used as complementary for the final subsurface conditions' evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst landscapes have an abundance of enclosed depressions. Many studies have detected depressions and have calculated geomorphometric characteristics with computer techniques. These outcomes are somewhat determined by the methods and data used. We aim to highlight the applicability of high-resolution relief laser scanning data in geomorphological studies of karst depressions. We set two goals: geomorphometrically to characterize depressions in different karst plateaus and to examine the influence of data preprocessing and detection methods on the results. The study was performed in three areas of the Slovene Dinaric Karst using the following steps: preprocessing digital elevation models (DEMs), enclosed depression detection, calculating geomorphometric characteristics, and comparing the characteristics of selected areas. We discovered that different combinations of methods influenced the number and geomorphometric characteristics of depressions. The range of detected depressions in the three areas were 442–491, 364–403, and 366–504, and the share of the depressions' area confirmed with all the approaches was 23%, 29%, and 47%, which resulted in different geomorphometric properties. Comparisons between the study areas were also influenced by the methods, which was confirmed by the Mann–Whitney test. We concluded that preprocessing of high-resolution relief data and the detection methods in karst environments significantly impact analyses and must be taken into account when interpreting geomorphometric results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By the example of Tara National Park (NP), we present how the geoheritage can and should be presented in a NP where the primary role is played by biology. Tara NP has a rich geoheritage, especially its karst phenomena, which include gorges (e.g. the 1000-m-deep Drina Gorge), plateaus with dolines, dry valleys, and uvalas as well as springs and travertines. In addition, ophiolites also enrich the geoheritage; hence, the area has a high geodiversity. Large reservoirs of the territory provide an opportunity to study the anthropogenic impact on hydrology and geomorphology. After presenting the geoheritage elements of the area, we examine the views and knowledge of local people and visitors about karst and geotourism with the help of a questionnaire survey. The results show that local residents support the further development of tourism, but geotourism is a rather new concept for them. On the contrary, tourists are more familiar with geotourism. Among the development perspectives, tourists support those that involve only minor environmental changes, that is in agreement with NP policy. Finally, we formulate some suggestions about geotourism development in the area. First, we outline some plans for new geo-educational trails and viewpoints. Second, we highlight the possibility to increase the geo-content of some already existing programs (e.g. boat tours). Third, we emphasize that geotourism of Tara should be connected to neighbouring areas. A new geopark is already under planning, which would include the area of Tara NP as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Velika ledena jama v Paradani, in the karstic blowholes on the slopes of Smrekova draga and in the nearby dolines I measured and interpreted air temperatures and the effect of the summer outflow of cold air from them into the surrounding area. In winter, cold air enters the cave, radically cooling the entrance part of the cave, where for this reason there is permanent cave ice. The summertime circulation is reversed: emerging from the inner part of cave, which has an average temperature of around 4° C, is air which only when it transits through the sub-cooled entrance part is then cooled to around 1° C. This air comes to the surface and in the hollow at the cave entrance maintains a distinct thermal inversion during the warm part of the year. There is a similar air circulation and similar development of annual temperatures observed at the vents, where cave air emerges through rubble spread over cave entrances on slopes or at the bottom of dolines. The stable summer air temperatures of around 1° C in the vents where I conducted measurements indicate that underneath them there is also permafrost or sub-cooled rock and permanent ice. This is created and preserved, just like in the caves, due to the advection of cold air in winter. In Trnovski gozd, such karstic permafrost is found at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level. The outflow of cold air from the vents in the summer, just like inside the cave, causes a distinct thermal inversion in dolines on the surface.

