Abstract
Karst terrain comprises an astounding 25% of our planet's potable water
resources, yet the evolution of these systems from micro-fracture to
open channel is poorly understood. Focusing on the unsaturated portion
of an evolving karst system, we present a conceptual model for the
hydraulic evolution of micro-fractures into larger conduits. Tensional
micro-fractures (<1mm thick) under unsaturated conditions may be
eroded by water flowing either as seepage films or as capillary
rivulets. In addition to general erosion, the narrow width of capillary
rivulets may etch the beginning of preferential paths within the
tensional micro-fractures that will lead to tubular channels. Both fluid
mechanisms, seepage and rivulets, were tested in the laboratory, and
data of the resulting geochemical erosion rates are presented in the
form of calcium dissolution rates measured by inductively coupled plasma
atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2017 |
| Volume | 51 |
| State | Published - 1 Dec 2017 |
Keywords
- 1807 Climate impacts
- HYDROLOGY
- 1829 Groundwater hydrology
- 1830 Groundwater/surface water interaction
- 1847 Modeling