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Gypsum speleogenesis : A hydrogeological classification of gypsum caves

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Gypsum_Speleogenesis.pdf (40.22Mb)
Date
2017
Author
Calaforra, José María
Gázquez, Fernando
Keywords
Caves
Gypsum
Karst
Speleogenesis
QE Geology
Geology
Earth-Surface Processes
T-NDAS
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Abstract
This article reviews the state of the art of speleogenetic investigations in gypsum karsts from numerous studies carried out over the past 50 years in Spain. A classification of gypsum karsts is proposed based on the hydrogeological, tectonic and stratigraphic criteria that decisively control the evolution of gypsum karsts. In this respect, lithological aspects of Messinian and Triassic-Permian gypsum series in south-eastern Spain are considered, such as the alternation of rhythmic levels of marl and gypsum, as well as geodynamic aspects. The influence of the hydrogeological characteristics of evaporite aquifers on gypsum cave speleogenesis is discussed; this includes speleogenetic processes in confined, semi-confined or free aquifers controlled by regional and local base levels. Also, the importance of intense saline diapiric uplift is examined. To illustrate our classification, examples of gypsum caves developed in Spain are presented. Their similarities and differences with gypsum karsts in other regions (Italy, Ukraine, and USA) are discussed. A first general division addresses: (1) caves controlled by stratigraphic factors and (2) caves controlled by tectonic factors. Several typologies can be described, including (A) multilayer caves with confined hydrogeological origin, (B) confined hypophreatic caves with linear or maze configurations, (C) caves controlled by the variation or remanence of regional or local base-levels, and (D) caves controlled by the halokinetic evolution of salt/gypsum diapirs. The proposed classification is flexible and adaptable to each case, because different genetic mechanisms can coincide in time and space. Likewise, most considerations stated in this work about gypsum karst are valid for speleogenesis in other rock types.
Citation
Calaforra , J M & Gázquez , F 2017 , ' Gypsum speleogenesis : A hydrogeological classification of gypsum caves ' , International Journal of Speleology , vol. 46 , no. 2 , pp. 251-265 . https://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.46.2.2125
Publication
International Journal of Speleology
Status
Peer reviewed
DOI
https://doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.46.2.2125
ISSN
0392-6672
Type
Journal article
Rights
© 2017 the Author(s). Open Access. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0) License.
Collections
  • University of St Andrews Research
URI
http://hdl.handle.net/10023/11282

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