Volume 28(1), April 2001

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Network caves in dipping limestone: examples from eastern Australia The reliability of the method of mixtures in stream studies The sediments of Illusion Pot, Kingsdale, UK Niphargus glenniei in West Cornwall, UK A review of Chinese travertines Forum Cover Photo by John Gunn of a fallen stalactite, Casa de Pedra, Brazil. The speleothem to the right of the figure is a large stalactite block that has detached from the cave roof and rotated through 90 degrees before landing on the floor. The point from which it fell is marked by an area of "fresher" rock on the ceiling, but the original top of the stalactite is buried beneath sediment. The area aroud the cave is thought to be tectonically inactive, raising the interesting question of what processes led to the block becoming detached and why it should have rotated before hitting the ground. Perhaps a topic for a future Cave and Karst Science paper?

Editorial

(Gunn, J. & D. Lowe (eds))
Editorial
Vol 28 (1) p 2

The editorial comments on new editorial arrangements, with Becky Talbot replacing Jean Reeve as Desk Top Publishing Assistant.

Cover photographs not related to any specific article but illustrating a particular topic, or raising a question, are solicited. The present issue has just such a cover photograph (by one of the editors). All that is required is a good quality colour slide or print of a cave or karst feature, together with a few words for the caption. Should contributors wish to provide more detail, or a longer discussion, this would be very welcome, and would be published in the Forum.

Papers

(Osborne, R.A.)
Halls and narrows: Network caves in dipping limestone, examples from eastern Australia
Vol 28 (1) pp 3 - 14

Abstract: Structurally guided network caves formed in limestones dipping in greater than approximately thirty degrees differ in plan and section from maze caves developed in horizontal to gently-dipping limestone. These caves are characterised by the development of large elongate cavities called halls, oriented along strike, and smaller, short cavities called narrows, oriented perpendicular to strike. Halls typically terminate blindly along strike. A range of hall and narrows development is recognised, resulting from increases in dip and differing disposition of joints. Entrances to hall and narrows caves appear to have little genetic relationship to the caves. Hall and narrows caves are common in the steeply dipping Palaeozoic limestones of eastern Australia. Whereas the origin of these caves has yet to be completely explained, many of their features suggest that hydrothermal or artesian water had a role in their development.

(Pentecost, A. & Z. Zhang)
A review of Chinese travertines

Vol 28 (1) pp 15 - 28

Abstract: This review provides a summary of the published information on Quaternary Chinese travertines. A coded list of 88 sites (74 active, 14 inactive) accompanies a distribution map of the epigean deposits. Most travertines occur in the provinces of Guangxi, Guizhou, Sichuan, Yunnan and Xizhang. Meteogene travertines (N=74), which develop in karst where there are no deep-seated CO2 sources, are most strongly developed in the warm, humid southern part of China, and are rare in cold and dry regions. A map showing the travertine-forming potential of Chinese karst is provided. Thermogene deposits (N=14), associated with tectonic activity and/or vulcanism, are confined to geothermal regions, particularly the Tibetan plateau. At several sites deposition occurs on a huge scale, providing spectacular examples of travertine-dammed lakes and cascades. They have spawned a large tourist industry with its attendant environmental problems.
Several sites have been investigated in detail, improving our understanding of the travertine deposition process. The flora of some sites has been shown to be rich and diverse, containing several rare plants. Rapid advances in cave travertine (speleothem) isotope geochemistry have been made, permitting a better understanding of Quaternary climate in parts of China, particularly in relation to air temperature and monsoon events. Subject areas currently lacking information are: modern fauna, travertine palaeo-biology, petrology and mineralogy. Knowledge of these would increase understanding of travertine formation, its biodiversity, and past environments in China.
Key words: travertine, tufa, speleothem, cave, China, distribution, climate, biology, chemistry.

(Murphy, P.J., R. Smallshire & C. Midgley)
The sediments of Illusion Pot, Kingsdale, UK: Evidence for sub-glacial utilisation of a karst conduit in the Yorkshire Dales?
Vol 28 (1) pp 29 - 34

Abstract: Analysis of the sedimentary fill preserved within the Illusion Pot section of the Dale Barn Cave system indicates that the sediments were derived from the Chapel-le-Dale end of the cave. The sedimentary sequence exposed in the conduit is very similar to those described from sub-glacial eskers, and a possible hydrological connection with the sub-glacial drainage system of the Chapel-le-Dale glacier is proposed. Scalloping superimposed upon speleothems in relict conduits within the system confirms that a second phreatic episode occurred during the cave's development. Speleothem uranium series dates constrain the second phreatic episode to post-date 343,000 BP (+86.0/-47.7ka).

(Stenner, R.D. & F.L. Stenner)
Factors concerning the reliability of the Method of Mixtures in stream studies, shown by three applications
Vol 28 (1) pp 35 - 42

Abstract: By studying examples when the Method of Mixtures failed, factors concerning essential assumptions were highlighted. Data from three different Method of Mixtures applications were considered.
In considering the first application (measuring stream ratios, and extending the work to map out the stream distribution in caves), conditions that cause changes in water properties are listed. Changes take place in boulder ruckles between the entrance and open cave. In open caves water properties were stable unless: (a) the water mixed with water from another source; (b) rainwater storm surge passed through the cave; (c) hard percolation water flowed over existing calcite deposits, depositing dripstone; (d) stream sediment was stirred up and included with sample; (e) oxidation of dissolved or suspended organic matter took place. The latter is a slow process that has not yet been found in Mendip caves. Unexpected changes in water properties are most likely to be a sign of the presence of a previously undiscovered inlet.
The second application is in the measurement of stream-size by salt dilution, in which uniform mixing is an essential consideration.
The third application is in investigating the characteristics of a stream that cannot be sampled directly.

Reports

(Knight, L.)
The occurrence of Niphargus glenniei (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) in West Cornwall, UK
Vol 28(1) pp 43 - 44

Abstract: Two new records of Niphargus glenniei are reported from wells in West Cornwall. This is the first reported occurrence of this species outside Devon since its discovery in 1948.

Forum

Scientific Note.

(Murphy, P.J.)
The occurrence of malachite in Joint Hole, North Yorkshire, UK

Vol 28 (1) p 45

Book Reviews

(Bednar, D.M.)
Beck, B.F. & J.G. Herring (editors), 2001. Geotechnical and environmental applications of karst geology and hydrology
Balkema, ISBN 90 5809 190 2
Vol 28 (1) pp 45 - 46

(Farrant, A.)
Daly, D., D. Drew, J. Deakin, D. Ball, M. Parkes & G. Wright (editors), 2000. The karst of Ireland: Limestone, landscapes, caves and groundwater drainage systems
Prepared by members of the Karst Working Group
Geological Survey of Ireland, Dublin, ISBN 1 899702 41 5
Also available on the GSI website: Karst book
Vol 28 (1) pp 46 - 47

(Lowe, D.)
Yonge, C.J., 2001. Under Grotto Mountain. Rat's Nest Cave
Rocky Mountain Books, Calgary, ISBN 0 921102 77 1
Vol 28 (1) pp 47 - 48

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