GIS-Based Modeling Of Karst Geosystems

Abstract

Modeling based on Geographic Information Systems is a powerful tool to understand the environmental systems, their functioning and trends of development. Its potential is of special interest when problems of anthropogenic environmental impact are considered. GIS-based environmental modeling has been highly enhanced recently, with the use of increasingly more powerful GIS instruments. Karst creates specific geosystems, which need detailed studying as they are very sensitive to external impact and require special treatment. GIS-based modeling offers excellent opportunities to understand these systems and their behavior. It is especially important to project future sustainable land use practices on the territories concerned. This paper discusses the results obtained from a GIS-based modeling of the Kochan karst geosystem in Bulgaria. This karst system has been selected for sample modeling because of its specific features, typical for the karst geosystems in this country, such as: complex vertical structure, high dynamics and reactivity to anthropogenic impact. It is also of great practical importance, especially its underground waters, widely used for water supply. Cartographic models developed with the aid of GIS have been attributed to two basic groups: descriptive and functional. Theoretical, methodological, technical and application problems of karst modeling with GIS are discussed, as well as its potential to support relevant socio-economic activities in the respective regions.