Articles
Nicod J. 2005. Karsts, palaeo-geomorphology, palaeo-environments - panorama of ten years (1991-2001) of karst research in France.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX): 17-38. Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
The 13 thesis and main papers on the recent geomorphological researchs have been inventoried, and studied particularly on the problems of planation surfaces, inherited cone karst and stages of downcutting of some karstic canyons. The forms and processes are compared in six areas of recent researches:
- Arbailles massif, in Western Pyrenean Range,
- Causses of Quercy and Southern Périgord,
- Causse of Larzac, and adjacent Languedoc,
- Montrieux Plateau, near Toulon (Provence),
- Great Canyon of Verdon, (Southern subalpine Ranges),
- High Plateau des Coulmes , Vercors (Northern Préalpes).
The investigations of sediments in dolines, various pockets and fossil or roofless caves have given much information. Particularly the new notions are analysed on the processes of alteration (crypto-corrosion, “ghost-rocks”), and the part of the alterites (and other surficial deposits) cover attend to:
- the formation of the planation surfaces and rock-fans;
- the genesis (by exhumation in some cases) and evolution of residual hills of inherited tropical cone karst.
The speleogical studies on the fossil cave deposits and isotopic data from speleothems and travertine terraces have given new information on the stages of the downcutting of karstic canyons. The position of the base level controls most processes, according to tectonic movements, eustatic stages (particularly the impact of Messinian regression in the Mediterranean and Rhone areas) and the alteration of glaciation/retreat in the northern Alpine valleys.
Pulina M., Żaba J., Polonius A.. 2005. Relation between karst forms of Smoleń-Niegowonice Range and tectonic activity of Cracow-Wieluń Upland base.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):39-85, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
Central part of the Cracow-Wieluń Upland, Smoleń-Niegowonice Range especially, distinguishes within the whole upland by presence of dozens of large morphologically expressed depressions - basins with features similar to karst poljes. Large number of caves that are remnants of cave systems present in the past is also significant feature of the area. In part of these caves features developed in hydrothermal conditions of deep phreatic zone are present.
Paper deals with results of long term research of caves as well as good knowledge on Palaeozoic base and geology of Upper Jurassic carbonate complex. Some morphogenetic conclusions for karst were possible to state. Presence of basins and numerous morphological depressions of karst origin in southern part of Smoleń-Niegowonice Range prove very specific geological conditions favourable for their development. Main geological factor were discontinuity lines (fracture zones, faults, etc.) disturb rocks of Mesozoic complex. Location and shape of large karst depressions are strictly related to these zones and tectonic lines. Tectonic structure of the Triassic and Jurassic units is connected with fault zones within Palaeozoic base, Lower Palaeozoic rocks build Upper Silesian and Malopolska blocks among them. Location of caves with traces of hydrothermal processes shows probably that there are located in vicinity of still active deep-seated fault zones. In these zones water of deep circulation were heated up. Specificity of this zone is showed also by presence of gas emanation, what is probably reason of so intensive development of karst phenomena.
Thesis stated in the paper, that border zone of Upper Silesian and Malopolska blocks played great role in development of karst morphology in limestone of Smoleń-Niegowonice Range should be proved in areas of Silesian-Cracow Upland lying in the Cracow-Lubliniec fault zone.
Dobrowolski R., Bogucki A., Zaleski I. 2005. Morfogenesis of chalk karst in the Volhynia Elevation (NW Ukraine).
Kras i speleologia 11(XX): 87-105, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
Karst in the discussed area is developed in chalk and chalk-like marls of the Upper Cretaceous; it represents covered karst type, with features typical of fluviokarst. Processes forming the relief of top surface of carbonate rocks are complex due to lithofacial features of these rocks. Solution is there accompanied by exodynamic processes:erosion and gravitation mass-movements. We notice that structure and especially tectonics of the Upper Cretaceous formations play a very important role in formation of recent karst relief in this area, conditioning typological differentiation of landforms, their spatial arrangement and development conditions.
Kicińska D. 2005. Evolution of paleoflows direction in the west part of Lodowe Spring Cave System.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):107-124, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
Ancient flow have been investigated in the western part of Lodowe Spring Cave System in: Zimna, Czarna, Miętusia, Miętusia Wyżnia and Naciekowa. A paleoflow reconstruction based upon scallop measurements on cave walls and heavy mineral analyses in cave deposits. Development of underground flows and evolution of valley were reciprocal influenced and consequently controlled by lower discharge point of karst aquifer at the boundary of carbonate rocks with overlying aquiclude (marls or shales). The outflow since the Neogene was consequently directed to the west to the principal Kościeliska Valley.
Fagundo J. R., Hernandez P.G., Munoz M.S., Forte B.P., Rodriguez L.S., Fagundo-Sierra J. 2005. Chemical composition origin of the waters from San Diego de los Baños-los Bermajales hydrothermal system, Pinar del Rio, Cuba.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):125-138, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
The origin of the chemical composition and geochemical processes related with waters San Diego de los Baños-Los Bermejales hydrotermal system were determined by means of pattern recognition as well as mass balance and mixing water models. This composition is explained by the followings geochemical processes: congruent dissolution of halite and dolomite, calcite precipitation, mass transference between plagioclase (albite and k-feldspar) and kaolinite, pyrite oxidation, H2S formation by sulfate anaerobic reduction, CO2 degassing and SiO2 precipitation.