Dolines are among the typical forms of surface karst. Dolines can develop in areas where the rocks suitable for karstification show continuity and sufficient thickness. Among the areas where the rocks suitable for karstification in North Anatolia are distributed in parts, there are also Gümüşhane Districts. For this reason, besides the karstic shapes such as lapya, sinkhole and cave, dolines are also encountered in the area. The area in which the dolines are distributed corresponds to the mountainous area in the eastern part of the Black Sea region, inland from the coast, in the western part of the Torul district center. This study was prepared in order to determine the formation and characteristics of dolines that spread in the area between Büyükdere (Nirena Creek) and Bahçecik Stream, which is one of the western branches of Harşit (Doğankent) Stream, in the north of Arılı Village of Torul district.. Apart from land surveys, 1 / 25.000 scaled geology and topography maps were used in the study. The maps related to the study area were prepared with the help of GIS techniques. Due to the karstification of the region, especially lithological features and climatic conditions, a large number of doline developed in the study area. Indeed, Bozkaya Hill (2.117 m) around dozens of dolin. These dolines have emerged on the Jura-Cretaceous limestones. In the study area, dolines vary in terms of their density, size, shape and depth. Diameters of dolines vary from a few m to 100 m. Dolin depths vary from a few meters to -25 meters. Dolines developed along certain lines depending on weak zones and formed a "directed karst" landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Velika ledena jama v Paradani, in the karstic blowholes on the slopes of Smrekova draga and in the nearby dolines I measured and interpreted air temperatures and the effect of the summer outflow of cold air from them into the surrounding area. In winter, cold air enters the cave, radically cooling the entrance part of the cave, where for this reason there is permanent cave ice. The summertime circulation is reversed: emerging from the inner part of cave, which has an average temperature of around 4° C, is air which only when it transits through the sub-cooled entrance part is then cooled to around 1° C. This air comes to the surface and in the hollow at the cave entrance maintains a distinct thermal inversion during the warm part of the year. There is a similar air circulation and similar development of annual temperatures observed at the vents, where cave air emerges through rubble spread over cave entrances on slopes or at the bottom of dolines. The stable summer air temperatures of around 1° C in the vents where I conducted measurements indicate that underneath them there is also permafrost or sub-cooled rock and permanent ice. This is created and preserved, just like in the caves, due to the advection of cold air in winter. In Trnovski gozd, such karstic permafrost is found at an altitude of 1,100 m above sea level. The outflow of cold air from the vents in the summer, just like inside the cave, causes a distinct thermal inversion in dolines on the surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Central Styrian Karst (CSK, Styria, Austria) 1158 karst landforms were used to obtain a better understanding of the landscape evolution in this region. An automatically delineated doline inventory was combined with an existing cave inventory to investigate surface and subsurface karst landforms in relation to their elevation above the local base level at the transition zone between the Eastern Alps and the Pannonian Basin. The landform entities analysed consist of 51 % dolines and 49 % caves and are related to various stages of landform evolution and thus ages. The CSK was ice-free during glacial times and therefore allow for a much longer preservation of surface landforms compared to landforms that were reshaped during glaciations. Nevertheless, weathering and downwasting do re-shape and even may lead to the disappearance of surface landforms (i.e., dolines); however, subsurface landforms (i.e., caves), if accessible, might preserve information about older geomorphological stages. An old, a mature, and a young stage of landform evolution can be distinguished in the CSK and be related to planation surfaces preserved in the area, presumably older than five Ma. The chosen approach is likely applicable for other areas in the world too by implying karstification over million years' time scale. Besides those regional implications, there are local (neo-) tectonic inferences derived from the analyses that might explain some discrepancies in correlations of levels and planation surfaces, but requiring further more detailed investigations. The automatic doline delineation in the forested karst of the CSK made an area not yet mentioned in the literature become apparent. With an increasing availability of high-resolution digital elevation models, remote-sensed inventories of dolines (surface landforms) renew the question of dolines as diagnostic landforms for karstification. However, in the CSK it is revealed that an absence of dolines due to e.g., surface erosion does not indicate the absence of karstification. Therefore, landscape evolution should consider both surface (i.e., doline) and subsurface (i.e., cave) landforms. • Landscape evolution derived from 1158 landforms within the Central Styrian Karst. • Landscape evolution should consider both surface and subsurface landform inventories. • Analysis reveals new areas with surface karst features not mentioned before. • Dolines as single "diagnostic features" for karstification are deceptive. • Stages of karst landscape evolution are related to planation surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyzed plants and their traits in dolines, which are characteristic enclosed terrain depressions on carbonate (karst) plateaus. These landforms range from a few meters to over 100 m in diameter, their depth generally varying from a few meters to a few tens of meters. A pronounced ecological gradient can be found from the bottom to the top, starting from humid, cool and shaded bottoms to sunny, dry and warm slopes and tops. We sampled dolines of various depths and analyzed the distribution of plant species on the gradient and how this distribution is reflected in plant traits: chorotypes, life forms, plant architecture and strategies. We used the transect method and sampled the floristic composition from the doline bottom to the top. We collected information about plant traits from various literature sources. The results show life forms and plant architecture explain this gradient well and, to a lesser extent, also chorotypes, but functional strategies have a low explanatory power. Life forms and plant architecture are the result of adaptation of species to the environment, and chorotypes are defined as species with an overlapping geographical distribution pattern due to their distribution and environmental histories. Functional strategies, which have evolved to enable plants to succeed in various environments, unexpectedly have a low explanatory power.

