Wanfang Zhou, Ph.D., P.G.
Hydrogeologist Wanfang Zhou with Hana Engineers and Consultants, LLC recently attended a conference in Tampa, Florida that focuses on the science, identification, and remediation of issues surrounding sinkholes.
Zhou, attended 17th Multidisciplinary Conference on Sinkholes and the Engineering and Environmental Impacts of Karst from March 26-31.
The conference is one of the most important conferences focusing on developing a better understanding of karst processes that result in environmental and geotechnical problems. The conference also explores creating effective measures to identify those problems and remediate them when they occur.
Zhou has helped organize the conference in various capacities since 1995 and has served as conference chair, session chair, and organization committee member.
Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves.
Karst aquifers are present on all continents and crop out on more than 20% of the Earth’s land surface. At least 20% of the world’s population is partly or entirely dependent on water derived from karst aquifers.
The unique characteristics of karst terranes make them vulnerable to ground instability and groundwater contamination. More than 120 scientists and engineers from all over the world attended this event this year to share their findings and approaches to tackle these challenges.
About Hana Engineers and Consultants, LLC
Hana Engineers and Consultants is an engineering and consulting firm based in Richmond, Virginia, with offices in North Charleston, S.C., and operations in several states. The company specializes in Geotechnical, Environmental, Operations Support, Construction Management, and other services for a variety of clients. For more information about Hana Engineers and Consultants, LLC, including a list of capabilities go to Hana’s website.