Karst distribution characteristics in a watershed under topographic differentiation and implication for groundwater resource: A case study in Southwest China using ERT and borehole data

Zhan-yu Tang; De-qiu Dai; Wei-wei Jiang; Ren-jian Deng

doi:10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280083

Volume 14 Issue 3

Sep. 2026

Turn off MathJax

Article Contents

Article Navigation > Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering > 2026 > 14(3): 271-287

Tang ZY, Dai DQ, Jiang WW, et al. 2026. Karst distribution characteristics in a watershed under topographic differentiation and implication for groundwater resource: A case study in Southwest China using ERT and borehole data. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 14(3): 271-287 doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280083

Citation:

PDF( 14015 KB)

Karst distribution characteristics in a watershed under topographic differentiation and implication for groundwater resource: A case study in Southwest China using ERT and borehole data

doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280083

1.
School of Civil Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China
2.
School of Earth Sciences and Spatial Information Engineering, Hunan University of Science and Technology, Xiangtan 411201, Hunan Province, China
3.
State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550081, China

More Information

Corresponding author: ddqygf@163.com
Received Date: 2025-12-15
Accepted Date: 2026-05-10

Available Online: 2026-07-30

Publish Date: 2026-09-15

Abstract

Abstract

Karst landforms are renowned for their unique characteristics, and investigating karst development characteristics is of great significance for groundwater regulation and ecological management. This study aims to interpret karst distribution under different topographic conditions in a watershed using Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT). Taking the Chenqi small watershed in Southwest China as the study area, 10 ERT survey lines were deployed across three topographic settings (dip slopes, anti-dip slopes, and high-lying depressions). By combining 2D/3D ERT inversion, geological drilling, and outcrop verification, the subsurface karst distribution was revealed. The results show that ERT effectively detects karst features with high heterogeneity and discontinuity. Conduit-type karst appears in the middle section of both slopes, indicating groundwater migration pathways. Karst water is dominated by runoff on dip slopes, whereas infiltration dominates on anti-dip slopes; continuous low-resistivity aquicludes in high-lying depressions control local groundwater levels. The average karst zone thickness is 2.0–4.0 m, with a maximum of 12 m. These findings demonstrate a coupled relationship between karst structure and groundwater runoff under topographic differentiation, providing a quantitative reference for watershed-scale groundwater processes and practical value for karst water exploration, resource regulation, and slope stability assessment.
- Hydrogeophysics,
- Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT),
- Geological drilling,
- Karst distribution characteristics,
- Groundwater processes

FullText(HTML)

References(42)

References

An R, Li B, Li J, et al. 2026. Quantifying the vulnerability of karst groundwater to emerging organic compounds in southwest China. Environmental Pollution, 388: 127374. DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2025.127374.

Atoui M, Agoubi B. 2026. Vulnerability assessment in fractured aquifer using improved vulnerability index: Applied to Gabes aquifer, Southeastern Tunisia. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 14(1): 69−82. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2026.9280073.

Bermejo L, Ortega AI, Parés JM, et al. 2020. Karst features interpretation using ground-penetrating radar: A case study from the Sierra de Atapuerca, Spain. Geomorphology, 367: 107311. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2020.107311.

Bo L, Mei LX. 2018. Characteristics of karst groundwater system in the northern basin of Laiyuan Spring area. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6(4): 261−269. DOI: 10.19637/j.Cnki.2305-7068.2018.04.002.

Bouzerda M, Mehdi K, Fadili A, et al. 2026. Electrical resistivity tomography involvement to investigate collapse dolines in Mogress area, Doukkala plain (Western Morocco). Catena, 263: 109742. DOI: 10.1016/j.catena.2025.109742.

Cao JH, Wu X, Huang F, et al. 2018. Global significance of the carbon cycle in the karst dynamic system: Evidence from geological and ecological processes. China Geology, 1(1): 17−27. DOI: 10.31035/cg2018004.

Chen X, Zhang ZC, Soulsby C, et al. 2018. Characterizing the heterogeneity of karst critical zone and its hydrological function: An integrated approach. Hydrological Processes, 32(19): 2932−2946. DOI: 10.1002/hyp.13232.

Cheng QB, Chen X, Tao M, et al. 2019a. Characterization of karst structures using quasi-3D electrical resistivity tomography. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78(9): 285. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-019-8284-2.

