Cave and Karst Studies Research Papers (original) (raw)

In Great Britain, gypsum karst is widespread in the Late Permian (Zechstein) gypsum of north-eastern England. Here and offshore, a well-developed palacokarst with large breccia pipes was formed by dissolution of the underlying Permian... more

In Great Britain, gypsum karst is widespread in the Late Permian (Zechstein) gypsum of north-eastern England. Here and offshore, a well-developed palacokarst with large breccia pipes was formed by dissolution of the underlying Permian gypsum. Farther south, around Ripon, the same rocks are still being dissolved, forming an actively evolving phreatic gypsum-maze cave system. This is indicated by the presence of numerous active subsidence hollows and sulphate-rich springs. In the English Midlands, gypsum karst is locally developed in the Triassic deposits south of Derby and Nottingham. Where gypsum is present, its fast rate of dissolution and the collapse of overlying strata lead to difficult civil-engineering and construction conditions; these can be further aggravated by water abstraction. Salt (halite) occurs within British Permian and Triassic strata, and has a long history of exploitation. The main salt fields are in central England and the coastal areas of northwest and northeast England. In central England, saline springs indicate that rapid, active dissolution occurs that can cause subsidence problems. In the past, subsidence was aggravated by shallow mining and the uncontrolled extraction of vast amounts of brine. This has now almost stopped, but there is a legacy of unstable buried salt karst, formed by both natural and induced dissolution. The buried salt karst occurs at depths ranging from about 40 m to 130 m; above these depths, the overlying strata are foundered and brecciated. In the salt areas, construction and development are hampered by both abandoned mines and by natural or induced brine runs, with their associated unstable ground.

In the United Kingdom Permian and Triassic halite (rock salt) deposits have been affected by natural and artificial dissolution producing karstic landforms and subsidence. Brine springs from the Triassic salt have been exploited since... more

In the United Kingdom Permian and Triassic halite (rock salt) deposits have been affected by natural and artificial dissolution producing karstic landforms and subsidence. Brine springs from the Triassic salt have been exploited since Roman times, or possibly earlier, indicating prolonged natural dissolution. Medieval salt extraction in England is indicated by the of place names ending in “wich” indicating brine spring exploitation at Northwich, Middlewich, Nantwich and Droitwich. Later, Victorian brine extraction in these areas accentuated salt karst development causing severe subsidence problems that remain a legacy. The salt was also mined, but the mines flooded and consequent brine extraction caused the workings to collapse, resulting in catastrophic surface subsidence. Legislation was enacted to pay for the damage and a levy is still charged for salt extraction. Some salt mines are still collapsing and the re-establishment of the post-brine extraction hydrogeological regimes means that salt springs may again flow causing further dissolution and potential collapse.

The Ptinidae or spider beetles, is a worldwide family of beetles especially distributed in the subtropical and temperate zones including Iran. The species Niptus hololeucus (Faldermann, 1836) collected from Kangohar cave in Fars Province,... more

The Ptinidae or spider beetles, is a worldwide family of beetles especially distributed in the subtropical and temperate zones including Iran. The species Niptus hololeucus (Faldermann, 1836) collected from Kangohar cave in Fars Province, southern Iran, is described as new record for Iran with illustrations of adult as well as male and female genitalia. We regarded this beetle as a troglophile and guanophile species.

In this study was analysed thin sections and plugs from the facies of Jandaira Formation, a Turonian- Campanian carbonate platform in the Potiguar Basin. The focus was in samples from the Rosario outcrop and a few boreholes. Textural... more

In this study was analysed thin sections and plugs from the facies of Jandaira Formation, a Turonian-
Campanian carbonate platform in the Potiguar Basin. The focus was in samples from the Rosario outcrop
and a few boreholes. Textural features, framework composition, diagenetic processes, and porosity types
was determined. Were also measured petrophysical properties as permeability and porosity. With
petrografic and petrophysical data we can produce a detail map to support structural and karst analyses in
the study area.

