Karstbase Bibliography Database

Paleokarst consists of solutional features from a prior geomorphic phase that have been preserved by  burial or by a substantial change in local environment. The two major paleokarst horizons in North  America are of Early-Middle Ordovician (post-Sauk) age and Mississippian-Pennsylvanian (post-Kaskaskia) age. There are also several less extensive paleokarst zones. They all differ in detail but  typically include remnants of surface karst features, caves, breccias, hypogenic porosity, and related  mineral suites. In places they provide high-permeability zones significant to water supply, or serve as  hosts to petroleum, ores, and later karst development. Studies of paleokarst give significant evidence for  past geologic and hydrologic conditions, both surficial and deep seated.