Gravimetric Detection of Cave Space and Sinkhole Hazard with Growth Inversion: Valaská Village Case in Karst (Slovakia)

A persistent sinkhole hazard exists in Valaská village, Slovakia, despite mitigation efforts, as revealed by microgravimetric analysis using the Growth inversion methodology. This study demonstrates that Growth inversion—a free-geometry inversion technique—is effective for detecting shallow cave spaces and assessing sinkhole risks in karst environments. The research highlights both the strengths and limitations of this approach, emphasizing the importance of parameter tuning to improve accuracy. Valaská's history of sinkholes, including a notable incident involving a horse in 1964, underscores the ongoing threat, which the gravimetric study confirms remains active.

Bódi, J., Vajda, P., Zahorec, P., Putiška, R., Papčo, J., Pašteka, R., & Fernández, J. (2026). Gravimetric Detection of Cave Space and Sinkhole Hazard with Growth Inversion: Valaská Village Case in Karst (Slovakia). Geosciences, 16(5), 179. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences16050179