On the basis of air temperature (T) monitoring, basic statistical and time series analysis was employed to evaluate thermal states of cave atmosphere variations. Long-term, seasonal, and event comparative analysis as well as spectral and... more

On the basis of air temperature (T) monitoring, basic statistical and time series analysis was employed to evaluate thermal states of cave atmosphere variations. Long-term, seasonal, and event comparative analysis as well as spectral and cross-correlation analysis was conducted. The results show the relative stability of air T in the isolated part of the cave, whereas variable air T was observed in the parts close to entrances and the surface. The distinctive seasonality in this part of the cave demonstrates that air convection is a driving force for the heat exchange between the cave and the surrounding environment. External air T and heat conducted through the rock walls is also an important factor influencing the cave climate, while heat released by the ice deposit and by water infiltrating through the cave ceiling have a negligible effect. Occasional irregular variations in daily patterns are caused by human impact.

We present new data about speleothems of gypsum formerly analyzed by DRX. These speleothems are located in a cave in carbonatic sandstone of the Jaizkibel Formation (of Eocene age). The sample has been analyzed by an energy dispersion... more

We present new data about speleothems of gypsum formerly analyzed by DRX. These speleothems are located in a cave in carbonatic sandstone of the Jaizkibel Formation (of Eocene age). The sample has been analyzed by an energy dispersion microanalyzer (XPS) connected to the equipment of a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The acicular crystals of gypsum grow on a basis of opal-A. In addition, there are traces of other elements, as C, which we attribute to organic matter from microbial mats adjoining to the speleothems.
Link: http://www.aranzadi.eus/fileadmin/webs/Publicaciones/pdfs/GREEN%20CAVE4.pdf

Despite lack of surface water resources, karst terrain stores abundant water sources. Karst water resources reside as groundwater rivers or emerge to the surface as karst springs. Karst aquifer is play an important role in providing water... more

Despite lack of surface water resources, karst terrain stores abundant water sources. Karst water resources reside as groundwater rivers or emerge to the surface as karst springs. Karst aquifer is play an important role in providing water supply, especially in the areas nearby that commonly dry and lack of water resources. The existence of karst springs is very essential due to their function as drinking water source. Karst spring hydrograph analysis is very fundamental step to asses and determine the condition of the catchment area in karst terrain. Recession curve is believed to be the most stable part in single flood hydrograph that represents the aquifer characteristics. Therefore, recession curves analysis has been used to determine the aquifer characteristics, including the degree of karstification. This paper is focused on how to determine the karstification degree based on literatures review. Karstification degree determination that is used in this paper introduced by Malik ...

The epikarst (also known as the subcutaneous zone) has a significant water storage capacity. It comprises the highly weathered carbonate bedrock which is located immediately beneath the surface or is exposed at the surface. Porosity and... more

The epikarst (also known as the subcutaneous zone) has a significant water storage capacity. It comprises the highly weathered carbonate bedrock which is located immediately beneath the surface or is exposed at the surface. Porosity and permeability are higher near the surface than they are at depth, and consequently, after recharge percolating rainwater is detained near the base of the epikarst, the detention ponding producing an epikarstic aquifer. The present article makes a summary of the essence of epikast and focuses especially on the factors that determine its formation, present state and development. Въведение Карстовият процес е сред основните и най-важни геоморфоложки процеси на Земята. На окарстяване са подложени около 20% от повърхността на нашата планета. Уникалното в карстовия процес е неговото развитие в дълбочина, което е свързано с формиране както на повърхностни, така и на подземни форми. Докато пещерите и свързаните с тях форми са обект на доста голямо внимание от страна на учените, то процесите, които стават на повърхността в окарстените територии, или в близост до нея, са по-слабо изучавани. В същото време състоянието на повърхностните части на карстовите масиви е важно както от екологична, така и от стопанска гледна точка.

In July 2020, trenches No. 3 and 4, which contained Hallstatt Period sediments, were excavated in the Entrance Hall of the Habrůvka - Býčí skála cave in the Moravian Karst (Blansko District). The layers in trench No. 3 were intact... more

In July 2020, trenches No. 3 and 4, which contained Hallstatt Period sediments, were excavated in the Entrance Hall of the Habrůvka - Býčí skála cave in the Moravian Karst (Blansko District). The layers in trench No. 3 were intact (Hallstatt Period). In trench No. 4 (Fig. 10) in layers 2-3a/3b, the sediments (Hallstatt Period) that had been previously excavated were partially intact in layer No. 3b (Hallstatt Period) and layer No. 4 (Paleolithic?). The excavation fulfilled both goals - Hallstatt Period profiles with layers and findings were documented, and samples were obtained for scientific analyses, which continue to be evaluated. Both trenches captured a sequence of Hallstatt period layers approximately as H. Wankel documented in 1872 - layers A (trench No. 3) - D and cave loess (trench No. 4) (Wankel 1882, Fig. on pg. 383). Further research is also planned for 2021.

