Processes in Karst Systems: Physics, Chemistry, and Geology (Springer Series in Physical Environment) <4>

Karst Systems deal with the question of how the subsurface drainage system, typical of Karst areas develops from its initial state to maturity. Equal attention is given to physical, chemical and geological conditions which determine karstification. The reader will find discussions of mass transport, chemical kinetics, hydrodynamics of fluxes, and the role of dissolution and precipitation of Calcite as they occur in experiments and natural environments. It offers a wealth of information on a complex natural system to hydrologists, hydrochemists, geologists and geographers. 1 Introduction.- 1 Introduction.- I Basic Principles from Physics and Chemistry.- 2 Chemistry of the System H2 O-CO2 -CaCO3.- 3 Mass Transport.- 4 Chemical Kinetics.- 5 Hydrodynamics of Flow.- II Principles of Dissolution and Precipitation of CaCO3.- 6 Dissolution and Precipitation of Calcite: The Chemistry of the Heterogeneous Surface.- 7 Modelling the Kinetics of Calcite Dissolution and Precipitation in Natural Environments of Karst Areas.- III Conceptual Models of Karst Processes.- 8 Karst Systems.- 9 Models of Karst Development from the Initial State to Maturity.- 10 Precipitation of Calcite in Natural Environments.- 11 Conclusion and Future Perspective.- References.