Unusual polygenetic void and cave development in dolomitized Miocene chalks on Barbados, West Indies

Authors

Jonathan B. Sumrall, Sam Houston State UniversityFollow
John E. Mylroie, Mississippi State UniversityFollow
Hans G. Machel, University of AlbertaFollow

Abstract

Barbados provides an unusual case of polygenetic cave development within dolomitized chalks and marls of the Miocene Oceanics Group. These diagenetic processes are driven by a succession and interplay of tectonic uplift, fracturing, hypogene fluid injection, overprinting by mixing zone diagenesis, and mechanical and biological erosion in the current littoral zone. The significance of the voids and caves within the chalks on Barbados are: 1) these appear to be the first dissolution caves documented in dolomitized chalk, and 2) these features show a polygenetic origin documenting the diagenetic changes in lithology that allowed the development and preservation of these cave types.

DOI

http://dx.doi.org/10.5038/1827-806X.42.3.8

Recommended Citation

Sumrall, Jonathan B.; John E. Mylroie; and Hans G. Machel. 2013. Unusual polygenetic void and cave development in dolomitized Miocene chalks on Barbados, West Indies. International Journal of Speleology, 42: 247-255.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/ijs/vol42/iss3/8