Karst Phenomenon in Gypsum and Interference with Quarry Activity: Examples from Monferrato Area (NW Italy)

Investigating karst systems in gypsum and anhydrite terrains is essential in minimizing risks connected with the presence of civil infrastructures (e.g., underground quarries). However, if not carefully evaluated, the interference between karst systems and quarry activity may evolve in risk scenarios for the stability of underground tunnels, causing collapses of karst caves, slop instabilities, subsidence phenomena on the surface, and modification of the hydrogeological setting of the area. This article describes the features of gypsum quarries in the Monferrato area of Piedmont (NW Italy), aiming to highlight the main risks connected with karst circulation in evaporite terrains.