Presentation Transcript
Chapter 17: Solution Processes and Karst Topography Chapter 17
Solution Processes and Karst Topography: Solution Processes and Karst Topography Solution and Precipitation
Caverns and Related Features
Karst Topography
Hydrothermal Features
Relative Solubility in Water: Relative Solubility in Water This diagram demonstrates the solubility of common rock forming elements
Sodium and calcium are very soluble
Aluminum is NOT
Caverns: Caverns Large caves or chambers in caves
Found anywhere there’s a massive limestone deposit at/near the surface
Usually larger horizontally than vertically
Connection to surface may be small or hidden
May be very extensive system of “rooms”
Stream may flow along floor
Cavern Formation: Cavern Formation Solution of underground water trickles along bedding planes and joint systems
Water dissolves limestone bedrock and leaves holes
Water leaves behind compounds it carried in solution
Cavern Features: Cavern Features Water dripping from roof forms stalactite – icicle
Water hits floor and builds upward - stalagmite
Karst Topography: Karst Topography Karst Landforms
Sinkhole
Tower Karst
Limestone and Karst Regions: Limestone and Karst Regions
Development of Karst Topography: Development of Karst Topography
Tower Karst: Tower Karst
Karst Topography: Karst Topography Tower Karsts
Sinkholes: Sinkholes Closed depressions in the land surface formed by dissolution of near-surface rocks or by the collapse of the roofs of underground channels and caverns.
Natural, common geologic feature in places underlain by soluble rocks
Natural conditions = they form slowly and expand gradually
Unnatural = dredging, constructing reservoirs, diverting surface water, and pumping ground water can accelerate the rate of sinkhole expansion - resulting in the abrupt formation of collapse-type sinkholes, some of which are spectacular
Florida Sinkholes: Florida Sinkholes Most of central Florida underlain by limestone bedrock Population growth has drained ground water Sparse rainfall in the 70’s accelerated drawdown of water table Number of sinkholes increased Approx 1/d in 80’s
Hydrothermal Features: Hydrothermal Features Hot Springs
Geysers
Fumaroles
Hot Springs: Hot Springs Water heated below ground
Sometimes due to proximity of magma
Finds path of least resistance to surface
Geysers Fumaroles: Geysers Fumaroles
Yellowstone National Park: Yellowstone National Park Geyser Basins
Travertine Terraces
Yellowstone Geyser Basins: Yellowstone Geyser Basins