See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Hypogenic Karst: Shedding Light on Once Poorly Understood Hydrologic and Morphologic Features
Abstract:
Hypogenic speleogenesis is the formation of solution-enlarged permeability structures by waters ascending through soluble formations from below. Vertical hydraulic communication across lithological boundaries and different porosity systems allows deeper groundwaters in regional or intermediate flow systems to interact with shallower and more local systems supporting various dissolution mechanisms. There is a specific hydrogeologic mechanism inherent in hypogenic transverse speleogenesis (restricted input/output) that suppresses the positive flow-dissolution feedback and speleogenetic competition in initial flowpath networks, accounting for more uniform and pervasive conduit development.
Hypogenic caves are identified in various geological and tectonic settings, being formed by different dissolutional mechanisms operating in various lithologies. Despite these variations, resultant caves demonstrate remarkable similarity in patterns and meso-morphology, strongly suggesting that the type of flow system is the primary control. Cave patterns in hypogenic speleogenesis are guided by the initial permeability structure and its vertical heterogeneities. Because of its "transversal" nature hypogenic speleogenesis has a clustered distribution in a plan view although clusters may merge and extend through large areas.
Recognition of wide occurrence, importance and specific characteristics of hypogenic speleogenesis represents a major paradigm shift in karst science that answers many questions not satisfactorily addressed previously.
See more from this Division: Topical Sessions
See more from this Session: Hypogenic Karst: Shedding Light on Once Poorly Understood Hydrologic and Morphologic Features