bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Layla Lakes, Saudi Arabia: The World-Wide Largest Lacustrine Gypsum Tufas
Authors: Kempe Stephan , Driks Heiko
Published: February 2016

Throughout the center of Saudi Arabia the anhydrite upper Jurassic Heethformation can be followed N to S. Locally it is punctured by hypogene karst sinkholes. The most prominent are the former Layla Lakes at 22.17°N 46.70°E. The lakes (17 originally) have been drained in the late 1980’s, revealing 19 sinkholes, some of them composites of several subsidence centers. The largest is 1.1 km long, 0.4 km wide and about 40 m deep. Others are less than 10 m across and rather recent. The bottom of the former lakes and the flats around them are composed of thick layers of fine-grained lake chalks. The most striking feature of these sinkholes is the several meters thick tufa covering the vertical walls of the sinkholes. It formed sub-aqueous and is entirely composed of gypsum. Morphologically the tufa displays thick bulbous forms at the bottom changing to conical forms at middle depthto gour-, gutter-, or shovel-like forms near to the former lake surface. The mineralogy and morphology of this tufa appear to be singular world-wide.
Hydrologic Connections and Dynamics of Water Movement in the Classical Karst (Kras) Aquifer: Evidence from Frequement Chemical and Stable Isotope Samoling
Authors: Doctor Daniel H.
Published: February 2016

A review of past researchon the hydrogeology of the Classical Karst (Kras) region and new information obtained from a two-year study using environmental tracers are presented in this paper. The main problems addressed are 1) the sources of water to the Kras aquifer resurgence zone—including the famous Ti­mavo springs—under changing flow regimes; 2) a quantifica­tion of the storage volumes of the karst massif corresponding to flow regimes defined by hydrographrecessions of the Timavo springs; and 3) changing dynamics between deep phreatic con­duit flow and shallow phreatic and epiphreatic storage within the aquifer resurgence zone as determined throughchanges in chemical and isotopic composition at springs and wells. Partic­ular focus was placed on addressing the long-standing question of the influence of the Soča River on the ground waters of the aquifer resurgence zone. The results indicate that the alluvial aquifer supplied by the sinking of the Soča River on the north­western edge of the massif contributes approximately 75% of the mean annual outflow to the smaller springs of the aquifer resur­gence zone, and as muchas 53% to the mean annual outflow of the Timavo springs. As a whole, the Soča River is estimated to contribute 56% of the average outflow of the Kras aquifer resurgence. The proportions of Soča River water increase under drier conditions, and decrease under wetter conditions. Time series analysis of oxygen stable isotope records indicate that the transit time of Soča River water to the Timavo springs, Sardos spring, and well B-4 is on the order of 1-2 months, depending on hydrological conditions. The total baseflow storage of the Ti­mavo springs is estimated to be 518 million m3, and represents 88.5% of the storage capacity estimated for all flow regimes of the springs. The ratio of baseflow storage volume to the average annual volume discharged at the Timavo springs is 0.54. The Reka River sinking in Slovenia supplies substantial allogenic recharge to the aquifer; however, its influence on the northwest resurgence zone is limited to the Timavo springs, and is only a significant component of the spring discharge under flood con­ditions for relatively brief periods (several days to weeks). Sus­tainability of the trans-boundary aquifer of the Kras will benefit from maintaining highwater quality in the Soča River, as well as focused water tracing experiments within the epiphreatic zone of the aquifer to better delineate the recharge zone and to identify sources of potential contamination to the Brestovica water supply well.
Microorganisms in Hypogeon: Examples from Slovenian Karst Caves
Authors: Mulec Janez
Published: February 2016

In caves microorganisms inhabit distinct habitats where they develop various interactions. As an evidence of microbial activ­ity several features can be identified. Microorganisms are in­volved bothin lithogenic and litholitic processes. Besides het­erotrophs in caves autotrophic organisms can be also expected. Some cyanobacteria and microalgae in caves can survive even at photon flux densities lower than their photosynthetic compen­sation point. In the paper up-to-date identified groups of mi­croorganisms (bacteria, cyanobacteria, microalgae, fungi and protozoa) withtheir localities in Slovenian caves are presented. Especially bacteria from caves, as the most diverse group, of­fer immense biotechnological and bioremediation potential. In caves microbial biomass can be considered a considerable food source for cave-dwelling higher organisms. Caves in Slovenia offer great chances to discover new species, as was fungus Mu­cor troglophilus discovered in association withthe cave cricket Troglophilus neglectus.
The Possibly Hypogene Karstic Iron Ore Deposit of Warda Near Ajloun (Northern Jordan), its Mineralogy, Geochemistry and Historic Mine
Authors: Al-Malabeh Ahmad , Kempe Stephan , Henschel Horst-Volker , Hofmann Heiko , Tobschall Heinz Jürgen
Published: February 2016