Cheng QB, Tao M, Chen X, et al. 2019b. Evaluation of electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) for mapping the soil–rock interface in karstic environments. Environmental Earth Sciences, 78(15): 439. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-019-8440-8.

Cheng QY, Wang SJ, Peng T, et al. 2020. Sediment sources, soil loss rates and sediment yields in a Karst plateau catchment in Southwest China. Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, 304: 107114. DOI: 10.1016/j.agee.2020.107114.

Cheng YP, Zhang FW, Dong H, et al. 2024. Groundwater and environmental challenges in Asia. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12(2): 223−236. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2024.9280017.

Coulouma G, Lagacherie P, Samyn K, et al. 2013. Comparisons of dry ERT, diachronic ERT and the spectral analysis of surface waves for estimating bedrock depth in various Mediterranean landscapes. Geoderma, 199: 128−134. DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2012.07.026.

Funk B, Flores-Orozco A, Steiner M. 2024. Possibilities and limitations of cave detection with ERT. Geomorphology, 462: 109332. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2024.109332.

Gao QS, Wang SJ, Peng T, et al. 2020. Evaluating the structure characteristics of epikarst at a typical peak cluster depression in Guizhou plateau area using ground penetrating radar attributes. Geomorphology, 364: 107015. DOI: 10.1016/j.geomorph.2019.107015.

Guo F, Jiang GH, Yuan DX, et al. 2013. Evolution of major environmental geological problems in karst areas of Southwestern China. Environmental Earth Sciences, 69(7): 2427−2435. DOI: 10.1007/s12665-012-2070-8.

Guo GH, Ji ZY, Chen LH, et al. 2025. Experimental and numerical analyses of nonlinear conduit-matrix exchange flow mechanism in heterogeneous karst aquifers. Journal of Hydrology, 661: 133623. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.133623.

Guo YL, Huang F, Chi FX, et al. 2024. Hydrogeological structures of karst features using hydrographs in an underground river basin formed in a peak cluster depression, southwest China. Journal of Hydrology, 634: 131085. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2024.131085.

Hao HQ, Zhang J, Illman WA, et al. 2025. Insight into karst hydrological processes in the frequency domain: Critical frequency, phase difference, causality, and machine learning model. Journal of Hydrology, 663: 134150. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhydrol.2025.134150.

Huang FY, Gao Y, Zhang ZZ, et al. 2025. Simulating precipitation-induced karst-stream interactions using a coupled Darcy–Brinkman–Stokes model. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 29(22): 6285−6307. DOI: 10.5194/hess-29-6285-2025.

Jiang WW, Peng T, Zhang XB, et al. 2025. High-resolution electrical resistivity tomography for quantitative interpretation of sub-surface karst structures: A case study in Southwest China. Geoderma, 461: 117460. DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2025.117460.

Lan FN, Zhao Y, Li J, et al. 2024. Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12(1): 49−61. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2024.9280005.

Li QS, Kang XB, Xu M, et al. 2023. Effects of coal mining and tunnel excavation on groundwater flow system in karst areas by modeling: A case study in Zhongliang Mountain, Chongqing, Southwest China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11(4): 391−407. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2023.9280031.

Li S, Wu X, Sun FM, et al. 2022. Environmental geological problems in southwest China: A case study from the researches of regional landslide hazards. Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, 21(1): 159−165. DOI: 10.46488/nept.2022.v21i01.017.

Liu Y, Liu Z, Zhang C, et al. 2024. Study on spatial structure characteristics of epikarst zone interpreted by integrated geophysical method: Taking the slope runoff field of Guohua town ecological experiment base in Pingguo City, Guangxi as an example. Carsologica Sinica, 43(01): 209−218. DOI: 10.11932/karst20240109.

Luo ZD, Lian JJ, Nie YP, et al. 2024. Improving soil thickness estimations and its spatial pattern on hillslopes in karst forests along latitudinal gradients. Geoderma, 441: 116749. DOI: 10.1016/j.geoderma.2023.116749.

Obiora DN, Ibuot JC. 2023. Electrical geophysical evaluation of susceptibility to flooding in University of Nigeria, Nsukka main campus and its environs, Southeastern Nigeria. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11(4): 422−434. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2023.9280033.

Ryckebusch C, Baltassat JM, Legchenko A, et al. 2025. Characterization of a heterogeneous limestone vadose zone based on a multimethod and multiscale geophysical approach. Near Surface Geophysics, 23(6): 555−571. DOI: 10.1002/nsg.70026.

