Cave and Karst

  Age Estimation of Hypogenic Caves in the Mozduran Formation (NE Iran): Implications for Karst Evolution Mike Buchanan 2025 Picture: A Mozduran Cave (Courtesy of Mahmood Mherafrooz) Abstract Hypogenic caves within the Mozduran Formation of north-eastern Iran represent one of the earliest documented examples of deep-seated karst development in the region. This paper investigates their age, stratigraphic context, and geological significance. Based on stratigraphic correlation, carbonate platform evolution, and diagenetic processes, these caves are estimated to have formed during the Oxfordian–Kimmeridgian stages of the Late Jurassic (163.5–152.1 Ma). Numerical approximation places the average age of the caves at 157.8 Ma. Their evolution reflects hypogene dissolution by ascending fluids and subsequent paleoenvironmental modifications such as terra rossa infilling. Comparisons with global hypogenic karst systems highlight the broader significance of Iranian karst within Late J...

  The Impact of Human Activity on Cave Ecosystems - Mike Buchanan 2022 Opening Salvo Carbonate cave systems and associated karst landscapes host complex, interdependent biological communities, microbes, fungi, protists, invertebrates and vertebrate-associated microbiomes. That have co‑evolved with the physical and chemical gradients of the subterranean environment; naturally occurring pathogens are therefore not anomalous intruders but intrinsic members of this biome, playing roles in nutrient cycling, population regulation and ecological resilience while reflecting the cave’s hydrology, substrate chemistry, and biological connectivity to surface ecosystems. Human activities, surface land use change, groundwater contamination, cave tourism, mining and introduction of non-native organisms, alter these delicately balanced conditions. Shifting microbial community composition and sometimes increasing the abundance or distribution of opportunistic or zoonotic agents, which raises occu...

  The Role of Strontium and Thorium Isotopes in Dating Carbonate Formations and Cave Systems: Implications of Hypogenic Processes and Stratigraphy Mike Buchanan, 2025 Abstract This paper explores the application of strontium and thorium isotopes in dating carbonate formations and cave systems, particularly in the context of hypogenic processes. It discusses the advantages and limitations of using these isotopes, the impact of flooding events on isotopic clocks, and the importance of stratigraphy in establishing a clear timeline for void dissolution. The integration of isotopic data with stratigraphic analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of the geological history and environmental conditions influencing cave systems. (Schwarcz & Latham, 1989; Kaufman et al., 1971) (Banner, 1995) (McArthur et al., 2001) Introduction Cave systems and carbonate formations are valuable records of geological and environmental history. The dating of these formations is crucial for understan...

  The Dolomitically Fabulous Drama of Geological Terminology 🌍 In the grand theatre of academia, where the pursuit of knowledge often dances hand-in-hand with the absurd, we find ourselves in a delightful conundrum. 👨‍🎓   Picture this: 🖼️ the humble limestone, a stalwart of sedimentary rock, suddenly finds itself in a midlife crisis. With a smidgeon of magnesium, it undergoes a transformation, donning the new title of "dolomi"tit"ick." It’s as if limestone, tired of its plain existence, decided to spice things up with a dash of magnesium flair, declaring, “I’m not just any rock; I’m dolomitically fabulous!”  As our dolomitized friend struts about, geologists engage in a spirited debate. “Is it limestone dolomite or dolomite limestone?” they ponder, scratching their heads in confusion. Meanwhile, the British Geological Survey insists on the term "limestone dolomite," as if the addition of "limestone" somehow elevates our magnesium-laden ro...

  The Evolution of Carbonate Caves: From Fracture and Void Genesis to Exponential Enlargement and Speleogenesis Mike Buchanan, 2022   Introduction to Void Genesis The formation of carbonate caves is fundamentally rooted in void genesis, the development of cavities within soluble rocks, primarily limestone, due to dissolution. This process is tied to the geological history of the host formation, especially the fractures created during sedimentary lithification. While void genesis refers specifically to the development of voids, speleogenesis encompasses the entire evolution of cave systems. Fracture Formation in Sedimentary Lithification During lithification, geological forces generate fractures and fissures in limestone. These fractures act as conduits for infiltration by slightly acidic water, primarily carbonic acid formed from CO₂ and rainwater. Such water initiates dissolution, which progressively enlarges voids (Ford & Williams, 2007). Gradual Conduit For...

  Hypogenic Overprinting, Radionuclide Activity and Diurnal Ventilation: Redrawing the Foundations of Speleothem-Based Paleoclimate Reconstructions Mike Buchanan 2025   Abstract Cave microclimates are traditionally seen as stable environments with minimal thermal variability and predictable airflow patterns. However, this perspective fails to account for disruptive forces such as hypogenic supersaturation events, radionuclide-induced speleogenesis and nuanced diurnal ventilation. These karst system phenomena not only influence cave morphology and microclimate but also undermine the foundational assumptions of isotopic speleothem dating. This paper integrates emerging research and empirical observations to argue that many speleothem-based paleoclimate reconstructions may rest on compromised stratigraphic and isotopic frameworks. Introduction Caves are considered ideal archives of paleoclimate by some due to their stable environments and alleged ability to preserve...