Researching the formation of the karst surface and caves

The research objective is understanding the evolution of karst phenomena and processes. We will design a new evolutionary model that will reveal the formation of the rock surface on different carbonate rocks that are being denuded of soil and alluvia, which is a common characteristic under different conditions worldwide. It will be based on comprehensive field research of karst at home and throughout the world, laboratory research of rock, and experiments using plaster of Paris. We will examine the speleogenesis of hydrologically active caves, quantify the processes in different speleogenetic environments, and determine and assess the main influential factors. We will interpret the field measurements and observations using our own numerical models, which include equations of the flow, dissolution and transport of substances.

An experiment with plaster in a natural environment to understand the development of karst forms, photo Blaž Kogovšek.

Results:

KNEZ, Martin, LIU, Hong, SLABE, Tadej. Clustered stone forest in Pu Dou Chun (Yunnan, China) = Gručasti kamniti gozd v Fižolji vasi (Pu Dou Chun, Junan, Kitajska). Acta carsologica. [Tiskana izd.]. 2022, vol. 51, no. 1, str. 47-63, ilustr. ISSN 0583-6050. https://ojs.zrc-sazu.si/carsologica/article/view/10688/10597, DOI: 10.3986/ac.v51i1.10688.