Archaeological Studies Program, University of the Philippines (authorship)

In Austria, the gathering of cavers dates back to 1879 when the fim speleological society in the world was founded in Vienna. The further evolution of caving NGOs was quite changeful, but after World War II the Austrian Speleological... more

In Austria, the gathering of cavers dates back to 1879 when the fim speleological society in the world was founded in Vienna. The further evolution of caving NGOs was quite changeful, but after World War II the Austrian Speleological Association (Verband Österreichischer Höhlenforscher, VÖH) was established in 1949. Currently, 25 caving dubs with a total of about 2500 members and 30 show caves are united in the VÖH. The most imponant clubs are responsible for regional cave cadastres with well-defined borders. They store all information about caves and give new numbers to caves that are sufficiently documented. Some of ehe clubs also operate show caves. VÖH coordinates the speleological education including caving techniques, documentation and show-cave guiding. VÖH is member of other national umbrella organisations dealing with environmental protection, science or mountaineering. In addition, VÖH is affiliated with the International Union of Speleology (UIS) and the European Speleological Federation (FSE). In collaboration with the German Speleological Federation, VÖH publishes the peer-reviewed joumal „Die Höhle" (including supplement issues) and other speleological publications. The Karst and Cave Group at the Natural History Museum Vienna is a semi-govemmental institution devoted to caves and karst in Austria. The group also provides expertise especially regarding cave protection and does public relations. Together with the VÖH it runs the Austrian Cave Cadastre in analogue form and as an online dambase (Spelix). Academic Institutions dealing with speleological topics are located at the Universities of Vienna (geology and palaeontology), Innsbruck (geology, palaeoclimatology) and Graz (hydrogeology).

We present a low cost data logger and environmental housing system developed for long term monitoring projects that require operation in remote locales under humidity saturation and/or sub-aquatic environments, with the aim of providing 1... more

We present a low cost data logger and environmental housing system developed for long term monitoring projects that require operation in remote locales under humidity saturation and/or sub-aquatic environments, with the aim of providing 1 year deployment durations for a number of sensor configurations. The project ethos focuses on accessibility for limited budget non-experts, by using a limited number of open-source and inexpensive parts assembled with a minimum number of common tools. Bench-testing of more than sixty builds have advanced the basic three component electronic design (Arduino, RTC, SD card) to the point where one full year of operation is now demonstrated with three AA batteries. More than forty real world deployments have been completed over the last year including in flooded caves using the robust underwater housing tested to 30 m depth that can be made for less than $15 dollars with only a drill, a hacksaw, and sandpaper. Models with different sensor combinations will be demonstrated: drip/precipitation sensors, flow sensors, pressure sensors, temperature strings, and relative humidity sensors. Design and construction details will be provided.

"The article revisits what we know of the clay jar which held the early-medieval silver hoard discovered by S. J. Czarnowski in 1897. The jar was found during the exploration of the cave Jaskinia Okopy Wielka, Dolna, at Ojców, Cracow... more

"The article revisits what we know of the clay jar which held the early-medieval silver hoard discovered by S. J. Czarnowski in 1897. The jar was found during the exploration of the cave Jaskinia Okopy Wielka, Dolna, at Ojców, Cracow
County and contained 116 silver coins. The ceramic vessel represents the type of a small-sized (11.2 cm high) jar with a cylindrical neck. Made on a potter’s wheel,
the vessel is decorated with an etched line (horizontal and wavy) and bottom is decorated with a potter’s mark in the form of an irregular cross. The date of the jar to the close of the eleventh century is based on the coins found inside (26 coins of
the palatine Sieciech, type II; a denar of Ladislaus I of Hungary). The territorial extent of the discoveries of the palatine Sieciech, type II, as well as the coincidence of the vessel’s material with the finds discovered in or near Cracow, allow us to formulate a tentative hypothesis of the local provenance of
this hoard. It is also possible that there is a connection between the hoard and the nearby trade route traversing the Prądnik Valley."

