Journal article
Timescales of speleogenesis in an evolving syngenetic karst: The Tamala Limestone,Western Australia
J Woodhead, K Sniderman, J Hellstrom, R Weij, C MacGregor, B Dickson, R Drysdale, M Delane, D Henke, L Bastian, A Baynes
Geomorphology | Published : 2022
Abstract
The Tamala Limestone, a vast Quaternary carbonate sequence exposed on the coast of Western Australia, forms one of the most geographically-extensive deposits of carbonate aeolianite in the world. It is also considered an excellent example of so-called ‘syngenetic karstification’, where the processes of lithification and karst development occur in close temporal association. Speleothems, hosted in caves throughout the region, provide an opportunity to explore the timescales of speleogenesis in such a young karst environment. A compilation of existing limestone ages suggests that the unit has been forming since at least 800 ka, mediated by glacial-interglacial cyclicity and with older units id..
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Awarded by Australian Research Council
Funding Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements Speleothem rubble samples used in this study were collected under permits from the Western Australian Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and/or with permission from the Margaret River Busselton Tourist Association. For assistance with permits, cave information, and guidance in the field we thank Julia Coggins, Ciara McIlduff, Sharon Lynch, Dave Scanlon, Carolina Paice and Eve Taylor (Western Australia Government Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions) and enthusiastic cavers Robert Susac, Andrew Thomas, Greg Thomas, Fran Head, and Ian Collette. John Engel and Serene Paul are thanked for assistance in the laboratory. The manuscript benefitted greatly from the comments of two anonymous reviewers.This research was conducted with funding from the Australian Research Council under grant FL160100028 to JW.