Karst Development and Hydrogeological Characteristics of Typical Limestone Formations in Guizhou, China

Guizhou Province of southwest China is known for its extensive karst development, where carbonate rocks are strongly featured. The geological properties and hydrogeological features of the widely distributed carbonate rocks are particularly relevant to evolution and exploration of underground water resources. This paper is primarily focused on a field study of various dissolution features developed in limestone formations which originated from three different geological periods. It was found that the most mature karst development occurred in the Permian Qixia-Maokou Formation, indicating the strongest potential for water resource exploitation among various geological formations. The hydrogeological characteristics of these formations were also studied, focusing on their subterranean river discharge rate, runoff module number and specific capacity. The results also indicate the large water-bearing capacity of Permian Formation of carbonate rocks in Guizhou.