In this study the iron ore deposit of the historic Warda mine (District of Ajloun, Northern Jordan) and its speleological im­portance is discussed. The number of known dissolutional caves in Jordan is very low, in spite of the fact, that large sections of the country are underlain by Cretaceous limestone. The only large cave yet discovered is Al-Daher Cave, a hypogene maze cave (Kempe et al. 2006). The Warda Iron Deposit was mined during the time of the crusades by one of Saladin’s officers to build and stock the castle of Ajloun. The survey shows that the mine consists of two larger rooms, together about 1000 m2 in area. Much of the mine’s floor is now covered with recent flood sediments (680 m2), up to over 2 m deep. The mine cuts natural cavities, fissures with speleothems and a collapse hall in lime­stone, that may or may not have been created by a collapsed mine ceiling. Calculating the mine volume conservatively, a to­tal of about 1100 t of elemental iron may have been extracted. Mineralogical investigation (XRD) shows, that the iron ore is goethitic/limonitic with noticeable hematite contents. Geo­chemical (XRF) analysis shows that the goethite is very pure; impurities of main elements sum up to 1% only. Among the trace-elements W (248 ppm), As (168 ppm) and Co (124 ppm) show the highest concentrations, with all others < 37 (Ba) ppm. Former prospecting results show that the deposit has a spatial extent of 300 x 200 m with a maximal thickness of about 10 m. Textural, mineralogical and geochemical criteria suggest that the ore body could be of speleogene origin, i.e. deposited in a hypogene, deep phreathic setting, possibly before regional up­lift or even prior to the maximal burial depth. A possibly simi­lar ore-body is for example described from the gigantic Lower Cretaceous and sand-filled cave of Wülfrath (North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany) (Drozdzewski et al. 1998).
Physical and Chemical Research in Velebita Pit (Croatia)
Authors: Paar Dalibor , Ujević Magdalena , Bakšić Darko , Lacković Damir , Čop Ana , Radolić Vanja
Published: February 2016

We have performed measurements of the cave microclimate, water quality parameters and radon concentration to a depth of -1000 m in Velebita Cave system (Northern Velebit, Croa­tia). The results were analyzed as a function of the cave depth and geomorphological characteristics. Two different air tem­perature gradients were obtained, which can be attributed to a cave morphology and air circulation in the upper part of the pit. The water quality parameters show that the studied waters are poorly mineralized and are of weakly alkaline type. Water chemistry is probably predominantly controlled by the petrog­raphy of the bedrock (limestone) and the cave morphology. Water in the cave is not affected by pollution. The average value of radon concentration is rather low, much lower than in some other Croatian caves.
Caves, Stories, History and Popular Traditions in the Semi-Desert (Sertão) of Bahia, Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Barrbosa Elvis Pereira , Travassos Luiz Eduardo Panisset
Published: February 2016

The symbiosis between man and caves usually causes a mixture of fascination and respect. When looking back at the history of Antique civilizations, there are references to this relationship made in almost all cases. Caves were men’s first home, their first meeting places, shelters, and ritualistic places. Nowadays, even with the fear of darkness and closed areas that is so usual, that old-time connection still exists. In the contemporary world, some places still hold a special sacred meaning to many social groups. Thus, the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia, to the shrine of Fatima in Portugal, to the Ganges River in India or to the cave church of Bom Jesus da Lapa in the interior of Bahia State, Brazil, are closely related when it comes to spiritual complicity. These sites play a key role as a collective reference of human sacrifice in an increasingly automated, technical and individualistic world much more than as strengthers of the religious faith. In Brazil there are many important religious sites. This paper mentions important sites specifically from the northeastern region. The examples are the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus da Lapa, the Cave of Patamuté, the Brejoes Cave, and the Milagrosa Cave. All these examples show clear manifestations of popular traditions and year after year illustrate the important roles that caves play in regional Brazilian societies. This paper is not intended to diminish the physical studies of karst areas but it wants to emphasize the importance of the human variable, especially in developing countries, for the relationship between karst and caves in the popular tradition, transmitted by means of oral stories and folk beliefs goes beyond the scientific advances.
Hydromechanism and Desalination of Coastal Karst Aquifers: Theory and Case
Authors: Breznik Marko , Steinman Franci
Published: February 2016

Brackish water of coastal karst aquifers is useless. Desalination methods are: interception method to capture fresh water in karst massif, isolation and rise-spring-level methods to prevent sea water inflow and reduced pumping of fresh water in dry periods. Four typical cases explain these methods.
Karst Rivers Hydrology: Case of the Lika and Gacka (Croatia)
Authors: Bonacci Ognjen , Andrić Ivo
Published: February 2016