Subsurface formations with low compaction, often, due to the presence of underlying cavities, are potential sources of hazards. Thus, understanding the occurrence, properties, and extension of these weak zones poses a major concern in engineering geophysics. In this study, we examine the ability of geophysical methods to map weak areas over carbonates in Northern Oman. The weak zones are known to cause surface depression in many areas. The geophysical methods examined involve Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR), Seismic Refraction Tomography (SRT), and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). This integrated geophysical survey was conducted near the Bimmah sinkhole, in the Quriya area, Northern Oman. The survey covers both an area with ground truth (low compaction sediments overlaying a cave) and a part with unknown subsurface properties. GPR velocity analysis using selected diffraction’s fitting helped to identify high-velocity anomalies that were attributed to the cavity. The GPR interpretation was calibrated with SRT and ERT. The former showed a clear drop in P-wave velocity and low ray coverage at the cavity zone, while the latter demonstrated high resistivity anomalies caused by the air filling the cavity. The scope was to examine the geophysical methods response, especially the GPR, and utilize the results of this preliminary approach for a wider exploration investigation in the area. The results from the study indicated that the GPR is capable to serve as a pioneer method in detecting the cavities. Hence, the GPR will cover large area in the site and the other two methods will be used as complementary for the final subsurface conditions’ evaluation.

Karst landscapes have an abundance of enclosed depressions. Many studies have detected depressions and have calculated geomorphometric characteristics with computer techniques. These outcomes are somewhat determined by the methods and data used. We aim to highlight the applicability of high-resolution relief laser scanning data in geomorphological studies of karst depressions. We set two goals: geomorphometrically to characterize depressions in different karst plateaus and to examine the influence of data preprocessing and detection methods on the results. The study was performed in three areas of the Slovene Dinaric Karst using the following steps: preprocessing digital elevation models (DEMs), enclosed depression detection, calculating geomorphometric characteristics, and comparing the characteristics of selected areas. We discovered that different combinations of methods influenced the number and geomorphometric characteristics of depressions. The range of detected depressions in the three areas were 442–491, 364–403, and 366–504, and the share of the depressions’ area confirmed with all the approaches was 23%, 29%, and 47%, which resulted in different geomorphometric properties. Comparisons between the study areas were also influenced by the methods, which was confirmed by the Mann–Whitney test. We concluded that preprocessing of high-resolution relief data and the detection methods in karst environments significantly impact analyses and must be taken into account when interpreting geomorphometric results.

Karst landscapes are among the topographically most complex systems with various microhabitats, where species can persist despite unfavourable macro-environmental changes. These microhabitats can also function as stepping stones during range shifts. Although the enclosed depressions (dolines, sinkholes or tiankengs) of karst landscapes may act as such safe havens, data on the functional diversity of their animal assemblages are scarce. Here, we investigate the functional diversity (i.e., certain functional groups and functional traits) of ant assemblages in dolines and study whether dolines surrounded by resource-poor environments (i.e., Fagus sylvatica forests) may function as safe havens for different kinds of ants. We found that dolines have the potential to maintain distinctive ant assemblages characterised by specific functional groups and traits that are rare in the surrounding habitats. Although continuous Fagus sylvatica cover in dolines had a detrimental impact on ant assemblages, grassland dolines surrounded by grasslands or Fagus sylvatica forests supported the presence of some specific functional groups and traits. These results suggest that conservation management needs to consider the influence of vegetation characteristics not only in dolines but also on the surrounding plateau. Moderate grazing and/or mowing would be desirable in order to prevent shrub encroachment into grasslands to ensure optimal vegetation structure for ants in the long run. Therefore, proper management and conservation of these safe havens may mitigate the rate of biodiversity loss under global warming. There is a need to explore a wide variety of taxonomic groups and taxon-specific traits in parallel with the quality of the surrounding habitats when evaluating current and potential microrefugia.

