OBJETIVES
The proposed research will focus on the main karstic massifs of Central Portugal (Outil/Cantanhede Massif, Sicó Massif and Estremadura Massif) and has the following aims:
A. The creation of an evolutionary model of caves (speleogenesis) based on structural, morphological, sedimentological and geoarchaeological anlayses; this model will further be integrated with known geological and geomorphological regional evolutionary models.
B. Understanding of contemporary cave activity and groundwater dynamics as well as their vulnerability to human activities.
C. Transfer of the project results and conclusions to public and private institutions with territorial planning and conservation responsibilities in karstic areas.
TASKS
TASK 1
Identification of caves and springs to construct a geodatabase.
TASK 2
Understanding the underground hydrologic system.
TASK 3
Cave morpho-sequence analyses.
TASK 4
Cave geoarchaeology.
TASK 5
Radiochronometric dating and stable isotopic analysis: cultural and palaeoclimate evidences.
TASK 6
Construction of a speleogenetic regional evolution model.
TASK 7
Transfer of the information to public and private entities.