Sklyarova O.A., Sklyarov E.V., Fedorovsky V.S. 2005. Lakes and springs of the Near-Ol'khom area (Baikal): tectonic control of their localization and water composition.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):139-167, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
Features of localization of lakes and springs of the Near-Ol’khon area and chemical composition of water are the main subjects of the paper. Location of the lakes and springs is controlled by Cenozoic faults of two types: 1) faults of NE strike, which inherit dextral strike-slips, formed at late stages of Early Paleozoic collisional events; 2) “pull-apart” faults, related to sinistral strike-slips, formed at early stages of Baikal rift system evolution.
Waters of the springs have low salinity (0.2-0.5 mg/l), stable cationic composition (Ca-Mg) and relatively variable anionic composition (from HCO3 to SO4- HCO3). It is supposed existence of sub-aquatic thermal spring (Cl-Na composition) in the Tsazan-Tyrm Lake according some indirect evidences. The investigated lakes are divided according to composition of water into fresh (up to 1 g/l), brackish (1-10 g/l) and saline (14-45 g/l) ones. Waters of the fresh lakes have mostly HCO3, Mg-Ca-Na or Mg-Na-Ca composition. The brackish lakes may be subdivided into two sub-types according to composition of water: a) predominantly HCO3-SO4, Mg-Na or Na-Mg and b) predominantly SO4-HCO3-Cl, Mg-Na or Na-Mg. The saline lakes have SO4-Cl or Cl-SO4, Na-Mg composition of waters. Chemical composition of the lake waters is controlled by two main factors: 1) composition of feeding groundwater; 2) rate of surface water alteration (predominantly cryogenic).
Localization and salinity of water of the lakes and springs strongly depends on type of Cenozoic faults distinguished. The springs and fresh-water lakes, where waters are similar in salinity and chemical composition to springs, are located near inherited faults. Almost all brackish and salt lakes, as well as supposed sub-aquatic thermal spring in the Tsagan-Tyrm Lake, are situated in the limits of “pull-apart” structures. Possible explanation of this peculiarity is different depth of penetration of different types of faults. Depth of inherited faults is restricted because of complex thrust - strike slip related structure of the crystalline basement. Ancient gentle dipping thrusts restrict penetration of recent inherited faults. So, waters of the springs and fresh lakes correspond on composition to meteoric groundwater, circulating on shallow depth. “Pull-apart” faults are related to sinistral displacements in time of Baikal depression formation and are discordant to all ancient structures. So, they can drain deeper horizons of groundwater circulation, where composition of water (Cl-Na) differs from composition of meteoric groundwater. Mixing of groundwaters of different composition is likely to be responsible for the wide spectra of salinity and chemical compositions of lake’s waters.
Różkowski A., Witkowski A.J., Kowalczyk A. 2005. Vulnerability Maps of the Triassic fractured-karstic aquifers of the Silesia-Cracow Monocline.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):169-186, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
The Triassic fractured-karstic aquifers are the main source of usable groundwater supply in urban-industrial agglomeration of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. During the last years the hydrogeological maps in the scale of 1:100 000 and 1:50 000 of these aquifers have been made in which the groundwater vulnerability has been evaluated and presented. Vulnerability assesment of groundwater was calculated according to empirical formulae taking into account seepage time of water and pollutants from the surface to the Triassic aquifer. Groundwater vulnerability to the surface contamination evaluated in the maps by the empirical formulae has been confronted with calculated values of the residence time of groundwater in aquifers as well as the reaction of springs and wells and mine inflows on the impulse of the precipitation and snow melting.
Różkowski J., Kowalczyk A., Rubin K., Wróbel J. 2005. Groundwater circulation balance, renewal and resources in the Cracow Jurassic karstic aquiter in the light of modelling study.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):187-199, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
The paper presents the results of modelling study of groundwater aquifer in water-bearing formation in the southern part of Częstochowa E Main Groundwater Basin in range of Cracow-Częstochowa Upland. The aim of modelling study was: determination of groundwater circulation system, calculation of groundwater balance, assessment of groundwater renewal and resources in the Upper Jurassic aquifer. A "pseudo-three-dimensional" model was constructed. It enclosed two aquifers: the first one, main – in the Upper Jurassic formation of the area of 652 km2 and the second one – in the Triassic carbonate formation of the area of 313 km2. MODFLOW program was applied for model construction and task realization. Groundwater runoff in the Upper Jurassic aquifer is formed almost entirely as a result of effective infiltration of precipitation. Such recharge within the study area determines 87% of the total runoff. Average effective infiltration of precipitation reaches 24% within the balance area in relation to the average annual precipitation from multiannual period. The basic elements of water drainage are the valleys of the four main rivers: Biała Przemsza, Dłubnia, Prądnik and Rudawa. They drain about 59% of the total runoff. Water vertical leakage to the lower Triassic aquifer, forced by drainage of the Olkusz ore mines, is manifested mainly within the Biała Przemsza river drainage basin. Intensity of the Upper Jurassic aquifer water renewal, defined as a total runoff modulus, varies in particular drainage basins from 4.85 to 6.06 dm3/skm2, while average value is 5.5 dm3/skm2.
