Karst Geology and Regional Hydrogeology in Denmark

Abstract

Upper Cretaceous chalk and Danian limestone aquifers supply about a third of the drinking water for Denmark. Quaternary sediments cover the carbonate aquifers, and at places with less than 15 m of Quaternary sediments, the aquifers, springs, and adjacent ecotones are especially vulnerable to contamination. The near-surface situated chalk and limestones are related to thin Quaternary sediment cover and karst features (springs, lakes, disappearing streams, caves, dolines). This paper categorizes the various observed karstic features into geological, hydrogeological, and structural settings of the chalk and limestone types that are important for management of this important groundwater resource in Denmark.