Carbonate rocks that have suffered early near‐surface dolomitization followed by extended meteoric exposure commonly undergo partial delithification, a process that results in the formation of dolomitic silts and sands, herein termed dologrus. Dologrus is interpreted to form as a result of diffuse dissolution in porous and permeable dolostones prior to burial and compaction. Such dissolution occurs at the crystal–pore‐water interface, causing individual crystals to corrode along interfacial boundaries, eventually leading to delithification and the formation of sediment composed of corroded crystals. The resulting sediment grain size is likely controlled in part by the crystal size of the precursor dolostone. Loss of rock competency through the process of dologrus formation in the shallow subsurface can lead to collapse of overlying bedrock and the formation of dolines common to karstic carbonate landscapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Plavecký Karst is located in the northern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts. and is exclusively linked to a diverse type of Triassic carbonates of the Hronic Unit, which forms the complex higher nappe system of the Central Western Carpathians. The Plavecký Karst has well-developed underground and surface karstic forms; however, the most typical landforms are dolines. The origin of the dolines in the investigated area is influenced by lithological, tectonic, topographic, and morphostructural predisposition, and they were formed by corrosion, collapses, suffusion, and subsidence processes. In the study area, altogether, 83 dolines and 8 very shallow karstic depressions with muddy bottoms were documented and investigated. Many of them are concentrated in the Biele Hory geomorphological part, as well as the central part of the study area with suitable conditions for doline formation. The dolines are less frequent in the Brezovské Karpaty Mts. and Bukovská Brázda Furrow, where the Plavecký Karst partially extends. Significant dolines were not concentrated directly in the valley bottoms, nor on the karst plateau; however, the dolines follow important lithological boundaries. Most importantly, there are boundaries between predominantly shallow water carbonates of the Middle to Upper Triassic formations and siliciclastic rocks of the Permian to the Lower Triassic in age. In addition to this predisposition, the dolines also follow important lithological boundaries between different types of carbonate rocks, such as boundaries among open marine and shallow water carbonate formations. Furthermore, the dolines have a positive spatial correlation with the faults, having displaced the carbonate formations of the Hronic Unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactivation of an inception doline shaft system through anthropogenic actions, precipitation, and possibly seismic activity induced subsidence in a hospital emergency room that was under construction in State College, PA. The convergence of Tropical Storm Lee and Hurricane Irene is interpreted to have caused the building's brick edifice to fall and induce vertical shifts in the reinforced concrete entrance floor slab. Microgravity mapping of the existing hospital emergency room entrance; the emergency room building under construction; and the parking lot in front of the emergency room entrance documented the presence of a doline shaft system (i.e., inter-connected sinkhole). Groundwork for the construction of the new emergency room included grading and leveling of the property. Surface water runoff entered the construction site from a parking lot that sloped toward the addition and to a non-functioning stormwater inlet. The grading for the new construction exposed an open fracture for surface runoff. Subsequent channeling of surface water to the conduit provided drainage for surface runoff, but it also initiated subsidence throughout the existing structure and the addition that was under construction. Engineering rehabilitation included a limited mobility (LM) grout program to plug subsoil fracture karren drainage systems and stabilize the surface. Drilling progressed in four stages, initially focusing on areas of greatest subsidence. In total, 60 injection points were completed to a mean depth of 24 m below grade in an area measuring approximately 370 m2. During LM grouting, 867 m3 of a sand-and-cement grout mixture were injected to stabilize the area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gypsiferous soils in karstic landscapes are important areas in terms of biodiversity and geology. One of the geological formations occurring in gypsum regions is the doline lakes. Subsidence dolines must be preserved because of their formation and fossil heritage. Erosion is one of the most serious types of degradation among these types of lakes. The Bakkal Lake is one of the most important doline lake in central Turkey and is at risks with sediment flow. In this study, we aimed to determine how erosion poses a threat to the geological heritage in areas such as doline lakes and to simulate what measures can be taken to protect them. RUSLE/GIS/remote-sensing technologies were used to estimate the distribution and amount of sediment flowing into the lake. According to the results of the study, the amount of sediment transported to the lake was estimated to be 2.73tha−1y−1, and the total amount of sediment transported was 2876 m3y−1. The time until Bakkal Lake is filled with sediment flux was calculated to be 698 years. The simulation was developed by offering protection measures to reduce sediment flow to the lake. As a result of the simulation, it