mm/1000yr* chemical cementation- converts sediment into sedimentary rock-calcite, quartz, and iron are chief cementing substances* chemical replacement- dissolves one substance and replaces it with another-mineral and organic substances can be replaced (petrified wood)* carbonate caves and cave formation (cavern =* system of caves)-rate of formation = rate of dissolution (acidic water +)1.shallow saturated zone* initial dissolution along joints by percolating groundwater-carbonic acid & sulfuric acid* deposition of carbonate formations on cave walls while a stream occupies the cave floor* continued deposition after the stream has stopped flowing* cave deposits-insoluable clay and silt-deposits chemically precipitated from dripping water: dripstone, stalactites-deposits chemically precipitated from flowing water: flowstone, stalagmites-columns- stalactites and stalagmites grown together-dripstone and flowstone can only be deposited if cave is partially filled with air (lie at or above water table)-crystals and cave form when in zone of saturation, mites/tites when in zone of aerationKarst TopographyFactors of Karst Topography* warm temperature promotes dissolution* adequate rain =* groundwater, soil & plants -CO2Features* sinkhole- dissolution cavity open to the sky (caused by falling water table)* solution valleys- channels of sinkholes* cones and towers- steep topographyKarst Topography (small, closed basins, disrupted drainage (springs))-steep hydraulic gradient-limestone or dolomite-usually in tropical areas* sinkhole karst- landscape dotted with sinkholes* cone karst/tower karst- thick, well-jointed limestone that separates into isolated blocks as it weathers-cone karst- closely spaced conical hills separated by deep sinkholes-tower karst- isolated limestone hills separated by expanses of alluvium* pavement karst- broad areas of bare limestone in which joints and bedding planes have been etched and widened by dissolution (glaciation...
