Development and distribution of karst and suffusion processes on the territory of the Belgorod region, assessment of their impact on the environment
Relevance. The problem of studying karst-suffusion processes is that soluble rocks in Russia occupy large areas. The Belgorod region is rich in Cretaceous deposits, which are widespread throughout the territory. Due to the fact that carbonate rocks are susceptible to dissolution by surface and groundwater leads to the formation of karst forms. Such forms open and form places of karst waters’ accumulation, open fissure and cave systems and are becoming areas with an increased environmental hazard to the life of people, infrastructure, civil and industrial buildings. Dangerous exogenous geomorphological processes negatively affect the economic development of the region. The purpose of the article is to study the factors influencing the development and distribution of karst and suffusion processes, the reasons for their occurrence, as well as the impact on the environment. Among hazardous exogenous geological processes, karst-suffusion processes are the most unpredictable. Their occurrence has negative consequences for the economics and economic activities of the region. The main methods used in this study are observation method, laboratory experiment and mathematical modeling. The method of mathematical modeling has relatively recently come into the use by the researchers and allows for a better reproduction of processes on physical models. This study is aimed at determining the interaction of karst and suffusion processes, as well as assessing their impact on the environment. The zoning of the karst and suffusion distribution on the territory of the Belgorod region has made it possible to identify the causes of these processes. To prevent the development and spread of karst-suffusion processes, an integrated approach to the analysis of manifestation, drawing up a forecast plan and measures to counter negative consequences is required. Based on the results of the study, measures were proposed to minimize damage to agricultural land, residential and farm buildings, as well as measures to combat karst and suffusion processes. It should be noted that the results of the study and the developed measures to prevent the negative consequences of karst and suffusion processes can be used in human agricultural activities, construction of civil and industrial enterprises, their reconstruction, laying of communications and development of carbonate new deposits