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Dissolution tubules: A new karst structure from the English chalk

Lookup NU author(s): Dr John Lamont-Black

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Abstract

The Chalk of England is not renowned for producing karst landforms. This paper introduces a previously undescribed karst phenomenon, termed here dissolution tubules, from the Chalk of Sussex. The internal structure of these features was investigated by developing a novel method of resin impregnation and acid digestion. This revealed tubules to be a truly dendritic landform. Their relationships with chalk macrotextures were investigated using the Bushinski oil technique (Bromley 1981) and revealed an association with trace fossil burrows. Detailed electron microscopic examination of chalk adjacent to the karst surface, employing the textural analysis methods of Mortimore & Fielding (1990), revealed dissolutional textural modification of the chalk to a depth of approximately 15 mm beneath the dissolution surface and a possible spatial association of dissolution tubules with microfractures. Dissolution tubules in the field were found overlying major discontinuities such as subhorizontal sheet flints, marl seams, hardgrounds, major fractures and caves. Evidence gathered suggests mixing corrosion (Bögli 1964) as the process responsible for their formation.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Lamont-Black J, Mortimore R

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Zeitschrift fuer Geomorphologie

Year: 2000

Volume: 44

Issue: 4

Pages: 469-489

ISSN (print): 0372-8854

ISSN (electronic):

Publisher: Gebrueder Borntraeger Verlagsbuchhandlung


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