Krasno polje is one of the less typical karst poljes within the Dinaric Mountains. It is situated within Velebit Mountain. Our research utilized morphographic, morphostructural and morphometric analysis of the polje to present its mor... more

Krasno polje is one of the less typical karst poljes within the Dinaric Mountains. It is situated within Velebit Mountain. Our research utilized morphographic, morphostructural and morphometric analysis of the polje to present its mor phogenetic characteristics. It is completely filled with gravel and lacking any surface flows. Slopes above the polje were severely altered by glacial action during the colder periods of the Pleistocene. As a result, proglacial fans filled the karst depression, creating a piedmont type polje. Glacial evidence suggests that there were at least two separate phases of in tense proglacial deposition within the polje.

We present an integrated study of subsurface and surficial karst landforms to unravel the uplift history of karst landscape in a tectonically-active area. To this end, we apply a multidisciplinary approach by combining cave geomorphology... more

We present an integrated study of subsurface and surficial karst landforms to unravel the uplift history of karst landscape in a tectonically-active area. To this end, we apply a multidisciplinary approach by combining cave geomorphology and Th/U dating of speleothems with remote sensing plus geophysical imaging of surface landforms. We use as an example Mt. Menikio in northern Greece where four caves share well-defined epiphreatic/shallow phreatic characteristics that are related to the distribution of surface and buried doline fields and provide evidence for three distinct water table stillstands (e.g. expressed as cave levels) now lying at~130 m,~800 m and~1600 m a.m.s.l. Our dating constraints delimit the age of the lower water table stillstand prior to 77 ka ago and imply a maximum rate of relative base level drop of 0.45 mma-1 , which is consistent with relative tectonic uplift rate estimates along currently active normal faults. We interpret the elevation of the higher water table stillstands to reflect earlier phases of uplift related to the regional tectonic events associated with the development of the North Anatolian Fault and the Northern Aegean area. Our analysis shows that the combined study of epiphreatic/shallow phreatic caves and surficial karst landforms together, is a robust way to investigate the uplift history of a karst landscape in a tectonically-active setting.

The Sterkfontein Caves, located in the south-west of the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng is the world’s richest Australopithecus-bearing locality. The fossil-bearing cave deposits represent a more recent instalment of a history spanning... more

The Sterkfontein Caves, located in the south-west of the Cradle of Humankind in Gauteng is the world’s richest Australopithecus-bearing locality. The fossil-bearing cave deposits represent a more recent instalment of a history spanning 2.6 Ga, from the deposition of the karst-hosting dolomites, to the commercial exploitation of the caves by lime miners in the early twentieth century. The location and morphology of the caves is a result of lithological variation within the two host dolomite formations, multiple and complex phases of karstification and infilling of the resultant solution cavities over the two billion years since the dolomite deposition, and consistently active local tensional joint and fault systems. Where vadose collapse has opened the caves to the landscape, a broad range of geomorphological processes has created dynamic sedimentary environments with complex stratigraphic histories.

A low-cost data logging platform is presented that provides long-term operation in remote or submerged environments. Three premade " breakout boards " from the open-source Arduino ecosystem are assembled into the core of the data logger.... more

A low-cost data logging platform is presented that provides long-term operation in remote or submerged environments. Three premade " breakout boards " from the open-source Arduino ecosystem are assembled into the core of the data logger. Power optimization techniques are presented which extend the operational life of this module-based design to >1 year on three alkaline AA batteries. Robust underwater housings are constructed for these loggers using PVC fittings. Both the logging platform and the enclosures, are easy to build and modify without specialized tools or a significant background in electronics. This combination turns the Cave Pearl data logger into a generalized prototyping system and this design flexibility is demonstrated with two field studies recording drip rates in a cave and water flow in a flooded cave system. This paper describes a complete DIY solution, suitable for a wide range of challenging deployment conditions.

