New parameters for the characterization of karst geometry.

@inproceedings{VigourouxGM2010,
 abstract = { Strongly influencing underground flows, karst and paleokarst are of great interest for both hydrological and petroleum studies. To provide consistent 3D geological models, Bonneau et al. [2010] develop a stochastic simulator of karst based on ODSIM [Henrion et al., submitted]. However, to constrain these simulations and reflect the diversity of karst networks, new parameters are needed. This work aims at identifying quantitative parameters that characterize the topology and the geometry of karsts and which could be linked to different speleogenesis according to the classification of Palmer [2003].
We study the ability of four parameters to discriminate karst patterns. The cyclomatic number, u, and the connectivity degree, dc , reflect the reticular or branchwork nature of the network. The number of modes of the statistical distribution of karst conduit directions, Nm , illustrates the eventual preferential orientations of the system conduits. Finally, the fractal dimension of the network f characterizes its scale-independent geometric properties.
Those parameters are calculated on 5 caves that are known for their distinctive patterns and speleogenesis. Results show a satisfying capacity to distinguish those patterns. },
 author = { Vigouroux, Remi AND Collon, Pauline AND Henrion, Vincent },
 booktitle = { Proc. 30th Gocad Meeting, Nancy },
 title = { New parameters for the characterization of karst geometry. },
 year = { 2010 }
}