The Eocene carbonate bedrocks in the central eastern coast of Qatar are characterized by heterogeneities in geotechnical setting due to wide spreading of subsurface karst cavities in different stratigraphic levels at all scales. Therefore, the present study attempts to construct a geological hazard potential map to quantify these karst cavities using the integration of different techniques, of which are shallow seismic (MASW) survey and borehole coring. However, it is indicated that the interpretation of geotechnical properties of the bedrocks is probably more difficult since karstification processes often modify the original compaction and strength of the rocks and consequently modify the average of seismic velocity pattern leading to miss-interpretation. To improve the interpretation certainty an applicable depth seismic wave velocity model was proposed. This model depends on correlation and integration of the velocity classes that revealed from the MASW profiles with the geological significance of nearby geotechnical verification boreholes.
Depending on the borehole correlation charts models three representative geological cross sections were delineated to demonstrate the tectono-sedimentation and dissolution controls. The petrographic rock types and the hydro-structural condition seem to be the main causative factors controlling the karstification potentiality and consequently controlling the engineering rock quality. As revealed from the spatial integration of all contributing factors, most of the eastern (Lusail) and south eastern (Al-Wakrah) sectors are prone to serious subsurface karst hazards. In this respect, it is strongly recommended to provide full integrated geotechnical data prior to any new developing project in these shoreline sectors.