Hydrological features of Matese Karst Massif, focused on endorheic areas, dolines and hydroelectric exploitation

Abstract

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.