Work

España Speleothems in karstic caves beneath paleoglaciers in the Central Pyrenees

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We explore the potential of various caves and karst systems of the Central Pyrenees (Lecherines-Collarada-Monte Perdido-Escuaín-Vignemale-Cotiella-Aneto-Maladeta) that could host speleothems that grew in karstic caves under glaciated areas. The requirements for the formation of speleothems in caves under areas covered by ice are: i) warm-based glaciers and ii) the presence of sulfides in the host rock. Springs and drip water were analysed to measure the presence of sulfates. Also, the presence of gypsum speleothems, pyrite, or other sulfides in the caves has been explored. Speleological observations, geological descriptions, and hydrochemical analyses have allowed the identification of caves and karst systems that may host these types of subglacial cave speleothems.

Source: Geogaceta

DOI: 10.55407/geogaceta108619

Authors: Miguel Bartolomé Úcar, Ánchel Belmonte-Ribas, Reyes Giménez, Mario Bielsa, Gerard Cazenave, Ana Moreno

Institutions: ETH Zurich, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Institut Suisse de Spéléologie et de Karstologie, Geological Institute, UNESCO, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Instituto Pirenaico de Ecología

Language: English

Topic: Karst Systems and Hydrogeology

Subfield: Earth-Surface Processes

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: Organismo Autónomo de Parques Nacionales, European Commission

OpenAlex ID: W4415224405

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by:

Related to: