Karst Hydrogeology, Geomorphology and Caves (eBook)

Jo De Waele is Full Professor in the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Bologna, Italy. Francisco Gutiérrez is Full Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Zaragoza, Spain.

Preface



Acknowledgements



1 Introduction to karst

1.1 The term karst. Definition and origin

1.2 Classification of karst

1.3 Global distribution of karst

1.4 Karst terminology



2 Karst rocks

2.1 Karst rocks within the rock classifications

2.2 Carbonate rocks and minerals

2.3 Evaporite rocks and minerals

2.4 Quartz sandstones and quartzites





3 Dissolution of karst rocks

3.1 Introduction

3.2 Basic concepts and parameters

3.3 The dissolution of carbonate rocks in normal meteoric waters

3.4 The dissolution of carbonate rocks by sulfuric acid

3.5 The dissolution of gypsum and halite

3.6 The dissolution of silica

3.7 Factors that influence the solubility and saturation state

3.8 Dissolution and precipitation kinetics of karst minerals

3.9 Geological controls on karst development

3.10 Biokarst processes





4 Denudation in karst. Rates and spatial distribution

4.1 Basic concepts

4.2 Controlling factors and the influence of climate

4.3 Methods for measuring denudation rates and the carbonate karst experience

4.4 Denudation rates in gypsum and salt

4.5 Solutional denudation of quartz sandstones and quartzites

4.6 Interpretation and integration of denudation rates





5 Karst hydrogeology

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Brief historical overview on karst hydrogeology (1900)

5.3 Definitions

5.4 Groundwater flow fundamentals

5.5 Groundwater flow in karst aquifers

5.6 Analysis of karst groundwater basins





6 Karren and Sinkholes

6.1 Karst. A special geomorphic system

6.2 Karren

6.3 Sinkholes (dolines)





7 Other Karst Landforms

7.1 Poljes

7.2 Corrosion plains, rejuvenation and submergence

7.3 Residual hills. Fenglin and fengcong

7.4 Valleys in karst

7.5 Constructional features. Tufas and travertines





8 Special Features Associated with Evaporites

8.1 Interstratal Evaporite Karst

8.2 Covered Evaporite Karst

8.3 Bare Evaporite Karst

8.4 Salt Tectonics and Karst in Salt Extrusions





9 Cave geomorphology

9.1 Introduction

9.2 Macromorphology

9.3 Speleogens: small-scale passage morphologies





10 Cave deposits

10.1 Introduction

10.2 Classification of cave sediments

10.3 Clastic sediments

10.4 Organic sediments

10.5 Transported chemical deposits

10.6 Chemical deposits

10.7 Speleothems

10.8 Cave sediments as paleoclimate and paleo-environmental archives





11 Speleogenesis: how solutional caves form

11.1 The growth of ideas in cave genesis

11.2 Geological controls on cave genesis in carbonate rocks

11.3 Simple models of initial cave development

11.4 Hydrogeological controls on cave genesis

11.5 Caves in non-carbonate rocks

11.6 Condensation-corrosion

11.7 A summary: life cycle of solution caves





INDEX