Integration of remote sensing and electrical resistivity methods in sinkhole investigation in Saudi Arabia

Different types of sinkholes have been recognized in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The sinkholes are of various sizes and shapes and occur at different depths. Their presence may create a direct risk to the infrastructural facilities such as urban areas, roads, future development areas, and farmlands. Recently, more than eight sinkholes have collapsed to the west of the Al Khafji and An Nu'ayriyah areas (northern eastern side of the Kingdom). Geologically, the area is composed of Dammam, Hadrukh, and Dibdibba formations. The essence of this paper is to integrate remote sensing analysis throughout surface features with the geophysical studies to detect the subsurface sinkholes. Our findings show that there are possible correlations between the clear circular features (ring structures) detectable in remote sensing images and geophysical observations (using two electrical resistivity surveys), indicating unconsolidated material in the subsurface (karst phenomena).

► Karst represents a major environmental hazard in the KSA and needs to be detected. ► Integration of remote sensing and geophysical data to detect subsurface karst. ► Remote sensing application identifies ring structure features that might be karst. ► Two electrical resistivity surveys applied to detect subsurface karst. ► Results indicate that ring structures are karst and verified by geophysical studies.