In this paper a case of very special hydrological behaviour of two neighbouring sinking karst rivers, Lika and Gacka, (Dinaric karst of Croatia), is analysed. The Lika River has a torrential hydrological regime. At the Sklope gauging station its minimum, mean and maximum measured discharges in the 1951-2005 period were: 0 (dry) m3/s : 24.5 m3/s : 729 m3/s. During the same period the Gacka River, at the Vivoze gauging station, had the following characteristic discharges: 2.29 m3/s; 14.7 m3/s; 71.0 m3/s. While the flow regime of the Lika River is characterised by extremely and very quick changes of discharges, the Gacka River flow regime is unusually uniform. The objective of the investigations made in this paper was to analyse the extremely different hydrological behaviour of the two neighbouring sinking rivers in order to find its reasons. Master depletion curves defined for the two analysed rivers shows that the karst aquifer of the Gacka River is much more abundant than Lika’s. The difference in the water temperature regime of the two neighbouring rivers is extremely high. At the Lika-Bilaj gauging station the minimum, mean and maximum measured water temperatures in the period of 1964-1991 were: 0.6°C; 9.3 °C; 21.4°C. During the period of 1964-2005 the Gacka River, at the Čovići gauging station had the following characteristic water temperatures: 6.4°C : 9.1°C : 11.6°C. The resident time in the karst underground of water discharging from the Gacka karst springs is much longer than in the case of the Lika River. The most probable explanation for this unusual hydrological behaviour of the two neighbouring karst rivers is that water from the Lika River and its catchment recharges some karst springs of the Gacka River. It is concluded that the Lika River feeds the Gacka River with an average annual discharge of about 5.35 m3/s. This value is different during each year and depends on the hydrological situation. It is very probably higher during the wet years than during the dry ones.
Caves and Karst Aquifer Drainage of Supramonte (Sardinia, Italy): A Review.
Authors: Cabras Salvatore , De Waele Jo , Sanna Laura
Published: February 2016

Supramonte is one of the biggest and interesting karst areas of Sardinia (Italy), hosting extensive cave systems explored since the 50s. Early cavers and scientists have carried out some dye tests, but hydrogeological research was hindered by lack of ac­cessible underground rivers. A complex subterranean river sys­tem has been discovered in the past decade enabling to organ­ise several new tracer tests. The history of cave explorations, the morphology and hydrology of the systems and the dye tracing experiments are reviewed in this paper in order to give an up­dated view on hydrogeology of this important karst area.
Karst Landforms in a Martian Evaporitic Dome
Authors: Baioni Davide , Zupan Hajna Nadja , Wezel Forese Carlo
Published: February 2016

The Tithonium Chasma is the northern trench of the western troughs of Valles Marineris (Mars). In the eastern part of the canyon system a mountain displaying a dome shape morphology is located. According to OMEGA mineralogical data (OMEGA data orbit 531_3) and further studies the dome appears to consist of magnesium sulphate (kieserite), an evaporitic mineral also found on the Earth. Previous works highlighted the presence of karst-like landforms and morphologies that strongly resemble the evaporitic karst morphologies found on the Earth. Through the analysis of the new MRO HiRISE images we have investigated the Martian landform and the possible processes involved in their formation and shaping in great detail. The analysis carried out show that the landforms observed clearly indicate the presence of solutional processes that also acted in a selective way, highlighting that the Martian dome can be formed of dfferent materials (minerals, grain-size, ect.) with different solutional properties. The results of our observation also suggest that on the dome liquid water must have existed in the past for enough time so that the solution features we investigated could be formed.
The Relationship Between Cave Minerals and H2S - Rich Thermal Waters along Cerna Valley (SW Romania)
Authors: Onac Bogdan P. , Sumrall Jonathan , Tămaş Tudor , Povară Ioan , Kearns Joe , Dârmiceanu Veonica , Veres Daniel , Lascu Cristian
Published: February 2016

Within the Cerna Valley in southwestern Romania, over a 100 caves were formed in the Jurassic and Cretaceous limestone that outcrops on the valley walls. Three aspects are prominent when entering most of the caves in this region: the presence of considerable gypsum deposits, the amount of guano, and the cave temperature. High temperature anomalies are uncommon in the cave environment. In certain caves in the lower part of Cerna Valley, however, one can measure air temperatures as high as 40°C. This situation is due to the presence of thermal water pooling or flowing through the caves or to the hot steam that rises along fractures from deeper thermal water pools. As a result, these caves provide a unique set of conditions that allowed for the deposition of a suite of unusual minerals. This study presents the results of fifty-seven mineral samples that were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction, geochemical, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope analyses with the scope of linking the cave minerals with likely hypogene speleogenetic processes. Here we document the occurrence of twenty-two secondary cave minerals, among which, apjonite and tamarugite are the first recorded occurrences in a limestone cave environment. The minerals fall into three distinct associations: sulfate-dominated (Diana Cave), phosphate-dominated (Adam Shaft), and sulfate-phosphate-nitrate-rich assemblage (Great Sălitrari Cave). Additional isotopic measurements (δ34S) performed on sulfate speleothems contribute valuable information on both minerals and cave origins.
Contribution to a Rock Block Slide Examination by a Model of Mutual Transformation of Point Clouds
Authors: Konič Sebastjan , Ribičič Mihael , Vulić Milivoj
Published: February 2016

