Geological risk assessment for rock art protection in karstic caves (Alkerdi Caves, Navarre, Spain)

This paper sets out a methodology for calculating the potential zone of damage to which an Item of Cultural Interest (ICI) located in a karst environment is exposed. An itemised study of the geological characteristics of the cave environment is proposed: lithological cartography, endokarst and exokarst geomorphology and the study of fracturing of the limestone massif. Based on these data and using a Geographical Information System (GIS), it was possible to calculate the degree of the geological threats on a susceptibility map, according to the vulnerability of the heritage item to be protected and its exposure to the identified hazardous geological processes. By combining these parameters, the existing geological risk was calculated and mapped and the necessary protection area for conservation of the cultural heritage was defined. This methodology was applied in the Alkerdi caves located in the municipal area of Urdazubi/Urdax (Navarre, northern Spain).