Influence of Primary Porosity on Epikarst Evolution and Surface Karst Features in Limestone, Dolomite, and Evaporites
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15377/2409-5710.2025.12.6Keywords:
Primary porosity, Drawdown dolines, Karst geomorphology, Epikarst development, Limestone, dolomite, evaporites, Cavity formation and dissolution processesAbstract
The characteristics and effect of the epikarst in karstifying rocks on surface feature development was studied based on literary data. Relationship of porosity, epikarst and feature development of limestone, dolomite and evaporite was established on well-soluble, less re-crystallized limestones with medium primary porosity. The degree of cavity formation is well-developed in the rock including its heterogeneous vertical percolation, which result in the development of drawdown dolines in the reviewed studied rocks. On well-soluble evaporites, the vertical percolation rate of homogeneous distribution was diagnosed and does not favour the heterogeneous cavity formation of the epikarst, the piezometric level and the development of drawdown dolines. On limestones , marble and dolomite of low porosity, the dissolution of low degree and low primary porosity hindered the development of a matured epikarst with cavities and of the piezometric surface and thus, of drawdown dolines. Surface features karren, dolines also develop on well-soluble karstic rocks with medium primary porosity. These features are well-developed with heterogeneous secondary porosity that leads to cavity formation. Low primary porosity recrystallized rocks facilitates infiltration and dissolution capacity decreases that concentrates into drainage open fractures.
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