Hydrological and tectonic strain forces measured from a karstic cave using extensometers

Abstract: In order to monitor the hydrological strain forces of the karst micro fissure networks and local fault activities, six capacitive extensometers were installed inside a karstic cave near the midi-fault in Belgium. From 2004 to 2008, the nearby Lomme River experienced several heavy rains, leading to flooding inside the Rochefort cave. The highest water level rose more than thirteen meters, the karstic fissure networks were filled with water, which altered the pore pressure of the cave. The strain response to the hydrological induced pore pressure changes are separately deduced from fifteen events when the water level exceeded six meters. The strain measured from the extensometer show a linear contraction during the water recharge and a nonlinear exponential extension releasing during the water discharge. The sensitivity and stability of the sensor are constrained by comparing continuously observed tidal strain waves with a theoretical model. Finally, a local fault deformation rate around $0.03 \pm 0.002$mm/yr is estimated from more than four years' records.