Basic objective of this article is to find out whether the rock block on which the castle of Crni kal is situated sticked once to the Kraški rob wall. The result is given on the basis of comparison of forms of both presumed contact surfaces represented by a great number of points determined in space. This cloud of points has been captured by 3D terrestrial laser scanning. On the basis of assessment of geological and morphological characteristics of the Crni kal rock block and the Kraški rob wall 12 characteristic pairs of corresponding (matching) points were collected, one pair consisting of two points, each from its own wall. By use of a method called 12-parameter affine transformation, transformation parameters of one cloud transformation into the other one were calculated. Since for such a transformation 4 pairs of points are enough, and there were even 12 pairs of points used in order to provide better results, the socalled least square method (LSM) was used. By the so obtained transformation vector the reference point cloud of the Crni kal rock block was transformed, for a size of the vector move back, into a cloud of transformed points which should match the reference point cloud of the Kraški rob wall. The comparison of a reference point cloud of Kraški rob and a cloud of transformed points showed that the rock block of Crni kal slid in a S-SW direction for 4.7 m in form of a block failure. Static analysis of matching point clouds proved that as much as 95 % of points fell within a distance less than 0.74 m which confirmed the hypothesis that the rock block on which the castle of Crni kal was situated represented once a part of the Kraški rob wall. Prior to the 11th century at least, it split away from it and moved parallel to the wall in form of a block failure.
Periodical Cerknica Lake in Frischlin’s (1547-1590) Work
Authors: Južnič Stanislav
Published: February 2016

Ljubljana rector Frischlin’s work about Cerknica Lake (1582- 1584) is described. Frischlin’s connections with other protestant and catholic researchers are put in the limelight. Frischlin wrote his most important astronomical work De astronomicae artis at Ljubljana. It was the first world-wide recognised scientific work produced at the area of modern Slovenia. Valvasor published comparatively long description of Frischlin work at Ljubljana with the special concern put on Frischilin’s poetry devoted to the secrets of periodical Cerknica Lake. The speleologist Urbas partially translated Frischlin ode nearly two centuries after Valvasor’s publication. This pioneering discussion is devoted to Frischlin’s important contribution to 16th century subterranean karst research.
Structural Geology of the Škocjan Caves
Authors: Šebela Stanka
Published: February 2016

The Škocjan Caves are developed inside 300 m thick column of Cretaceous and Paleocene limestones. Most of the underground Reka River flows within the 130 m thick Lipica Formation (K2 4-5). Data from field structural geological mapping (1:500) performed in 1991-1992 (Hankejev Kanal) and in 1997- 2007 (Tiha and Šumeča Jama) are analysed and presented on a new structural geological map. The Reka River follows bedding- plane strike and dip direction in Šumeča Jama and Hankejev Kanal. From the western part of Hankejev Kanal to the ponor in Martelova Dvorana the Reka River flows perpendicular to strike direction of bedding-planes with dip direction of the bedding contrary to river flow. Bedding planes with interbedded slips were especially favourable for the development of initial passages. The bend of the Reka River in Hankejev Kanal is developed at the intersection of multiple fault zones. Cross- Dinaric oriented faults in Podorna Dvorana and at northern edge of Martelova Dvorana can potentially be neotectonically active.
The Loess “Cave” Near the Village of Surduk - an Unusual Pseudokarst Landform in the Loess of Vojvodina, Serbia
Authors: Lukić Tin , Marković Slobodan B. , Stevens Thomas , Vasiljević Djordjije A. , Machalett Björn , Milojković Njeboša , Basarin Biljana , Obreht Igor
Published: February 2016

Loess “caves” (piping caverns, wells, tunnels) exposed in loess cliffs are rare pseudokarst landforms that can be regarded as morphological equivalents to collapse dolines or sinkholes formed in classical karst terrains. This study presents the results of an investigation into a loess cave exposed in a loess cliff on the right bank of the Danube River near the village of Surduk in the Vojvodina region, Serbia. This study provides a first detailed morphologic description of this young pseudokarstic landform formed by piping erosion, probably partly supported with carbonate dissolution. The loess “cave” has a height of approximately 12 m and average diameter of around 3.5 m. In the middle of the cave ceiling there is a window. Observations indicate that over the last several years, the morphological characteristics of the landform have been stable. The main aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the evolution of the piping process in the thick loess-paleosol sequences in the Vojvodina region, northern Serbia. A key role in the genesis of this landform was the short distance between an initial loess doline and a cliff exposing loess sediments, providing the possibility for the lateral removal of loess material. The presence of Robinia pseudoakacia trees around the initial depression modulated the evolution of the doline and provides support for the loess cavern roof. The nature of the dynamic erosional processes on the steep cliffs of the soft loess sediment indicates a very limited lifetime of this pseudokarstic landform.
Vegetation of the Dolines in Mecsek Mountains (South Hungary) in relation to the Local Plant Communities
Authors: Batori Zoltan , Erdős Laszlo , Morschhauser Tamás , Török Péter , Körmöczi László
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with the forest vegetation of the lower part of the dolines in Mecsek Mts. (South Hungary). In order to char-acterize this vegetation type, samples were compared to the 6 plant communities occurring in the neighbourhood of the dolines. Considering the vegetation texture and species com-position, the vegetation of the dolines resembles mainly the extrazonal beechwoods (Helleboro odori-fagetum) and local ravine forests (Scutellario altissimae-Aceretum) that preserve several mountain, subatlantic relict species in this area. Our study revealed that the plant communities characteristic of the karst surface of Western Mecsek are arranged along a moisture and nutrient gradient. In this system, the habitat conditions of the dolines are similar to those of the beech forests and the lo-cal ravine forests, fresh and relatively rich in nutrients. In the karst, dominated by oak-hornbeam and beech forests, effects of the thermal inversion are the most spectacular where beech forests follow turkey oak-sessile oak forests and oak-hornbeam forests on the lower part of the doline slopes. The described vegetation type of these depressions is developed by edafic fac-tors; its identification as a separate association is not supported by the analyses.
Tourism in Caves and the Conservation of the Speleological Heritage:The Case of Serra da Bodoquena (Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil)
Authors: Lobo Heros Augusto Santos , Moretti Evaldo Cesar
Published: February 2016

