River reversals into karst springs: A model for cave enlargement in eogenetic karst aquifers

A new model for cave enlargement in eogenetic karst aquifers is proposed, linking river reversals into karst springs to significant geological processes. The study highlights that Jurassic rifting in the Southern Alps and Northern Apennines occurred rapidly (2-4 million years) during the late Hettangian to early Sinemurian period, followed by stable post-rift sedimentation. Key differences in extensional tectonic styles between the Northern Apennines and Southern Alps are attributed to contrasting rheologies influenced by thick evaporite layers (up to 2 km) underlying thin carbonate platforms (up to 1.3 km). The Northern Apennines exhibit diffuse, shallow thin-skinned stretching, while the Southern Alps show thicker, deeper crustal deformation with larger fault spacing. This research provides insights into the structural and stratigraphic controls on karst development in evaporitic environments.

Gulley, J., Martin, J. B., Screaton, E. J., & Moore, P. J. (2010). River reversals into karst springs: A model for cave enlargement in eogenetic karst aquifers. Geological Society of America Bulletin, 123(3-4), 457–467. https://doi.org/10.1130/b30254.1