Relationship between karst collapse sinkholes and groundwater mineralization processes in Southern Apennines (Italy)

Recent researches and studies show interactions between sinkholes and active faults, hydrothermal flow paths and seismicity in the southern and central Apennine region (Italy). This study points out a multidisciplinary approach to verify such hypothesis by using geomorphological, structural, mineralogical, hydrogeological and geochemical techniques. The features of the karst sinkholes observed in the Contursi thermal area (South Italy) are analyzed as well as a new elaboration of hydrogeological and historical data is given. Collected data allow for relating the karst collapse sinkholes to enhanced dissolution phenomena due to the fluid upflow along the hydrothermal system. A preliminary relationship between upflow of thermal waters, collapse events and seismic events is recognized