Original paper
Estimation of sand and gravel extraction sites
Bathrellos, George D.; Skilodimou, Hariklia D.
Zeitschrift für Geomorphologie Volume 63 Issue 2-3 (2022), p. 313 - 328
published: Feb 8, 2022
published online: Sep 14, 2021
manuscript accepted: Jul 14, 2021
manuscript revision received: Jul 14, 2021
manuscript revision requested: May 7, 2021
manuscript received: Jul 29, 2020
ArtNo. ESP022006302011, Price: 29.00 €
Abstract
Sand and gravel are raw materials, which are used extensively in constructions. Sand and gravel mining in river systems have led to environmental degradation of river basins and caused conflicts with other economic activities. This paper presents a multi-criteria spatial data analysis method to seek and model major determinants of suitable locations for sand and gravel extractions. As a case study was chosen the upper reaches of Pinios River in western Thessaly, central Greece. Geological, geomorphologic, environmental and socio-economic parameters involved in the assessment for suitable sand and gravel extraction sites were taken into account. In this context, the locations of the excising sand and gravel extraction sites were mapped. The parameters involved were evaluated via the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method and Geographical Information System (GIS). A suitability map for sand and gravel extraction sites was produced. It was further classified, into five suitability levels: very low, moderate, high and very high. The geological and geomorphologic mapping showed a total number of 18 existing extraction sites of sand and gravel in study area. They covered an area of about 258,000 m2, while the approximate volume of removal materials was found to be of about 1,100,000 m3. The outcomes of the applied method proved that the most suitable areas for sand and gravel extraction sites were observed in the northern, western and eastern and south-eastern part of the study area. The outcrop of alluvial deposits, the proximity to stream junctions, and the existence of sand plains create favorable conditions for sand and gravel extractions. These sites may be exploited because were found to be far from urban and Natura protected areas, roads, croplands, excising excavation sites, bridges and artificial irrigation-drainage systems. Moreover, their limited extent facilitates to avoid potential conflict between extraction and other economic activities. Engineers, planners, and environmental managers may utilize the proposed procedure for future raw material exploitation.
Keywords
Inert Materials • geological-geomorphologic mapping • AHP • GIS • Western Thessaly • Central Greece