Song HW, Xia F, Wang WQ, et al. 2025. ANN-based prediction model for single-hole water inflow from piedmont to inland plain areas of Hebei Province, North China Plain. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 13(4): 434−448. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2025.9280064.

Tao M, Chen X, Cheng QB, et al. 2022. Evaluating the joint use of GPR and ERT on mapping shallow subsurface features of karst critical zone in southwest China. Vadose Zone Journal, 21(1): e20172. DOI: 10.1002/vzj2.20172.

Tan Y, Qi J., Xu M, et al. 2024. Application of fractal characteristics of drill hole karst geology in analyzing the degree of karst development. Geological Journal of China Universities, 30(05): 603−612. DOI: 10.16108/j.issn1006-7493.2023052.

Wanaim A, Ikirri M, Boutaleb S, et al. 2025. Non-Invasive imaging of subsurface karst architecture using electrical resistivity tomography: A case study from carbonate terranes in Semi-Arid regions (Fouzart cave, Western Anti-Atlas, Morocco). Carbonates and Evaporites, 40(3): 111. DOI: 10.1007/s13146-025-01147-4.

Wang F, Nie Y, Chen H, et al. 2024b. Spatial heterogeneity characteristics of soil-epikarst thickness in a typical karst dolomite small watershed. Bulletin of Geological Science and Technology, 43(01): 306−314. DOI: 10.19509/j.cnki.dzkq.tb20220399.

Wang M. 2024a. Accelerating collaborative innovation in hydrological, engineering, and environmental fields. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12(1): 1−3. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2024.9280001.

Xiao X, Zhang S, Guo W, et al. 2023. Environmental pollution characteristics of surface water and groundwater in southwest China and its research prospects. Earth and Environment, 51(05): 564−573. DOI: 10.14050/j.cnki.1672-9250.2023.51.005.

Xie J, Liu Y, Lu YL, et al. 2022. Application of the high-density resistivity method in detecting a mined-out area of a quarry in Xiangtan City, Hunan Province. Frontiers in Environmental Science, 10: 1068956. DOI: 10.3389/fenvs.2022.1068956.

Yu FD, Qiao G, Wang K, et al. 2023. Investigation of groundwater characteristics and its influence on Landslides in Heifangtai Plateau using comprehensive geophysical methods. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11(2): 171−182. DOI: 10.26599/jgse.2023.9280015.

Yue YM, Yuan S, Wang L, et al. 2026. Maize cultivation and forest collapse over five centuries in Southern China. Communications Earth and Environment, 7: 190. DOI: 10.1038/s43247-026-03224-5.

Zhang C, Hou XW, Li XQ, et al. 2020. Numerical simulation and environmental impact prediction of karst groundwater in Sangu Spring Basin, China. Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 8(3): 210−222. DOI: 10.19637/j.Cnki.2305-7068.2020.03.002.

Zhang J, Sirieix C, Genty D, et al. 2024. Imaging hydrological dynamics in karst unsaturated zones by time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography. Science of the Total Environment, 907: 168037. DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168037.

Zhang ZC, Chen X, Chen XH, et al. 2013. Quantifying time lag of epikarst-spring hydrograph response to rainfall using correlation and spectral analyses. Hydrogeology Journal, 21(7): 1619−1631. DOI: 10.1007/s10040-013-1041-9.

Zhang ZC, Chen X, Cheng QB, et al. 2019. Storage dynamics, hydrological connectivity and flux ages in a karst catchment: Conceptual modelling using stable isotopes. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences, 23(1): 51−71. DOI: 10.5194/hess-23-51-2019.

Zhao LS, Hou R. 2019. Human causes of soil loss in rural karst environments: A case study of Guizhou, China. Scientific Reports, 9: 3225. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35808-3.

