Gypsum cave morphologic evolution in Barber County, Kansas
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Keywords: karst, cave, geomorphology
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract
Authors:
Jonathan Sumrall, FHSU
Kaitlyn Gauvey, University of Tennessee
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Abstract
Gypsum cave development in Barber County, Kansas proceeds at extremely high rates that have yet to be quantified. To understand the timing and rate of formation, cave passage morphologies were measured from various caves that represent various stages of speleogenesis. Passage morphologies vary as solutionally aggressive waters interact with the mixed geology present in Barber County, Kansas. Additionally, the mechanically weak rocks that underlie these soluble rocks provide additional passage development through physical weathering. This combination of chemical and physical erosion produces a predictable sequence of passage morphologies. The next stage of this work will build upon this predictable sequence in order to determine timing and rates of enlargement.
Gypsum cave morphologic evolution in Barber County, Kansas
Category
Poster Abstract
