Karstbase Bibliography Database

Speleogenesis refers to the processes by which caves are formed. Telogenetic speleogenesis is the formation of caves in compacted, fractured, soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum by circulating meteoric water. The kinetics of the known chemical reactions can be used to construct models that describe cave development as a function of time and the chemical and geological properties of the system. The common cave patterns of branchworks and mazes can be accounted for by hydraulic gradients and recharge rates.