2305-7068/© Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering Editorial Office. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0)

Relative Articles

[1]	Pan-rui Yang, Xiao-min Yuan, Hui-rong Guo, Bao-lan Li, Xing-quan Wang, Min Yuan, 2026: Comparative evaluation of upscaled analytical and numerical models for DNAPL dissolution processes, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 14, 382-398. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2026.9280088
[2]	Mi Tang, Jun Lv, Shi Yu, Yan Liu, Shao-hong You, Ping-ping Jiang, 2024: Application of hydrochemistry and strontium isotope for understanding the hydrochemical characteristics and genesis of strontium-rich groundwater in karst area, Gongcheng County, Southwest China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 12, 264-280. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280020
[3]	Guo-Qiang Yu, Qian Wang, Li-Feng Zhu, Xia Zhang, 2023: Regulation of vegetation pattern on the hydrodynamic processes of erosion on hillslope in Loess Plateau, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 11, 4-19. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2023.9280002
[4]	Qiu-yao Dong, Jiao Xiang, Chao Song, Pan Wang, Hao-tian Wen, Ming-jiang Yan, 2022: Spatial distribution characteristics and main controlling factors of germanium in soil of northern Dabie Mountains, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 10, 381-392. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2022.04.006
[5]	Hong-wei SONG, Fan XIA, Hai-dong MU, Wei-qiang WANG, Ming-sen SHANG, 2020: Study on detecting spatial distribution availability in mine goafs by ultra-high density electrical method, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 8, 281-286. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2020.03.008
[6]	SHU Qin-feng, WEI Liang-shuai, LI Xiao, 2019: Geological characteristics and analysis of hydrothermal genesis in the Suijiang-1 well in Yunnan Province, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 7, 53-60. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2019.01.005
[7]	MA Bai-heng, LIU Shuo, WANG Xin-zhou, ZHAI Xing, LI Hong-chao, LI Chen-xi, 2018: A preliminary study on the spatial distribution characteristics and causes of strontium-rich mineral water in the Dushan complex, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6, 115-125. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2018.02.005
[8]	ZHANG De-long, WENG Wei, ZHAO Chang-liang, XU Jun-jun, YANG Peng, HUANG Yu-wen, HU Zhen-zhong, 2018: Development and application of turbodrills in hot dry rock drilling, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6, 1-6. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2018.01.001
[9]	LI Bo, LI Xue-mei, 2018: Characteristics of karst groundwater system in the northern basin of Laiyuan Spring area, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6, 261-269. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2018.04.002
[10]	LU Chuan, Brian McPherson, WANG Gui-ling, 2018: Hysteresis effects in geological CO2 sequestration processes: A case study on Aneth demonstration site, Utah, USA, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 6, 243-260. doi: 10.19637/j.cnki.2305-7068.2018.04.001
[11]	ZHOU Xun, 2017: Arsenic distribution and source in groundwater of Yangtze River Delta economic region, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 5, 343-353.
[12]	WU Ting-wen, WANG Li-huan, YANG Xiang-kui, 2017: Evaluation of groundwater potential and eco-geological environment quality in Sanjiang Plain of Heilongjiang Province, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 5, 193-201.
[13]	XIA Ri-yuan, 2016: Groundwater resources in karst area in Southern China and sustainable utilization pattern, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 301-309.
[14]	ZHOU Zhi-chao, WANG Ju, SU Rui, GUO Yong-hai, LI Jie-biao, JI Rui-li, ZHANG Ming, DONG Jian-nan, 2016: Study on the residence time of deep groundwater for high-level radioactive waste geological disposal, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 52-59.
[15]	LI Jie-biao, SU Rui, YANG Jing-zhi, ZHOU Zhi-chao, JI Rui-li, ZHANG Ming, GAO Yu-feng, 2016: Distribution characteristics of tritium in the soil in Beishan area of Gansu Province, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 131-140.
[16]	LIU Chun-yan, SUN Ji-chao, JING Ji-hong, ZHANG Ying, GUO Wei-xuan, 2016: Distribution characteristics and source of BTEX in groundwater in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, P. R. China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 238-246.
[17]	DENG Ya-ping, SHI Xiao-qing, WU Ji-chun, 2016: Applications of hydrogeophysics in characterization of subsurface architecture and contaminant plumes, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 4, 354-366.
[18]	ZHANG Jian-kang, WEN Xue-ru, GAO Yun, YUE Chen, YI Qing, 2015: Analysis of the negative effects of groundwater exploitation on geological environment in Asia, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 3, 202-212.
[19]	ZHANG Chun-chao, WANG Wen-Ke, SUN Yi-bo, LI Xiang-quan，HOU Xin-wei, 2015: Processes of hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater in the Guanzhong Basin, China, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 3, 136-146.
[20]	YANG Xiang-peng, ZHANG Fa-wang, CHEN Zhen, BI Xue-li, SHI Jian, ZHOU Li-xin, YANG Chen, 2015: Compiling distribution of karst in Southern China and Southeast Asia, Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering, 3, 280-284.