A complex approach in the interdisciplinary field of karst geomorphology. The case study of Anina karst area (Banat Mountains, Romania)
Abstract: Karst regions are characterized by discontinuity and even by the lack of surface water drainage due to the fissured and porous rocks, but the rivers are often flowing in the underground. Our study area is represented by the Anina karst area, a karst region that is situated in the largest and most compact carbonate area in Romania, the Reșița – Moldova Nouă Synclinorium. This study aims to analyse a mature karst area using a complex approach in karst geomorphology. To achieve this assessment, we intended (i) to get an overall description of the morphology of the area using digital data and GIS methods; (ii) to obtain detailed data regarding cost evolution using geophysics, hydrogeology and speleology, and (iii) to correlate all the data to evaluate the karst terrain from the geomorphology perspective. Our research is still in progress, and yet we have results that are leading to a complex approach in karst topography research from a geomorphological perspective, using different fields of study as geology, speleology, spontaneous potential as geophysical method and computer science (GIS). Based on our field measurements we were able to correlate those features that are extremely important in karst solution processes, as water circulation, underground conduits, slope, soil properties, water properties in order to have a better understanding regarding the actual landscape in the Anina karst area and also in order to develop hypotheses regarding the possible evolution of karst landforms in the studied territory. Interdisciplinarity in karst topography studies is very important. Only by involving scientists, and techniques belonging to different scientific domains, we may understand in detail the karst topography. This complex approach is useful for stakeholders and local authorities in their feasibility studies and strategies for local development due to the fact that our study enriches the knowledge regarding karst environment “behaviour” in Anina region.