Folia: A Hypogenic Degassing Origin

Folia are calcite deposits resembling inverted rimstones occurring in saturated pools. Based on morphological studies in Adaouste Cave (Provence, France) and on studies in worldwide sites, we propose a new genetic model for folia, close to the one of Green [1991]. Folia occurrence is interpreted as an indicator of hypogenic degassing just below the water table. The association with bubble trails results of combined processes made of generalized calcite deposition in saturated pools and corrosion along bubble trails.