Roofless Caves, a Polygenetic Status of Cave Development with Special References to Cave Regions in the Eastern Calcareous Alps in Salzburg and Central Alps, Austria

Roofless caves, characterized by the absence of a ceiling due to roof collapses, represent a transitional phase in cave development from subterranean systems to surface features like dolines and gorges. This study highlights their polygenetic nature, where glacial erosion during the Pleistocene exposed these remnants, particularly on high-altitude plateaus (2000–2300 m) such as Steinernes Meer and Tennengebirge in the Eastern Calcareous Alps of Salzburg and Central Alps. Franz Kraus's earlier observations are expanded upon, identifying such caves—like Rakov Škocjan—as key examples of this phenomenon. The research emphasizes their significance in understanding karst landscape evolution, with a focus on regions like Hennenkopf, Sandkar, and Hochtor.

Mais, K. (2016). Roofless Caves, a Polygenetic Status of Cave Development with Special References to Cave Regions in the Eastern Calcareous Alps in Salzburg and Central Alps, Austria. Acta Carsologica, 28(2). https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v28i2.489