Scientists of the V. I. Vernadsky KFU have drawn up the rules for karstological survey of the regions of the Crimea and the North Caucasus. The Tavrida Cave will become the base for geological engineers, where specialists can improve their qualifications.
According to senior lecturer Gennady Samokhin, a karstological examination is needed if there are unfavorable conditions for the construction of an object. Earlier, the main criterion for the study of karst * was considered to be sinkholes on the surface. However, during the construction of the Tavrida highway, they were not found in the vicinity of the cave of the same name.
* Karst is a general name for the processes of erosion of rocks by natural waters and landforms that arise during these processes. This problem is dealt with by the science of karstology.
– When a cave was found during the construction of the Tavrida highway in 2018, this was already the basis for questions about karstological rules. If we made a road excavation not 6 meters deep, but 5.5, then the cave would not have been opened during work, and if the ground collapsed under the weight of the machines, people could die, ” Samokhin shared in an interview with the university’s press service.
“Tavrida” can become a major platform for advanced training of geologists. They are going to focus on finding caves in specific local conditions. The experience of Crimean scientists has already served as the basis for the formation of new legislation in the field of karst hazard. The document should be adopted this year.
Recall that a pre-glacial cave was discovered in the Belogorsk region in June 2018. The builders of the track accidentally opened a 14-meter karst well. the find became a scientific sensation.