Mineralogical and chemical characterization of speleothems from the “Doña Lucrecia” cave, Rionegro, Santander (Colombia): A preliminary approach for paleoclimate record

Abstract

The present study concerns the use of speleothems from the “Doña Lucrecia” cave, Rionegro, Santander (Colombia), as a preliminary approach for paleoclimate record. Several speleothems are undoubtedly among the remarkable features of this cavity; for instance, columns, stalactites, stalagmites and fallen blocks. Speleothems contain important evidence of palaeoclimatic information, which can be interpreted through integral petrographical and geochemical analysis. A detailed characterization of stalagmite internal microstratigraphy was carried out. Besides, due to the monotonous carbonate lithology of the region, speleothems are essentially composed of calcite. The results of this research work include the development of capabilities and the production of a map of the karstic system that indicates the origin of the cave, and the most relevant features and facts within it. This cavity represents an important component of the existing geoheritage in the territory that remains hidden without identification and evaluation.