Lakes as a speleogenetic agent in the karst of Lagoa Santa, Brazil

Augusto Auler

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Publication Date

1995

Publication Title

Cave and Karst Science

Volume Number

21

Issue Number

3

Abstract

Study of a sample of 122 caves in the karst area of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, showed that 50.8% were formed or modified by the slowly moving phreatic water of surface lakes. Three main types of lake were recognised. Sinkhole lakes and water table lakes have a speleogenetic role, while phyllite lakes represent perched water isolated from the limestone aquifer. Network and rectilinear caves were formed by undersaturated water that accumulates in the lakes, mostly during the wet season. The best developed caves occur in the recharge zone. The positions of ancient lake basins are indicated by today's dry relict maze caves.

Document Type

Article

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