Karst processes and time

Abstract

Karst evolution depends particularly on the time available for process evolution and on the geographical and geological conditions of the exposure of the rock. The longer the time, the higher the hydraulic gradient and the larger the amount of solvent water entering the karst system, the more evolved is the karst. In general, stratigraphic discontinuities directly influence the intensity and extent of karstification. Unconformities influence the stratigraphy of the karst through the time-span that is available for subaerial processes. The end of karstification can also be viewed from various perspectives. The definite end occurs at the moment when the host rock, together with its karst phenomena, has completely been eroded/denuded. Karst forms of individual evolution stages (cycles) can also be destroyed by erosion, denudation and abrasion without the necessity of the destruction of the whole succession of karst rocks. Temporary and/or final interruption of the karstification process can be caused by the “fossilisation” of the existing karst phenomena due to loss of hydrological activity. The shorter the time available for karstification, the greater is the likelihood that karst phenomena are preserved in the stratigraphic record. While products of short-lived karstification on shallow carbonate platforms can be preserved by deposition during a immediately succeeding sea-level rise, products of more pronounced karstification can be destroyed by various geomorphological processes. The longer the duration of subaerial exposure, the more complex these geomorphological agents are.