Modeling Evolution of Karst Aquifer from One-Dimension to Three-Dimension: A Review

Karst region representing 7-12% of the earth's continental areas and 25% of world population is either completely or partially dependent on water from karst aquifer for drinking. Fresh water supply is expected to be a major problem in this century due to high demand from industrial needs and domestics usage. Contamination is a natural risk to the groundwater in the karst aquifer due to the characteristics of karstified host rock itself. The main process contributes to karst unique is the dissolution of bedrock by slightly acidic water. This review is aiming to provide a better understanding of the early evolution of karst aquifer numerical models. This paper also discussed the influence of several parameters on the genesis of karst evolution. We investigate on different conceptual models of karst aquifer and how they translated into numerical models from basic 1-Dimension model to complex 3-Dimension models. We also study the differing complexity and hence differing data requirements to model the complex nature of subsurface karst aquifer. The limitations in current karst evolution models and challenges in terms of data availability are also discussed. Finally, we provide new research direction and suggestions for achieving better prediction model.