Geological model of paleokarst systems: theory and applications

Abstract

In the course of the last two decades the new diagenetic school of paleokarst has been established after Esceban & Klappa (1983). In contrast with the classical geographical and geomorphological approach the new concept of investigations, the sedimentological and diagenetic study of karst systems has been introduced. The most important considerations and conclusions are summarised in the following: — The evolution of the paleokarst systems is related to the cyclic development of carbonate platforms. Diagenetic paleokarst cycles are subsequent and phase retarded in time; – The paleokarst horizons have formed in well defined sections of the carbonate platform, reflecting clear regularities in dieir distribution; — The formation and evolution of paleakarst systems is controlled by global eustatic sea level fluctuations, governed by climatic changes; – The main conduit zones are the cave horizons, parallel to the bedding, consequently they can be detected and delineated by simple geological and geophysical methods. The introduction and application of this model, as resulted in genetic reconstruction of short term and long term multiphase paleokarst evolution, is demonstrated by some examples from Hungary and from different areas of the world.