A classification scheme of karst groundwater systems based on groundwater exploitation

It has been proved that traditional division schemes of karst groundwater system are not favorable to water exploration and utilization. In order to guide the karst area groundwater exploration and development better, a new classification scheme is proposed based on conditions of occurrence, enrichment and exploitation. According to the spatial relationship between the karst groundwater systems and supply targets, they are classified into "high" and "low" types. Upon the key hydrogeological structure, they are divided as "open" and "closed" subclasses. In light of groundwater hydrodynamic characteristics and drainages, they are compartmentalized into “focus”(underground rivers, karst springs) and "divergent drainage" systems. In addition, it is pointed out that exploration of "high" groundwater systems is of low cost, "closed" systems have abundant groundwater resources which are the main targets of exploitation. Rational development and utilization of karst water systems would be in accordance with the order of "high-closed "," high-open ",and " low-closed" . Due to poor enrichment of groundwater and high cost, " low-open" systems can be used as reserve water sources.