Macro-invertebrates have an important role in maintaining the stability of the wide niches of faunal assemblage of caves. This study was conducted to determine the diversity and relative abundance of macro-invertebrates inside of an... more

Macro-invertebrates have an important role in maintaining the stability of the wide niches of faunal assemblage of caves. This study was conducted to determine the diversity and relative abundance of macro-invertebrates inside of an unexplored cave in San Isidro, Davao del Norte. Sampling was done through a combination of methods: visual search and direct counting methods. Eleven species of macro-invertebrates belonging to six orders were recorded. Cyclophorus linguiferus, Lamarckiella mindanaensis were found only in the entrance and Sundathelpusa sp. was found the most abundant species inside the cave. The highest species richness and abundance were found in the thickest guano deposit. The cave has low diversity index. Disturbances present in the cave seem to have affected the species and individuals.

Four caves on the island of Tobago, three previously unrecorded, were explored, mapped, and prospected for vertebrate paleontological resources. The cave and surface features, such as dry valleys and sinkholes, suggest they were part of a... more

Four caves on the island of Tobago, three previously unrecorded, were explored, mapped, and prospected for vertebrate paleontological resources. The cave and surface features, such as dry valleys and sinkholes, suggest they were part of a single large cave system that is designated the Crown Point Cave System. The largest, deepest, and most interesting cave is Amblypygid Cave. Archeological resources of Effigy Cave and paleontological resources of Robinson Crusoe and Remnant Caves indicate all of these caves are valuable resources to the island of Tobago and should be protected.

Throughout the late Pleistocene and early Holocene the landscape of Qatar was transformed by global climate changes, cycles of sea level rise and fluctuations in rainfall. The Peninsula is formed from Eocene limestone which was... more

Throughout the late Pleistocene and early Holocene the landscape of Qatar was transformed by global climate changes, cycles of sea level rise and fluctuations in rainfall. The Peninsula is formed from Eocene limestone which was subsequently shaped by geomorphological processes, leaving a gently undulating landscape featuring rock outcrops and sediment bowls. As a result of late Pleistocene and early Holocene sea level rise, the Arabian Gulf now surrounds the western, northern and eastern sides of the landmass, but for most of prehistory Qatar was part of a landlocked, hyper-arid region. Given these changes it is therefore important to consider both the changing external conditions that influenced human behaviour in prehistory and the varying taphonomic pathways that were favourable for site preservation. These are fundamental tenets of landscape archaeology, placing past human activities within the wider context of a landscape that is the product of climatic fluctuation and geomorphological change.

FOSSIL MAMMALS FROM THE QUATERNARY OF TACHO DE OURO CAVE, STATE OF TOCANTINS, NORTHERN BRAZIL: DIVERSITY, TAPHONOMY AND PALEOICHNOLOGICAL AND PALEOENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS Caves of the Bambuí Speleological Province, in Aurora do Tocantins,... more

FOSSIL MAMMALS FROM THE QUATERNARY OF TACHO DE OURO CAVE, STATE OF TOCANTINS, NORTHERN BRAZIL: DIVERSITY, TAPHONOMY AND PALEOICHNOLOGICAL AND PALEOENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Caves of the Bambuí Speleological Province, in Aurora do Tocantins, Northern Brazil, have revealed important fossil accumulations attributed to the Upper Pleistocene–Holocene. Recently, the first fossil records were recovered from the Tacho de Ouro cave, which are assigned to Tayassu pecari, Cervidae indet., Odocoileus virginianus, Mazama sp., Palaeolama major, Tapirus sp., Coendou sp. and Catonyx cuvieri. The presence of extinct taxa suggests that this fossil assemblage maybe attributed to the late Pleistocene–Holocene interval. Information on the recognized habitats for the species found in the cave indicates an environment affected by climatic variations in this interval, corroborating with the hypothesis of non-contemporaneity of the species. The presence of O. virginianus in Tacho de Ouro cave represents the southmost occurrence of the species in Brazil. The taphonomical analysis indicates that the animals probably perished externally to the cave and then were carried into the cave by a low-energy hydraulic flow, being quickly buried in contact with the vadose level of the cave. Trace fossils observed in some specimens are associated with the predation or scavenging by carnivores (Fodinichnia)

The purpose of this study is to (1) demonstrate the viability of detecting terrestrial caves at thermal-infrared wavelengths, (2) improve our understanding of terrestrial cavethermal behavior, (3) identify times of day when cave openings... more

