Geomorphological aspects of gypsum karst areas with special emphasis on exposed karst

Abstract

Research described in this chapter was carried out with the help of contributions from the Ministry of University and Scientific Research (MURST 40% and 60%).

Evaporite karst in Italy: a review

“…6C and E). They are widespread in Sicily and Calabria (Verzino area) (Agnesi & Macaluso, 1989;Sauro, 1996;Meneghel, 1998;Parise & Trocino, 2005;Vattano, 2008;Di Maggio et al, 2012). Complex forms deriving from the merging of simpler features occur as well.…”

“…They are characterised by a flat bottom surface, mantled by alluvial and lacustrine deposits, bounded by steep gypsum slopes. Generally, they are open, occasionally active depressions and their genesis seems to be strongly controlled by tectonic structure (Sauro, 1996;Vattano, 2008;Di Maggio et al, 2016b).…”

“…Frequently, doline distribution follows discontinuity systems in the evaporites (Madonia & Forti, 2003;Parise & Trocino, 2005;Zini et al, 2015a). In some areas of Sicily and Calabria, chains of aligned point- recharge dolines, formed as a consequence of an upstream migration of the swallets of small blind valleys, follow the pattern of old fluvial networks that developed on the impervious cover (Agnesi & Macaluso, 1989;Sauro, 1996;Ferrarese & Sauro, 2001;Parise & Trocino, 2005). Dolines are often grouped in welldefined karst units, where they occupy the entire karst area to form a honeycomb pattern, as in the Santa Ninfa area (Sicily) (Agnesi & Macaluso, 1989;Sauro, 1996Sauro, , 2003b.…”

“…In some areas of Sicily and Calabria, chains of aligned point- recharge dolines, formed as a consequence of an upstream migration of the swallets of small blind valleys, follow the pattern of old fluvial networks that developed on the impervious cover (Agnesi & Macaluso, 1989;Sauro, 1996;Ferrarese & Sauro, 2001;Parise & Trocino, 2005). Dolines are often grouped in welldefined karst units, where they occupy the entire karst area to form a honeycomb pattern, as in the Santa Ninfa area (Sicily) (Agnesi & Macaluso, 1989;Sauro, 1996Sauro, , 2003b. Clusters of tens of small dolines occur in the western Alps (Moncenisio area) (Sauro, 1996 ) and in the Dolomites (Marinelli, 1917;Madonia & Forti, 2003).…”

“…Dolines are often grouped in welldefined karst units, where they occupy the entire karst area to form a honeycomb pattern, as in the Santa Ninfa area (Sicily) (Agnesi & Macaluso, 1989;Sauro, 1996Sauro, , 2003b. Clusters of tens of small dolines occur in the western Alps (Moncenisio area) (Sauro, 1996 ) and in the Dolomites (Marinelli, 1917;Madonia & Forti, 2003).…”