The Serra da Bodoquena is the region in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil in which the municipality of Bonito is located. This municipality is the primary calling card for tourism in the state and is one of the most developed areas of ecotourism and speleotourism in the country. The tourism there is entitled ecotourism, and is designed to be sustainable. The present case study focuses on the ecologically sustainable aspects of the speleotourism practiced there, especially the proposals for tourist carrying capacity adopted. The results and discussion provide suggestions for the adoption of a different formulation of carrying capacity focusing on both operational and quantitative aspects. Ecologically sustainable speleotourism in the Serra da Bodoquena should be possible as long as new proposals limiting visitation are adopted which conform to technical environmental management procedures and consider the interests of local stakeholders.
Groundwaters of Serbian and Slovenian Dinaric Karst – Comparison of Current status, Use, Protection and Perspectives.
Authors: Milenić Dejan , Petrič Metka
Published: February 2016

The Dinaric karst is the largest continuous karstland in Europe. With its outermost northwestern and eastern parts it extends to the territory of Slovenia and Serbia. Karst aquifers within it are very important sources of water supply in the two countries. We therefore decided to compare the characteristics of karst water resources and the approaches to the exploitation and protection of karst aquifers with the aim of searching for the most convenient methods for their research and management. Different characteristics of the two compared areas were established, as well as differences and similarities in the application of various research methods and the management approaches. The findings were summarized in the table which includes the most important parameters of karst water systems and research methods used for their study in the area of Dinaric karst in Serbia and Slovenia. As an example of good practice, two case studies are described in the article. For the Slovene part, vast experiences in the application of tracer tests with artificial tracers are reviewed and the guidelines for its efficient use in the research of karst aquifers are summarized. For the Serbian part, described case study of the detection of the pollution source in the recharge area of an important water source and the preparation of remedial measures are presented as an efficient approach to solve such problems on karst areas.
Groundwater Contamination in Karst Areas of Southwestern China and Recommended Countermeasures
Authors: Guo Fang , Yuan Daoxian , Qin Zhengjiao
Published: February 2016

Approximately 33% of China is karstic. The most extensive karst areas are in southwestern China and cover approximate­ly 540,000 km2. Southwestern China hosts some of the most typical karst landforms in the world and has important high-quality karst water resources. Due to the rapid development of China, karst waters are threatened by various types of con­tamination. Detail field and laboratory investigations in five provinces including several cities in southwestern China were conducted in 2008 and 2009. Eighty-three springs and under­ground rivers were surveyed and water samples collected from eachfor laboratory analyses for major ions. Four main types of karst aquifer contamination were identified based on con­taminant sources: rural and agricultural pollution, pollution from urban development and industry, pollution from mining, and accidental groundwater pollution. Several representative instances for eachtype of contamination and their impacts on the environment are discussed in more detail. Contamination countermeasures of karst waters and a framework for overall management of karst water resources in southwestern China are provided.
Time series analysis, modelling and assessment of optimal exploitation of the Nemanja karst springs, Serbia
Authors: Jemcov Igor , Petrič Metka
Published: February 2016

The time series analysis was applied in the case-study of a karst aquifer in Serbia in order to study its functioning, hydrody­namic behavior and hydraulic properties. Focusing on the defi­nition of groundwater budget, due to very complex function­ing of karst systems the correlation and spectral analyses were used to emphasize the importance of transforming the input data – precipitation to effective infiltration. The characteriza­tion of karst aquifer was further improved by separating the output component – discharge to base-flow and fast-flow com­ponents. Additionally, the importance of these transformations was proved in application of the regression model for the sim­ulation of discharges based on the effective infiltration func­tions. A recharge-discharge model was applied in accordance withthe active groundwater management, defining optimal “exploitable” regimes, whichincluded the analyses of storage changes in karst water reservoirs under natural conditions, and calculation of the potential exploitation conditions.
Fold and fault control on the drainage pattern of a double-karst-aquifer system, Winterstaude, Austrian Alps
Authors: Goldscheider Nico , Neukum Christoph
Published: February 2016