was calculated that the amount of sediment flowing into the lake decreased to 2.29 tha−1y−1 and the filling time increased to 833 years. The study showed that a doline lake, which under natural processes would not be filled for thousands of years, will soon be filled unless radical measures are not taken. This study asserts that more planners should use simulations to model sediment flow to better select appropriate conservation measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Journal of Agricultural Sciences (YYU J Agr Sci) is the property of Yuzuncu Yil University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Le site acheuléen de plein-air de Revelles a été découvert en contexte de doline à l'occasion des travaux en 2002 de l'A29 à l'Ouest d'Amiens (Somme). Une unique occupation, dépourvue de faune, mais constituée de plus de 5000 artefacts, est attribuée au SIM 8. Cette occupation, très originale, nous permet de décrypter des caractéristiques typologiques et technologiques différentes des faciès connus en contexte de terrasse alluviale et quelque peu différent des autres contextes de plateaux et de dolines déjà étudiés comme ceux de Gentelles ou de la Ferme de l'Epinette. Trois chaînes opératoires majeures sont identifiées, l'une autour du façonnage de bifaces, l'une autour du façonnage de trifaces et une dernière autour de la production d'éclats bruts et d'éclats retouchés. La série de bifaces est constituée de formes lancéolées, de bifaces à dos, de pics-bifaces, de bifaces peu ébauchés à base corticale. Les formes ovalaires, amygdaloïdes et limandes sont déficientes. À Revelles, la fracturation des bifaces est notable et parmi les chutes de taille des bifaces et de leurs apex, il est souvent possible de faire la part entre la fracture due à la matière première parfois de mauvaise qualité, de celles, volontaires, qualifiées de ravivage. Entre les deux, les fracturations par flexion, obtenues en cours d'utilisation intensive de l'outil, nous laissent davantage dubitatifs. Le débitage est soigné avec une excellente productivité des surfaces de débitage produisant un grand nombre de couteaux à dos naturel. Le débitage Levallois n'est attesté que par quelques rares nucléus préférentiels ainsi que quelques produits de débitage. The open-air site and Acheulean site of Revelles has been discovered in a dolina context when the A29 motorway was built in 2002 west to Amiens (Somme). One single occupation, without faunal discoveries, has delivered more than 5000 artefact and has been correlated to SIM 8. This new occupation permits us to work out on typology and technology of a facies different from the traditional acheulian from the alluvial terrace like Cagny-l'Epinette or Cagny-la-Garenne and of a facies also different from the other plateaus or dolinas like Ferme de l'Epinette and Gentelles. Three main operating chains are identified, one around the production of handaxes, another around triface and the last one deals with the productions of flakes and tool-flakes. Among the handaxes typology, we encounter lanceolates, back-handaxes, picks-handaxes and many handaxes with a cortex basis. Traditional morphologies like ovalar, amygdaloid and limandes are away. In that site, broken handaxes are numerous and broken marks allow us to see the difference between the one depending of bad raw materials from those of a volunteer resharping. Between these two extremes some are the results of the flexion or diverse functions. The debitage is carefully done with a great productivity of each main core surface and a great proportion of long back-knives. The Levallois method is rarely present, only by few preferential cores and rare flakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conical hills, or residual hills, are frequently mentioned landforms in the context of humid tropical karsts as they are dominant surface elements there. Residual hills are also present in temperate karsts, but generally in a less remarkable way. These landforms have not been thoroughly addressed in the literature to date, therefore the present article is the first attempt to morphometrically characterize temperate zone residual karst hills. We use the methods already developed for doline morphometry, and we apply them to the “inverse” topography using LiDAR-based digital terrain models (DTMs) of three Slovenian sample areas. The characteristics of hills and depressions are analysed in parallel, taking into account the rank of the forms. A common feature of hills and dolines is that, for both types, the empirical distribution of planform areas has a strongly positive skew. After logarithmic transformation, these distributions can be approximated by Inverse Gaussian, Normal, and Weibull distributions. Along with the rank, the planform area and vertical extent of the hills and dolines increase similarly. High circularity is characteristic only of the first-rank forms for both dolines and hills. For the sample areas, the the hill area ratios and the doline area ratios have similar values, but the total extent of the hills is slightly larger in each case. A difference between dolines and hills is that the shapes of hills are more similar to one another than those of dolines. The reason for this is that the larger, closed depressions are created by lateral coalescence, while the hills are residual forms carved from large blocks. Another significant difference is that the density of dolines is much higher than that of hills. This article is intended as a methodological starting point for a new topic, aiming at the comprehensive study of residual karst hills across different climatic areas.

