Sulfuric Acid Speleogenesis in Karst Systems
Summary
Sulfuric acid speleogenesis (SAS) describes the formation of cave systems through the aggressive action of sulphuric acid on carbonate rocks. In contrast to epigenic speleogenesis, driven by atmospheric CO₂ in recharge zones, SAS is typically hypogene in origin: hydrogen sulphide rises from deep reservoirs, oxidises to sulphuric acid upon contact with oxygenated waters or air, and dissolves limestone or dolomite. Condensation–corrosion enhances passage enlargement above the water table, producing cupolas, isolated chambers and upward-branching conduits. Microbial sulphur cycling can contribute to acid production, prolonging multiphase speleogenesis. These processes operate under a range of thermal and structural conditions, from cool springs mixing with seawater to thermal systems associated with fault zones. Worldwide occurrences—from Mediterranean coastal springs to inland thermal basins—underscore the global significance of SAS for karst hydrogeology, geothermal energy, mineralisation and engineering stability.
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Sulfuric Acid Speleogenesis in Karst Systems publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in sulfuric acid speleogenesis in karst systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Sulfuric acid speleogenesis (SAS): Cave formation by sulphuric acid produced from oxidised H₂S attacking carbonate bedrock.
Hypogene speleogenesis: Cave development driven by ascending deep fluids independent of surface recharge.
Epigenic speleogenesis: Cave formation driven by downward percolation of CO₂-rich meteoric water.
Condensation–corrosion: Process where acid vapour condenses on cave walls, enhancing dissolution in the vadose zone.
Phreatic zone: Subsurface region below the water table where all rock pores are water-filled.
References
- Research frontiers in speleogenesis. Dominant processes, hydrogeological conditions and resulting cave patterns. Acta Carsologica (2015).
- Hydrogeology and geochemistry of the sulfur karst springs at Santa Cesarea Terme (Apulia, southern Italy). Hydrogeology Journal (2020).
- Sulfuric acid speleogenesis in Greece. Acta Carsologica (2024).
- Divergent Geochemical Pathways of Carbonate Aquifer Evolution in a Classic Karst Terrain: (1) Polygenetic Cave Development Identified Using Longitudinal Groundwater Geochemistry. Water (2023).
- Identification and Evolution of Different Genetic Types of Deep Karst Caves Controlled by Faults—A Case Study in Huanjiang Sag, Guangxi Province, South China. Minerals (2022).
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