Lithostratigraphy and geologic structures are major controls on groundwater flow in alpine karst systems. Understanding these factors is important for the delimitation of drinking water pro­tection zones. The Winterstaude mountain chain, western Aus­tria, belongs to the Helvetic nappes and consists of Cretaceous sedimentary rocks, including two karstifiable formations: Örfla and Schrattenkalk Limestone (lower and upper karst aquifer), separated by 60 m of marl. Strata are folded and cut by faults withdisplacements of 40–70 m. Folded carbonate rocks con­tinue below the alluvial valley floor so that the karst system can be subdivided in shallow and deep phreatic zones. This area is suitable for studying the combined influence of folds and faults on groundwater flow in a double-aquifer system. A multi-trac­er test withseven injections aimed at characterising hydraulic connections and linear flow velocities. Results show that (i) plunging synclines form the main drainage pathways in the up­per karst aquifer, withmaximum linear velocities of 91 m/h, while anticlines act as water divides; (ii) recharge into the lower aquifer, whichforms the central ridge of the mountain chain, contributes to springs discharging from the upper aquifer near the foot of the mountain (local flow systems); (iii) the two aq­uifers are hydraulically connected, presumably via faults, be­cause their displacements are in the same order of magnitude as the thickness of the intervening marl; (iv) flow in the upper aquifer continues below the valley floor toward the river, withmaximum velocities of 22 m/h(intermediate flow system).
Damage to the historic town of Staufen (Germany) caused by geothermal drillings through anhydrite-bearing formations
Authors: Sass Ingo , Burbaum Ulrich
Published: February 2016

Shallow geothermal systems for the heating and cooling of buildings will play an important role in the future renewable energy supply. Especially in dense settlements the geother­mal energy utilization for facility heating and cooling is very promising. Therefore, it is important to analyse the damage to Staufen im Breisgau (Germany). In September of 2007, seven geothermal borehole heat exchanger (BHE) drillings were per­formed in a small square directly adjacent to the 16th century town hall in the centre of the town. These led to enormous structural damage to buildings as a function of four different geological parameters: artesian groundwater, two interacting karst formations, strong tectonization, and a swellable anhy­drite formation. Some weeks after termination of the well con­struction, uplift started, and recently (March 2010) reached a magnitude of approximately 26 cm. Actually, some 250 build­ings (March 2010) are involved; showing cracks, tilting, and other effects of the differential swelling movements beneath the foundations. Surface uplifts with rate up to 10 mm/month have been determined using high-resolution spaceborne radar data and radarinterferometric techniques. These amplitudes correlate with data from benchmarks of terrestrial geodetic surveyng. Besides the uplift due to the swelling processes, fu­ture problems could arise from the fact that the gypsum formed from the swelled anhydrite is soluble in water. Thus, sinkholes and other karst related phenomena may occur.
Carbon dioxide in the soils and adjacent caves of the Moravian Karst
Authors: Faimon Jiří , Ličbinska Monika
Published: February 2016

Variations of soil/cave CO2 concentrations and further vari­ables suchas temperature, humidity, and cave visitor atten­dance were studied in two sites of the Moravian Karst (CzechRepublic). All the variables showed the same seasonality; they were strongly correlated witheachother. The dependence of soil CO2 levels on soil air temperature and absolute humidity was confirmed. Individual effects could not be distinguished because of multicollinearity. The effect of vegetation on soil CO2 production was not recognized. Cave attendance was identified as the most significant predictor of cave CO2 levels. Other variables, soil CO2 and temperature gradients, were less significant. A spurious relationship was alternatively consid­ered, in whichexternal temperature was the universal predic­tor of cave CO2 levels.
Comprehensive radon concentration measurements in caves located in the area of Mecsek mountains
Authors: Koltai Gabriella , Orszag Janos , Tegzes Zoltan , Barany-Kevei Ilona
Published: February 2016

Radon concentration has been investigated in nine caves of the Mecsek Mountains, Hungary. Apart from radon concentra­tion, underground temperature and pressure were detected by DATAQUA monitoring devices. Our primary aim was to gain information about boththe radon concentration levels and the convectional systems of these caves in order to study the characteristics of the researcharea. In addition, we intended to detect any differences between the caves either on the basis of the previous measurements or on account of their topo-mor­phological location. Data were comprehensively analyzed in relation to surface temperature and atmospheric pressure. The collected data showed that the caves located in the researcharea have particularly highradon concentrations. The highest values were measured in valley floor-positioned caves whereas the lowest ones in hilltop-positioned caves. In four cases the air convection systems of the studied caves differed from what would have been indicated by their topo-morphological loca­tion. In our study we summarize the convectional laws and uniqueness of the caves investigated.
Radon levels in karst caves in Slovenia
Authors: Vaupotič Janja
Published: February 2016

A review is given on the radon survey in the Slovenian karst caves, those open for tourists and those for cavers and spele­ologists only. Radon concentrations differed markedly from cave to cave, as well as from point to point in the same cave. In addition to radon, in the Postojna Cave also radon decay prod­ucts (RnDP), equilibrium factor between radon and RnDP, and the unattached fraction of RnDP have been monitored. Based on highradon levels, permanent radon monitoring was intro­duced in Postojna Cave and time spent by workers in the cave limited in order to keep their exposure to radon acceptably low.
Križna jama (SW Slovenia): Numerical-and correlated-ages from cave bear-bearing sediments
Authors: Bosak Pavel , Pruner Petr , Zupan Hajna Nadja , Hercman Helena , Mihevc Andrej , Wagner Jan
Published: February 2016

