Hypogenic speleogenesis, dissolution by aggressive and deep-seated fluids, is the dominant cave formation process for the most important karst systems in Italy. Endogenic H2S and CO2 are the main corrosive agents of underground karst corrosion. Throughout the region, evidence of all end-members of karst processes can be found, from solution limestone caves to deposition of carbonate travertine. The redox reactions in the groundwater and in the atmosphere involve chemoautotrophic microbial activity. The presence of active hypogene branches in many caves permits a direct study of the karst-forming processes, as well as a comparison with resultant morphologies.
ACTIVE HYPOGENIC KARST IN ITALY
MENICHETTI, MARCO
2016
Abstract
Hypogenic speleogenesis, dissolution by aggressive and deep-seated fluids, is the dominant cave formation process for the most important karst systems in Italy. Endogenic H2S and CO2 are the main corrosive agents of underground karst corrosion. Throughout the region, evidence of all end-members of karst processes can be found, from solution limestone caves to deposition of carbonate travertine. The redox reactions in the groundwater and in the atmosphere involve chemoautotrophic microbial activity. The presence of active hypogene branches in many caves permits a direct study of the karst-forming processes, as well as a comparison with resultant morphologies.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
