| TYPE
OF KARST |
SPELEOGENETIC
SETTINGS |
CHARACTERISTICS
OF CAVES |
| Hydro-
geological conditions: |
| principal |
| complementary |
|
Flow
pattern through gypsum and
type of recharge |
Initial
permeability (before
speleogenesis) |
| Intrastratal
deep-seated |
|
| 1.
Ascending flow, localized
basal inputs |
| |
| 2.
Ascending flow with possible
lateral component,
dispersed basal inputs |
|
|
very
inhomogeneous, generally
low to negligible,
locally
high
|
| |
| fairly
homogeneous,
generally
low |
|
| 1.
Discrete voids, commonly large and isometric;
associated stoping
cavities in coverbeds
at the top of VTS
after breakdowns |
| |
| 2.
Rectilinear 2-D or 3-D (multi-storey)
mazes |
|
| Intrastratal
subjacent |
| confined |
| phreatic |
| water
table |
| vadose |
|
| 1.
Ascending flow with possible
considerable lateral component,
localized or dispersed
basal inputs |
| |
| 2.
Descending flow with considerable
lateral component, localized inputs from
coverbeds and via superficial
sink points; possible backflooding |
|
| heterogeneous: |
| low
to high |
|
| Continuing
development of
the types 1 and 2 |
| |
| 3.
"Through caves": caves
that are linear or crudely
dendritic in plan,
horizontal, inclined, or step-like
in profile |
| |
| Enlargement
of inherited caves
at the water table |
|
| Intrastratal
entrenched |
| phreatic |
| water
table |
| vadose |
|
1.
Descending flow with possible
considerable lateral component, localized inputs from coverbeds and via
superficial sink points; possible backflooding |
| heterogeneous: |
| low
to high |
|
| Continuing
or newly started
development of the type 3 caves |
| |
| 4.
Vertical pipes developing
downwards from
the top of the gypsum |
|
| Exposed denuded |
| phreatic |
| water
table |
| vadose |
|
1.
Descending flow with possible
considerable lateral component,
localized inputs from
coverbeds and via superficial
sink points; possible
backflooding |
|
Continuing
or newly started
development of the type 3 caves |
| Exposed
barren |
| phreatic |
| water
table |
| vadose |
|
1.
Descending flow with possible considerable lateral component, localized
inputs from coverbeds and via superficial sink points; possible
backflooding |
|
Continuing
or newly started
development of the
type 3 caves |