GIS DATABASE FOR SINKHOLE HAZARD ASSESSMENT IN CHRISTIAN COUNTY, MISSOURI

Karst features dominate the landscape of the Springfield metropolitan area in southwestern Missouri. Two recent sinkhole collapses in urban areas have increased government and public concerns about the risks posed by karst features in the region. One involved a 30 meter deep collapse that swallowed a car and garage and the other caused two water main breaks and subsequent sediment problems in local caves and springs. A better understanding of the location of karst features is needed by planners to better handle population growth and continued urban expansion in the area. In order to address these needs, this study develops a GIS database for karst features in Christian County, Missouri. Spatial analysis focuses on a database of well logs, sinkholes, caves, and springs to better understand the karst network system and locate and mitigate karst hazards. Although a GIS database of sinkholes exists for neighboring Greene County, MO, there is no such database available for Christian County, MO even though it is ranked as one of the fastest growing counties in the USA over the past decade. Regional hydrogeology, engineering geology, and environmental geology data are being evaluated along with LIDAR data, topographic map, aerial photos, and DEM data. This database is intended to form a framework for integration, archiving, and analysis of available karst data to predict sinkhole location and activity and to assess other karst related hazards.