Preprint Article Version 1 Preserved in Portico This version is not peer-reviewed

Endokarst Potential Assessment in the Northern Sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal)

Version 1 : Received: 17 May 2023 / Approved: 18 May 2023 / Online: 18 May 2023 (08:10:11 CEST)

A peer-reviewed article of this Preprint also exists.

Reis, L.; Dimuccio, L.A.; Cunha, L. Assessing Endokarst Potential in the Northern Sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal). Sustainability 2023, 15, 15599. Reis, L.; Dimuccio, L.A.; Cunha, L. Assessing Endokarst Potential in the Northern Sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal). Sustainability 2023, 15, 15599.

Abstract

This work aims to produce a cartographic model that identifies areas with a greater probability of finding karstic caves - the endokarst potential - in the northern sector of Santo António Plateau (Estremadura Limestone Massif, Central Portugal). Geological, topographic, hydrogeological, and vegetation cover data were collected, processed, and integrated into a spatial database using a geographic information system (GIS). The location of known cave entrances in the study area was also identified from the records of local public institutions and speleological teams. Four conditioning factors were extracted from the collected data, including lithostratigraphic units, fracture density, relief energy, and land cover. In a multi-criteria decision-making analysis framework, each previously chosen conditioning factor and respective classes/categories were weighted using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP). With an agreement of 81.9%, the results of the cartographic model constructed in GIS seem to be promising, considering that the entrances of the known caves are mainly located in areas classified as having high to very high endokarst potential. This prototype of the endokarst potential map for the study area can be used in strategic and operational environmental planning (at least on a local scale), as it can assist decision-makers, competent authorities, and local speleological teams in a more accurate and thoughtful definition of the areas that should be investigated, providing a substantial reduction in times and costs field prospecting.

Keywords

caves; multi-criteria decision-making analysis; analytic hierarchy process; geographic information system; environmental planning

Subject

Environmental and Earth Sciences, Geography

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