Title

Karst in granitic rocks, South Cameroon: cave genesis and silica and taranakite speleothems

Alternative Title

Terra Nova

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Publication Date

10-21-2002

Volume Number

14

Issue Number

5

Abstract

A cave in granitic rocks was studied in Mezesse, South Cameroon. Coralloid speleothems, draperies and dissolution traces on the cave walls attest to its truly karstic nature. The speleothems consist of microlayers of opal and taranakite (K,NH4)Al3(PO4)3(OH).9H2O. They indicate a significant mobilization of silica, Al and K from granite during the formation of the cave. Identification of silicified bacteria in the speleothems layers suggests a possible role of these micro-organisms in silica deposition. The presence of taranakite and of silicified organic remains within the speleothems lead to a better understanding of the genesis of the cave.

Document Type

Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-3121.2002.00429.x

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