Zupan Hajna N. 2005. Weathering of cave walls in Krempljak, SW Slovenia.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):203-210, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482. Krempljak is a cave situated in karst area of Matarsko podolje in the south-west part of Slovenia. The cave lies close to the surface and it was formed in transition between Lower and Upper Cretaceous carbonate beds. In larger side passage Stranski rov all the walls are extremely weathered, from few millimetres to some centimetres in depth. Depth of the weathered zone depends on freshness of breakdowns. In this cave are particularly interesting alternation of weathered limestone laminas and calcite laminas which together form so called “waffle” structure. The main reason of limestone weathering in this part of the cave is probably corrosive moisture which has it origin in percolation water from the surface above the cave.
Calić-Ljubojević J. 2005. Karst of the Danube Gorge (Iron Gates).
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):211-219, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
A general review of karst features in the area of the Danube Gorge, as well as the short description of geological setting and geomorphologic evolution of the region, are given in the paper. Among all surface and underground karst forms in the whole gorge, both on Yugoslav and Romanian side of the Danube, the most characteristic are those on Miroc Mountain, on which are situated five out of seven deepest caves in Serbia. All those caves are developed along the contacts of non-carbonate rocks and limestone, on western and eastern part of Miroc Mt. They are permanently or periodically active ponors (stream-sinks). Hydrological changes (higher watertable, drowned springs), caused by the formation of the artificial lake in the gorge, in 1971, are discussed as well.
Różkowski J, Motyka J, Różkowski K, Polonius A. 2005. Hydrogeological properties of Upper Jurassic limestones pore space of the Cracow Upland in light of laboratory investigations.
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):221-227, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
The paper presents results of Upper Jurassic limestones pore space hydrogeological parameter investigations conducted at Cracow Upland (WK) in 1999. Total amount of 91 core samples and 72 of irregular-shape were sampled from quarries, rocks and caves. Laboratory investigations were done at the University of Mining and Metallurgy in Cracow. Core samples enabled indicating of open porosity (no), specific yield () and hydraulic conductivity (k), while irregular-shape samples only matrix open porosity. Stated significant diversification of matrix hydrogeological parameters depends on lithology. The highest mean values were typical for chalky limestone population, while the lowest characterise massive limestones sampled from caves, simultaneously of minimal matrix patency. Results of matrix hydrogeological parameter investigations of the WK Upper Jurassic limestones, Czestochowa Upland and carbonates of Olkusz area are comparable.
Ślęzak A, Padewski A. 2005. Sediments of Borsucza Cave in Srocko (Częstochowa Upland).
Kras i speleologia 11(XX):229-237, Katowice (Poland). ISSN 0208-6336, ISSN 0137-5482.
Paper presents most important results of investigations of sediments filling Borsucza Cave in Srocko near Częstochowa, performed in 1995-1997. Besides of cave description, lithology of upper part of cave sediments as well as results of palaeozoological investigations are presented. Within sediment' profile four layers, different in structure and texture were distinguished. Among big mammal's bones collected in cave 85% are these of Ursus speleaus. Bones of Panthera spelea, Canis lupus, Vulpes vulpes, Meles meles, Sus scorfa, Rupicarpa rupicarpa, Cervus elaphus, Rangifer tarandus, Capreolus capreolus, Equus caballus, Mammuthus primigenius, indefinite Bovidae and human bones were found in the cave. Following species represents rodents: Sciurus vulgaris, Eliomys quercinus, Cricetus cricetus, Lemmus lemmus, Clethrionomys glareolus, Arvicola terrestris, Pitymys subterraneus, Microtus cf. arvalis, Microtus cf. agrestis, Microtus oeconomus, Microtus gregalis, Apodemus cf. flavicollis, Apodemus cf. sylvaticus, Apodemus cf. agrarius. Mentioned species belongs to three groups of different environmental requirements: steppe-tundra, eurytopic and forestal.
Percentages of steppe-tundra species decrease and forest species increase from lower to upper part of the profile cave sediments'. It proves steeply warming of climate in late Vistulian. It is also visible in lithology within the profile and proved by late glacial eaolian activity (mostly sandy sediments in cave). From the bottom to the upper part of profile increase quantity of small limestone rubbles. It could be connected with increasing frequency of temperature oscillation close to 0°C. In layer no. III larger amount of rubbles with larger dimension was registered. It means probably more intensive processes of weathering. All presented evidences in paper shows that investigated fragment of cave sediments' profile in Borsucza Cave were deposited in conditions of steeply softer climate of late Vistulian.
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