Abstract Doline ponds (telaga) have an important role as one of water resources in karst areas, especially during dry seasons in Gunungkidul. Recently, the doline ponds are facing various environmental problems, i.e. steadily decreasing water storage, water loss, and degrading water quality. The research aims to determine the characteristics of Jonge Telaga which include the continuity of flow, utilization, pollution sources, physical water quality (temperature, EC,TDS, TSS, and turbidity), chemical water quality (pH , NO2, NO3, NH4, PO4, BOD , COD, and detergent), and biological water quality (total coliform). In order to determine the characteristics of Jonge Telaga, the research was conducted using a survey method, i.e., observing the continuity of flow and measuring physical, chemical, and biological water quality. Initially, the water was sampled purposively based on the area and the depth of this doline pond. The qualitative description of the results shows that Jonge Telaga is a closed perennial doline pond, whose main pollution source comes from domestic activities, such as bathing and washing. According to the Governor Regulation of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Number 20 Year 2008 on Water Quality Standards, Jonge Telaga meets all of the water quality criteria, except the temperature and detergent, for a Class II water. Abstrak Telaga mempunyai peran penting sebagai salah satu sumberdaya air di daerah karst, khususnya pada musim kemarau di Kabupaten Gunungkidul. Pada saat ini telaga menghadapi berbagai permasalahan lingkungan yaitu simpanan air yang terus berkurang, air yang cepat hilang, dan penurunan kualitas air. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui karakteristik telaga yang meliputi kontiyuitas aliran, pemanfaatan, sumber pencemar, kualitas fisik air telaga (TDS, TSS, suhu, kekeruhan, DHL), kimia air (pH, NH4, PO4, NO2, NO3, BOD, COD, deterjen) dan biologi air (coliform total). Penelitian ini dilaksanakan berdasarkan metode survei. Untuk mengetahui karakteristik telaga dilakukan pengamatan kontinyuitas aliran, pengukuran kualitas air secara fisik, kimia dan biologi. Pengambilan sampel air dilakukan secara purposive mendasarkan pada luasan dan kedalaman telaga. Analisis hasil dilakukan secara deskriptif kualitatif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Telaga Jonge merupakan telaga yang tertutup dengan ketersediaan air menerus sepanjang tahun. Sumber pencemar utama telaga adalah kegiatan domestik (mandi dan cuci). Kualitas air Telaga Jonge menurut baku mutu air kelas II PERGUB DIY Nomor 20 Tahun 2008 masih di bawah ambang batas kecuali suhu dan deterjen.

For over 70 years, closed topographic depressions developed in siliciclastic rocks of the Cumberland Plateau have been hypothesized to form via collapse of rock into caverns formed in the carbonate-rich rocks below. We made observations of surface characteristics and applied geophysical methods across two of these depressions on the western part of the plateau to collect subsurface information and test the cave collapse hypothesis. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and seismic refraction tomography (SRT) were conducted at both Sites 1 and 2 and two-dimensional (2D) multi-channel analysis of surface waves (MASW) was conducted at Site 2. Three zones of material are interpreted at both sites based on field observations, and variations in density (velocity) and resistivity characteristics; a relatively thin cover of organic matter and colluvium, sandstone bedrock primarily observed at the rims and upper slopes of the depression, and a possible boulder/rubble zone identified towards the centers of the depressions. Details derived from LiDAR data, field observations and collected geophysical data for Site 2 allow for the projection of a circular breccia pipe in the subsurface. A 3-stage model of development is proposed for these features: A Youthful Stage occurs after initial collapse of surface material into a subsurface cavity in which the depression has a cylindrical form. In the Mature Stage, the slopes have shallowed, and slope adjustments are made as the breccia pipe fills and settles. Bedrock cliffs are mechanically weathered and influenced by gravity, forming talus that covers slopes and the floor with colluvium mixed with organic matter. The Degraded Stage is entered when the breccia pipe has settled, the bedrock exposures are covered, and the depression begins to fill. The depressions studied for this research are classified as being in the Mature stage. Future geophysical surveys and additional geologic mapping and field work at these and other depressions on the plateau will add to our understanding of their development and evolution over time. • Depressions on Cumberland Plateau are hypothesized to form via cavern collapse. • ERT, SRT and MASW techniques were applied across these depressions. • Results indicate areas of bedrock, colluvium/organics and evidence for a breccia pipe. • Three stages of sinkhole development proposed: Youthful, Mature and Degraded. • Future work will detail development of other depressions on plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract On the Swabian Alb high plain, southwestern Germany, the new high-speed railway line Wendlingen–Ulm of the German Railway Company (Deutsche Bahn AG) is currently under construction. 2.5D electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) measurements (meaning the use of parallel 2D lines) were performed at the excavation bottom level in addition to the investigation program of the construction company including microgravimetric and seismic methods. The aim was to test the effectiveness of an inverse Wenner-Schlumberger array for exploring geological defective karst voids and other karstic features in a highly heterogeneous karstic environment. A complete 3D ERT survey (meaning the use of additional orthogonal cross-lines) was not carried out due to restrictive circumstances (terrain effect, anisotropic effect). The 2.5D ERT survey (ABEM Terrameter SAS 4000, inverse Wenner-Schlumberger array, six lines, 60 m line length, 0.75 m electrode spacing, lines oriented perpendicular to the long axis of an oval-shaped collapse doline and the most prominent voids, 1.5 m line spacing, smoothness-constrained least-squares/robust inversion, RMS error: 1.60–3.20% for a maximum of 5 iterations) provided resistivity values of marls and marlstones, a limestone bedrock, a collapse doline and of an air-filled cavity. A clear demarcation between the marls and marlstones and the limestone bedrock was only possible outside the area of influence of the collapse doline; the latter could not be exactly delineated from the adjoining geological units. In addition, one of three air-filled voids (open fractures, cavities) could be derived accurately in location and roughly in size and shape from the 2.5D ERT survey; the other two were not detected by means of ERT because of (i) its location beneath a high-resistive anomaly and (ii) its comparatively small maximum horizontal opening width of only 1 time the used inter-electrode spacing. Extensive direct probing investigations served for calibration and discussion. The 2.5D ERT measurements conducted with an inverse Wenner-Schlumberger array complemented the microgravimetric and seismic results of the previously conducted investigation program of the construction company and provided a contribution to karst void reconnaissance in a highly heterogeneous karstic environment like the Swabian Alb high plain, on the new line Wendlingen–Ulm. Highlights • The 2.5D ERT survey provided a decisive contribution to karst void reconnaissance. • Resistivity values of various geological units/karst features could be derived. • The actual limestone bedrock surface was depicted clear and even non-transitional. • An air-filled cavity could be derived accurately in location, roughly in size/shape. • The ERT method gave greater importance to shallow, high-resistive anomalies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karstic people, living millennia on the Karst Plateau (Kras, in Slovenian), have transformed the natural karstic landscape into a unique cultural landscape. For hundreds of years this landscape meant much more than just a survival resource to them. This relationship is represented by many artistic works, which use the cultural karstic landscape as a leading motif. However, the modern, capitalistic, way of thinking and acting have severely interfered with the image of the karstic landscape and its underground. In this article we present the former agriculture usage of dolines on Karst and the present problematic practice of doline degradation as well as consequent loss of cultural karstic landscape. Citing the verses of karstic literate artists, we comment on the meaning of the karstic landscape and people’s relationship towards it in the past and present time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Dolines are considered to be among the most prominent karst formations, which is why they can serve as diagnostic forms of karst. Their spatial distribution and density are important indicators of an area’s degree of karstification, as well as of an overall geomorphological development. The aim of this paper is to determine the spatial distribution and the density of dolines, and also to analyse the influence of geological structure and morphometric features of the terrain (hypsometry, slope inclination, relative relief) on the spatial distribution of dolines in the area of southeastern Velebit. Moreover, for the first time with regards to the Croatian karst, the spatial distribution of dolines was compared with the spatial distribution of entrances into caves in the southeastern Velebit’s area of Crnopac. The data on the dolines’ position were adopted from 1:25,000 scaled topographic maps. All data were digitalised and analysed with ArcGIS 10.1 software in the GIS laboratory of the Geographic Department of the Faculty of Science in Zagreb. The research showed a strong influence of morphometric parameters of the relief on dolines’ density. The most prominent occurrence of dolines is linked with the areas ranging from 1000 to 1200 meters of altitude, slope inclination lower than 2° and the relative relief of 100 – 200 m per km2. Furthermore, the highest density of dolines was recorded in the Jurassic carbonate layers, while it was determined that the zones of main faults do not have a significant influence on the increase of dolines’ density. A high degree of correlation was determined by comparing spatial distributions and density of dolines and entrances into caves.