Measurements of surface solutions in calcareous rock of Veneto Region and neighbour areas

This research is carried out by U. Sauro, M. Meneghel and A. Bondesan (Department of Geography - University of Padua) with the collaboration of V. Toniello belonging to the Veneto Speleological Federation.

After a brief description of the former research on the chemical solution of rocks, we report the present research on the Veneto Region and the state of the art of the methods.

The methodological standard for measurements with the special micrometer, built for measuring the thinning of the rock surface, is described.

The form prepared for the survey and measurement of the micrometric station is reproduced.

The distribution of limestone outcrops and micrometer stations already installed in the Venetian Prealps are shown on a sketch.

The typology of measurement points is presented in order to obtain more information about the rates and kind of solution processes.

The future project of research are also illustrated: the first concern with an experimental station were a collection of different rocks in different positions are distributed (a similar station already exists at Borgo Grotta Gigante-Trieste); the second project deals with the monitoring of karst microforms, with the help of an adapted micrometer projected for this purpose.

An inventory of the meteorological stations installed in Veneto Region was done before the research started in order to check the distribution and availability of meteorological data.

The inventory form and the results are briefly shown.