Križna jama is a large river cave located between Loško and Cerkniško poljes under Križna gora Mount in southern Slo­venia. It has been known since the mid-19thcentury due to numerous cave bear finds. The cave is filled by complicated sequences of cave fluvial and lacustrine sediments, whichare recently partly eroded. We studied two paleontological exca­vations and profiles in the Medvedji rov to contribute to the solution of dating of bone-bearing lithological horizons. The Križna jama I profile consists of alternation of speleothem lay­ers (flowstone sheets withsmall stalagmites, sometimes within situ cemented Ursus gr. spelaeus bones) and fine-grained silici­clastics often withbones of cave bear. It can be correlated withthe upper part of the Križna jama II profile, but witha slightly less preserved stratigraphic record. Radiocarbon and U-series dates clearly indicate two different ages of cave bear thanato­cenoses in the Križna jama I profile: those above flowstone crusts were dated to ca. 47–45 ka by radiocarbon dating; those included in speleothem layers and clay interbeds are older than 94 ka (U-series date). The details of internal lithology, low thicknesses of layers and the state of bone preservation exclude expected sandwiching of younger layers into eroded/washed spaces among flowstones. Numerical dating excludes re-depo­sition of bear bones from older assemblage to sediments above flowstones. According to the paleomagnetic parameters (pre­vailing normal polarization), the deposition took place within the Brunhes Chron (< 780 ka). There were discovered in total four short-lived reverse excursions of the magnetic field. Ac­cording to U-series data, the upper one (profile I) might be correlated withthe Blake excursion. The lower ones are older than ca 190 ka and can be correlated withsome of the Jamaica-Pringle Falls, Namaku, Calabrian Ridge, Portuguese margin or Calabrian Ridge 1 excursions. Sediments in studied profiles were deposited during the Last Glacial (Weichselian), Eemian interglacial, Saalian glacial and Holsteinian interglacial.
Speleothems and speleogenesis of the hypogenic Santa Barbara Cave System (South-West Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Pagliara Antonio , De Waele Jo , Galli Ermanno , Rossi Antonio
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the results of a study on the speleogene­sis and the speleothems and secondary mineralisations of the Santa Barbara Cave System in the Iglesiente Mining District (South-West Sardinia, Cagliari). This cave system, hosted in Cambrian carbonate rocks, has a very long geological history and its main voids have formed in hypogenic conditions. Nine speleogenetic phases can be recognised ranging in age between Cambrian and Holocene. Optical microscope and diffracto­metric analysis of active flowstone deposits have shown them being composed of alternating calcite and aragonite layers. The textural and chemical characteristics of these layers, obtained by SEM and EDAXanalysis, suggest them to be related to varia­tions in the depositional environment inside the cave, whichin turn are probably correlated to external climatic oscillations.
Preliminary U/Th dating and the evolution of gypsum crystals in Naica caves (Mexico)
Authors: Sanna Laura , Forti Paolo , Lauritzen Stein-Erik
Published: February 2016

The origin and the evolution of giant selenite crystals in Naica caves, together withthe understanding of their growthmechanisms, is one of the aims of the international multidisciplinary research, called the “Naica Project”. In this context, the exact timing of when the gypsum nucleation started and whether its growthhas been constant over time, have been investigated. The preliminary data obtained withthe U–Th disequilibrium method show significant differences in ages for gypsum (between 191 ± 13 kyr for one of the Ojo de la Reina cave crystals and 57 ± 1.7 kyr for the base of Espadas cave’s spar) and have produced a coarse chronological interval of growth. The crystal depositional rates vary from 0.56 to 1.22 mm/kyr, in excellent agreement withthe laboratory tests for gypsum deposition under present conditions performed in the deepest part of the mine. These results are also consistent witha multistage precipitation started at different times in the Naica caves (first in caves at the upper level, where gypsum was subsequently dissolved, and only later in the deeper part of the aquifer under stable conditions) and allow us to improve the knowledge on the speleogenetic evolution of these caves.
New knowledge on the Monte Conca gypsum karst system (Central-western Sicily, Italy)
Authors: Madonia Giuliana , Vattano Marco
Published: February 2016

The Monte Conca karst system is located in Central-Western Sicily, where Messinian evaporites are widespread. Here, the evaporites lie on lower Messinian-middle Serravallian clayey-marly-sandy deposits and are overlain locally by Pliocene marly limestones. These successions are affected by E-W, and to a lesser degree N-S and NW-SE, high-angle faults that have also produced lateral contacts between the gypsum units and the clayey-marly deposits. The cave passages reachaltogether about 2.4 km in lengthand 130 m in depth, and the system consists of a sink cave, a resurgence and a relict resurgence. At large scale it is characterized by superimposed levels of sub-horizontal galleries connected by vertical shafts, whichare developed in adjustment to the contemporary geomorphological setting. Until 2003, the sink cave was known to have been formed by a stream-sink, an upper horizontal gallery, a sequence of four shafts and a lower gallery. New explorations have discovered 1.5 km of relict passages that are correlatable withthe inactive resurgence level and that occur at intermediate elevations between the two stories of galleries. Sinks of these relict branches are located headward of the actual sink point, but they have been sealed and covered by thick debris and alluvial deposits from the surface slopes. The resurgence consists of two superimposed galleries, the upper one inactive and the lower one active in equilibrium withthe current local base level. The relict resurgence is located about 40 m above the resurgence and is characterized by a sub-horizontal gallery partially filled by copious alluvial deposits. Analysis of the gallery patterns and of the cave landforms suggests that the karst system is a multi-layer system formed under unconfined conditions. Additionally, analysis suggests that its evolution is due to a succession of stillstand and lowering phases of the karst base level, according to a regional uplifting trend, and to surface slope processes, whichhave complicated the structure of the karst system.
Laser scanning technology for the hypogean survey: the case of Santa Barbara karst system (Sardinia, Italy)
Authors: Canavese Erminio Paolo , Forti Paolo , Naseddu Angelo , Ottelli Luciano , Tedeschi Roberta
Published: February 2016

