6.20 Sulfuric Acid Caves: Morphology and Evolution
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Publication Date
January 2013
Abstract
Many hypogene caves are formed by sulfuric acid produced by the oxidation of sulfides, particularly hydrogen sulfide. This cave development can take place below, at, or above the water table. Most cave enlargement is subaerial, in water films and droplets that absorb gaseous hydrogen sulfide and oxygen. Sulfuric acid caves have irregular patterns with large variations in cross section and elevation, with relatively few subhorizontal passages formed along the water table. Cave origin is scattered, localized, and sporadic. Sulfuric acid caves provide evidence for regional geomorphic and tectonic history, groundwater flow patterns, and redox geochemistry.
Keywords
Carlsbad Cavern, Cave Evolution, Cave Morphology, Frasassi Cave System, Geochemistry, Groundwater Processes, Hydrogen Sulfide, Hypogene Speleogenesis, Kane Caves, Lechuguilla Cave, Subaerial Speleogenesis, Sulfuric Acid, Tectonics
Document Type
Article
Identifier
SFS0040003_00001
Recommended Citation
Palmer, Arthur N., "6.20 Sulfuric Acid Caves: Morphology and Evolution" (2013). KIP Articles. 8.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/kip_articles/8
