Work

Brief communication: Stalagmite damage by cave ice flow quantitatively assessed by fluid–structure interaction simulations

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: . Mechanical damage to stalagmites is commonly observed in mid-latitude caves. Former studies identified thermoelastic ice expansion as a plausible mechanism for such damage. This study builds on these findings and investigates the role of ice flow along the cave bed as a possible second mechanism for stalagmite damage. Utilizing fluid-structure interaction models based on the finite element method, forces created by ice flow are simulated for different stalagmite geometries. The resulting effects of such forces on the structural integrity of stalagmites are analyzed and presented. Our results suggest that structural failure of stalagmites caused by ice flow is possible, albeit unlikely.

Source: The cryosphere

DOI: 10.5194/tc-18-4811-2024

Authors: Alexander H. Jarosch, Paul Hofer, Christoph Spötl

Institution: Universität Innsbruck

Language: English

Topic: Karst Systems and Hydrogeology

Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,574

Funder: Austrian Science Fund