Linking Geology and Geotechnical Engineering in Karst: The Qatar Geologic Mapping Project

During a time of expanding population and aging urban infrastructure, it is critical to have accurate geotechnical and geological information to enable adequate design and make appropriate provisions for construction. This is especially important in karst terrains that are prone to sinkhole hazards and groundwater quantity and quality issues. The State of Qatar in the Middle East, a country underlain by carbonate and evaporite rocks and having abundant karst features, has recognized the significance of reliable and accurate geological and geotechnical information and has undertaken a project to develop a robust geotechnical relational database and prepare geologic and thematic digital maps. These products will support planning, design, and decision-making processes related to urban infrastructure development in the rapidly growing State and be particularly useful in the early stages of geotechnical investigations. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), Gannett Fleming, Inc., and the Qatar Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) have partnered to design a geologic mapping project that will merge geological and geotechnical information to develop a framework to model the geology, karst, and resources important to support growth in the State. The Qatar Geologic Mapping Project (QGMP) has a mission to integrate sound geoscience data for the State of Qatar to address societal, environmental and educational needs that include water and mineral resources management and natural hazards reduction