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Volume 45 Issue 3
Jun.  2026
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Article Navigation >  CARSOLOGICA SINICA  > 2026  >  45(3): 628-642
WANG Shunsheng. Statistical analysis of karst spatial distribution characteristics in Guangzhou[J]. CARSOLOGICA SINICA, 2026, 45(3): 628-642. doi: 10.11932/karst2026y017
Citation: WANG Shunsheng. Statistical analysis of karst spatial distribution characteristics in Guangzhou[J]. CARSOLOGICA SINICA, 2026, 45(3): 628-642. doi: 10.11932/karst2026y017
shu

Statistical analysis of karst spatial distribution characteristics in Guangzhou

doi: 10.11932/karst2026y017

  • China Railway Construction South China Construction Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 511458, China

  • Received Date: 2025-06-03
  • Accepted Date: 2026-05-07
  • Rev Recd Date: 2026-03-12
    Abstract
  • The Guanghua Basin, situated in the central-northern part of Guangzhou,China, serves as the primary study area due to its characteristic and highly concentrated karst geomorphology. The region features a complex topography that includes alluvial plains, gentle hilly terraces, and karst peak-cluster depressions, with elevations generally ranging from 5 to 150 m. Geologically, the area is characterized by a multi-layered stratigraphy. The foundational karst-prone strata primarily consist of Carboniferous and Permian carbonate rocks, notably the Hutian Formation (composed of thick-layered limestone and dolomitic limestone) and the Qixia Formation. These rock masses are extensively covered by Quaternary alluvial-diluvial deposits and Paleogene red beds. Subject to a subtropical monsoon climate with abundant, yet unevenly distributed annual rainfall ranging from 1,421 to 2,245 mm, the region maintains a shallow groundwater table. The hydrogeological network, strongly influenced by regional fault systems, creates a highly active hydrodynamic environment that continuously drives intense karstification processes along structural axes.Driven by rapid urbanization and land resource constraints in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, Guangzhou’s urban development is increasingly focused on the utilization of deep underground space. This involves the extensive construction of subway networks, comprehensive utility tunnels, and underground expressways. However, the complex karst geological conditions pose significant challenges to engineering safety. During underground tunnel excavations, active karst systems frequently trigger sudden water and mud inrushes or severe collapses that compromise structural integrity. For surface structures, foundations penetrating karst zones often encounter insufficient bearing capacity, uneven settlement, or pile suspension. Although various theoretical risk assessment models exist, their practical application is often severely limited by the lack of precise, localized spatial and statistical parameters regarding cave distribution and hydrogeological factors. Therefore, this study aims to systematically investigate the spatial distribution, morphological characteristics, filling status, and hydrogeological controlling factors of karst in this basin. The primary objective is to bridge this data gap and provide reliable, quantitative technical references for hazard identification, engineering site selection, and foundation treatment optimization in karst-prone urban environments.This study is based on a comprehensive and robust dataset compiled from 17 detailed geotechnical engineering investigation reports, covering 15 survey lines across the Baiyun, Huadu, and Tianhe districts. A total of 3,047 sets of borehole data were extracted and systematically categorized. The dataset includes 2,706 records of bedrock burial depth, 2,468 records of stable groundwater depth, and 2,291 records detailing karst cave roof depth, bottom depth, and vertical height. Statistical analyses were conducted to evaluate the spatial variability of both limestone and sandstone stratigraphy. Furthermore, the regional karst development intensity was quantitatively evaluated using the line karst rate and the borehole cave encounter rate. Finally, Pearson correlation analysis was employed to reveal quantitative relationships between spatial cave metrics (e.g., cave height, roof thickness) and various hydrogeological indicators, including groundwater depth, pH, aggressiveness of free CO2, and total mineralization.Statistical analysis reveals that the region is predominantly characterized by shallow-covered karst. The burial depth of limestone bedrock ranges from 9.3 to 69.3 m, with an average depth of 29.83 m, and approximately 56% of the samples have a burial depth less than 30 m. Similarly, sandstone burial depths average 28.75 m. Morphologically, the karst caves predominantly exhibit a “high-cave–thin-roof” structure. In limestone strata, cave heights reach a maximum of 42.4 m with an average height of 3.28 m, presenting a high coefficient of variation of 109%. Concurrently, the average roof thickness is remarkably thin at 2.76 m, with over 80% of roof thicknesses measuring less than 6 m. Regarding internal conditions, the caves demonstrate poor structural stability; 54.1% are semi-filled, and 32.2% are completely unfilled. The predominant filling material is soft, plastic clay, accounting for 59.0%, which is highly susceptible to erosion under engineering disturbances. The overall karst development intensity is evaluated as high, featuring an average line karst rate of 24.58%, with 48% of caves classified as strongly developed according to National Standards, and a high average borehole cave encounter rate of 54.52%. The groundwater environment exhibits an average stable depth of 4.13 m and an average pH of 7.21. Correlation analysis indicates a significant positive correlation between cave height and groundwater depth (correlation coefficient 0.1335, p=0.0001), alongside a weak negative correlation with groundwater pH and total mineralization, suggesting that deeper water tables and slightly acidic conditions significantly exacerbate vertical karstification.The concealed karst in the Guanghua Basin exhibits a distinctive pattern characterized by shallow coverage, high caves with dangerously thin roofs, semi-filled or unfilled states primarily composed of soft clay, reflecting a moderate to strong degree of development. The widespread “high-cave-thin-roof” structure poses severe risks of roof collapse and structural instability for both shallow foundations and deep underground excavations. Active groundwater hydrodynamics further exacerbate these risks by promoting continuous rock dissolution. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to conduct differential engineering site investigations and implement highly targeted foundation treatments. For high-risk caves with roof thicknesses under 3 m or heights exceeding 10 m, priority should be given to grouting reinforcement or the avoidance of pile foundation. Additionally, dynamic groundwater monitoring and advanced drainage designs must be integrated to ensure engineering safety and mitigate geological disasters in water-sensitive karst zones.

     

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