The morphological knowledge of the territory, bothin its surface and subterranean aspects, is the main premise to all decision-making procedures as well as all planning and management activities. Knowledge takes shape into reliable precise and complete thematic cartography and databases, whichare necessary for anybody dealing withunderground contexts: speleologists, scientists, public administrations, managing authorities etc. Surveys in caves are normally carried out withtraditional techniques and instruments, whichare essential for a first representation but not enoughfor a pragmatic effective topographic approach. Laser scanning technique can be an alternative to the traditional systems. Laser scanning quickly acquires the shape of cavities as “point clouds” (x, y, z coordinates and colour values) and produces a highprecision database of the surveyed object. Laser scanning technology is therefore a feasible way to document caves in a precise exhaustive way, limiting risks relating to lack and/or inadequacy of data. The present paper explains the laser scanning survey carried out in San Giovanni mine near Iglesias (Sardinia, Italy), particularly in Santa Barbara and Santa Barbara 2 caves, the data post-processing and three-dimensional modelling of “point clouds” (operations performed witha dedicated software), and the use of the obtained digital model. Moreover, the paper describes the advantages of laser scanning for the hypogean survey in comparison to traditional methods and the future potentialities of a broad application of laser scanning instruments in caves.
Towards a better knowledge of Cansiglio karst system (Italy): results of the first successful groundwater tracer test
Authors: Vincenzi Valentina , Riva Alberto , Rossetti Stefano
Published: February 2016

Cansiglio is a limestone plateau located on the border between the regions of Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, northeastern Italy. The eastern area is characterized by a thick succession of Cretaceous peritidal carbonates, while the central western part is characterized by slope breccia deposits. Even thoughPian Cansiglio is an important karst system, its hydrogeology is poorly known. Three important springs that form the Livenza River are located at its southeastern border and are thought to represent the majority of karst aquifer discharge, but no experimental data are available in the literature. Gruppo Speleologico Ferrarese explored an 800 m deep cave (Abisso Col de la Rizza) on Pian Cansiglio, whichprovided the opportunity to conduct tracer tests. Fluorescent dyes were injected in September 2008 in Abisso Col de la Rizza (uranine) and in Bus della Genziana (tinopal CBS-X). Over a period of three months, local cavers conducted an intense sampling programme, whichincluded collecting water samples, charcoal bags and cotton lints. Automated samplers were used for highfrequency monitoring at two of the springs. Tinopal was not detected, so the connection between Bus della Genziana and the springs was not demonstrated. The connection between Abisso Col de la Rizza and two of the springs was demonstrated by uranine. A mean velocity of 248 m/day results from the tracer concentration peaks; intense rainfall events increased the flow velocities four to five times. Different hypotheses are considered in order to explain the low mass recovery rate (32-40% of the injected mass). The uranine tracer test demonstrated that Pian Cansiglio aquifer contributes to the two Livenza springs; it also opens a question about the third spring, whichprobably originates from the Mount Cavallo area (another limestone massif close to Pian Cansiglio). The rapid response to rainfall recharge suggests a vulnerability of the spring system, further supporting the importance of conducting a detailed hydrogeological study.
Tanella cave (Monte Baldo-Verona, Italy): a record of environmental data on the last glacial period
Authors: Zorzin Roberto , Agostini Laura , Montecchi Maria Chiara , Torri Paola , Accorsi Carla Alberta
Published: February 2016

Since 2003, an extensive hydrogeological investigation has been carried out on Monte Baldo, in order to make a census of springs occurring along the west side of the mountain and to evaluate the quality of their water. The investigation included morphological and hydrogeological observations concerning the Tanella cave and interdisciplinary investigations performed on the deposits found in the cave. This paper shows the first data concerning the hydrogeology of the cave, as well as data on stratigraphy, pollen and micro-charcoals obtained from the analyses of a well preserved sequence located at ca. 80 m from the entrance (sequence A). The aim of the study was to reconstruct the environment of the area around the cave along the time span testified by the sequence. The sequence is 60 cm thick and was built up by fluvioglacial sediments followed by lacustrine sediments. Five samples taken along the sequence plus three recent control samples (mosses), collected in places assumed as origins of the pollen input, were studied for pollen and micro-charcoals. Pollen preservation was good and concentration varied from 101 to 103 p/g. Pollen spectra from the cave showed the evolution from a landscape of alpine grassland above the timberline, likely of glacial age, to a more forested Holocene landscape similar in flora to the current one testified by the control samples. Pollen probably arrived in the cave by air, water and animals and from plants growing near the cave. It appears to have been continuously underwater after its deposition due to its very good state of preservation. Micro-charcoals suggested that fires were sometimes lit near the cave.