Permanent Link:

https://digital.lib.usf.edu/SFS0070042/00001

Material Information

Title:

Syngenetic Karst in Australia: a review

Series Title:

Helictite

Creator:

Grimes, Ken G.

Publication Date:

2006

Language:

English

Subjects

Subjects / Keywords:

Syngenetic Karst ( local )
Eogenetic Diagenesis ( local )
Soft-Rock Karst ( local )
Dune Calcarenite ( local )
Solution Pipes ( local )
Australia ( local )

Genre:

serial ( sobekcm )

Notes

Abstract:

In syngenetic karst speleogenesis and lithogenesis are concurrent: caves and karst features are forming at the same time as the loose sediment is being cemented into a soft, porous rock. “Eogenetic karst” and “soft-rock karst” are closely related terms for features developed in soft, poorly-consolidated limestones. The distinctive features of syngenetic karst are: shallow horizontal cave systems; a general lack of directed conduits (low irregular chambers occur instead); cluster- ing of caves at the margins of topographic highs or along the coast; paleosoil horizons; vertical solution pipes which locally form dense fields; extensive breakdown and subsidence to form collapse-dominated cave systems; a variety of surface and subsurface breccias and locally large collapse dolines and cenotes; and limited surface sculpturing (karren). These features are best developed in host sediments that have well developed primary matrix permeability and limited secondary cementation (and hence limited mechanical strength), for example dune calcarenites. Certain hydrological environments also assist: invading swamp waters or mixing at a well-developed watertable; or, near the coast, mixing at the top and bottom of a freshwater lens floating on salt water. Where these factors are absent the karst forms tend to be more akin to those of classical hard-rock or telogenetic karst.

Original Version:

Helictite, Vol. 39, no. 2 (2006).

Record Information

Source Institution:

University of South Florida Library

Holding Location:

University of South Florida

Rights Management:

This object is protected by copyright, and is made available here for research and educational purposes. Permission to reuse, publish, or reproduce the object beyond the bounds of Fair Use or other exemptions to copyright law must be obtained from the copyright holder.

USFLDC Membership

Aggregations:

University of South Florida
Karst Information Portal

Postcard Information

Format:

serial