The purpose of this study is to (1) demonstrate the viability of detecting terrestrial caves at thermal-infrared wavelengths, (2) improve our understanding of terrestrial cavethermal behavior, (3) identify times of day when cave openings have the maximum thermal contrast with the surrounding surface regolith, and (4) further our understanding of how to detect caves on Earth, the Moon and Mars. We monitored the thermal behavior of two caves in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile. Through this work, we identified times when temperature contrasts between entrance and surface were greatest, thus enabling us to suggest optimal overflight times. The largest thermal contrast for both caves occurred during mid-day. One cave demonstrated thermal behavior at the entrance suggestive of cold-trapping, while the second cave demonstrated temperature shifts suggestive of airflow. We also collected thermograms without knowing optimal detection times; these images suggest both caves may also be detectable during off-peak times. We suggest cavedetection using thermal remote sensing on Earth and other planetary objects will be limited by (1) capturing imagery in the appropriate thermal wavelength, (2) the size of cave entrance vs. the sensor's spatial resolution, (3) the viewing angle of the platform in relation to the slope trajectory of the cave entrance, (4) the strength of the thermal signal associated with the cave entrance, and (5) the time of day and season of thermal image capture. Through this and other studies, we will begin to identify the range of conditions under which caves are detectable in the thermal infrared and thus improve our detection capabilities of these features on Earth, the Moon and Mars.

The Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) is composed of ranges with important regional geological structures in highly fractured carbonate rocks (Abra Formation), which facilitate the recharge of aquifers. At the regional scale, recharge occurs in... more

The Sierra Madre Oriental (SMO) is composed of ranges with important regional geological structures in highly fractured carbonate rocks (Abra Formation), which facilitate the recharge of aquifers. At the regional scale, recharge occurs in the western SMO and locally, in ranges such as Palmillas, La Colmena and Abra, while the regional discharge is to the east in the Huasteca zone. Intermountain valleys, such as El Salto, are located near the regional discharge zone. Three end members were identified in these regions, one related to local flow, another to intermediate and a third to regional flow. These flows define ternary mixing processes in groundwater. In this paper, the evolution of groundwater is studied, which is important for learning the system performance and hydrogeochemical processes through VISHMOD (Virtual Samples in Hydrochemical Modeling) methodology. The mixing model for the intermountain valleys indicates that many recharges occur, for which local flow contributes 68.3%, intermediate flow 12.3% and regional flow 19.4%. The inverse modeling shows that the water-rock interaction, precipitation and/or dissolution of calcite, gypsum and dolomite are the main processes occurring in the aquifer system of the intermountain valleys.

History of Bulgarian-Albanian explorations from 1991-2013 including the resuts

Sixteen karst áreas, developed in limestone that ranges in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene, are known to exist in Costa Rica. Whereas their geologic setting is known as a result of regional stratigraphic reconnaissance, detailed... more

Sixteen karst áreas, developed in limestone that ranges in age from Cretaceous to Pleistocene, are known to exist in Costa Rica. Whereas their geologic setting is known as a result of regional stratigraphic reconnaissance, detailed exploration of most of the karst áreas has not been accomplished, with one exception. Information on basic geologic conditions, geomorphology, speleology, ecology, and hydrogeology is available for the Barra Honda karst. General developmentof karst systems in Costa Rica has reached the young to moderately mature stage. They exhibit many of the classic karst features. The available data suggest that many more discoveries are waiting to be made.

At the N end of Mount Andutz (Izarraitz massif), near the town of Itziar (Gipuzkoa), there is a small and isolated hill of limestone reef (of Aptian age, early Cretaceous) that constitutes the karstic block of Zelaieta. A network of 12... more

At the N end of Mount Andutz (Izarraitz massif), near the town of Itziar (Gipuzkoa), there is a small and isolated hill of limestone reef (of Aptian age, early Cretaceous) that constitutes the karstic block of Zelaieta. A network of 12 cavities, with more than 2 km of galleries and -100 m of unevenness, drills the limestone hill, being drained by the Urtiaga cave-spring, which houses the unit collector. The underground river of the Urtiaga upwelling has 352 m of development and has an interesting ecosystem (45 species of macrofauna), with an abundance of aquatic fauna and several species of troglobites. During the study of its underground ecosystem, an eel species was found, which lives in pools of water in a dark zone inside the cavity. The work describes the peculiar features of this unique cave ecosystem.