Karst mapping and applications to regional land management practices in theCommonwealth of Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Geological Survey is currently conducting a program detailing karst regions throughout the state. This program is a two-phase approach to map karst features and to analyze the data for practical use in regional land management activities. The mapping program incorporates the use of aerial photography, field surveys, and contact with the public to define environmentally hazardous areas. These methods comprise the majority of the data and are used in conjunction with carbonate geologic basemaps. The data forms a base from which inferences regarding karst development and distribution can be used to evaluate the components of urbanization and infrastructure design. The availability of sinkhole data expands the role of the geologist, engineer, and planner. Decisions regarding the placement and design of communities, utility services, and foundations can be achieved at the beginning phases of a project rather than after subsidence problems have already begun.