Helictite Indexes page Abstracts of Vols 21 - 29 Helictite Home page Key to Abstractors
The abstracts appear in reverse order of the publishing sequence in Helictite.
Title: The relationship between local climate and radon concentration in the Temple of Baal, Jenolan Caves, Australia
Authors: WHITTLESTONE, Stewart ; JAMES, Julia ; BARNES, Craig
Published: 2003, Helictite 38(2):39-44
Abstract by authors:
Radon measurements were collected over a period of one year in a large
chamber known as the Temple of Baal at Jenolan Caves, near Sydney,
Australia. Correlation of radon concentrations with rainfall, surface
air pressure and temperature confirmed that radon originating from
different locations was predominant under different conditions. During
periods of low rainfall, radon concentrations varied in strong
anti-correlation with the surface air pressure, indicating that most of
the radon was coming from remote locations of large pore or void volume
in rock of limited permeability. On the other hand, in wet periods the
observed radon levels were low and steady, suggesting a local source. In
both wet and dry conditions the correlation of radon concentrations with
rainfall on a time-scale of a few days was positive, proving that
permeability of surface strata affected the ventilation rate in the
cave. The study achieved a detailed understanding of radon
concentrations in the Temple of Baal, and the main conclusion reached
was that the magnitude and variation of radon concentrations in the
Temple of Baal were closely related to the degree of water saturation in
the local surrounds.
Includes: 6 figures, 1 table, 6 refs
Keywords: karst, radon, cave climate
Title: Nowranie Caves and the Camooweal Karst Area, Queensland: Hydrology, Geomorphology and Speleogenesis, with Notes on Aquatic Biota
Authors: EBERHARD, Stefan
Published: 2003, Helictite 38(2):27-38
Abstract by author:
Development of the Nowranie Caves includes both phreatic and vadose
components, with prominent influences on cave geomorphology exerted by
joints, bedding and past changes in watertable levels. Active
circulation is occurring within a phreatic conduit at moderate depth
(22-30 m) below the level of the present watertable. Slugs of flood
water can penetrate well into the flooded section of the cave, and it
appears that dissolutional enlargement of the conduit may be occurring
under present conditions. Speleogenesis in Nowranie Caves incorporates
deeper phreatic processes in addition to shallow phreatic (i.e.
watertable) processes. A series of three fossil, or occasionally
re-flooded, phreatic horizontal levels in the Nowranie Caves correspond
with similar levels in other Camooweal caves, and reflect a regional
pattern and multi stage history of watertable changes linked with cave
development. The stacked series of cave levels may reflect episodic
uplift, wetter climatic episodes, or a combination of both - possibly
dating from early to mid Tertiary times. Caves and dolines are the major
points for groundwater recharge in the Camooweal area, and these are
susceptible points for injection of contarninants into the groundwater
system. A climatic and distributional relict, and locally endemic, fauna
is present in the groundwater. The Nowranie Caves, and Camooweal area
generally, has conservation significance as a karst hydrogeological and
ecological system that has preserved a history of regional landscape and
faunal evolution in northern Australia during the Quaternary.
Includes: 7 figures, 2 tables, 19 refs
Keywords: Camooweal, karst, hydrology, geomorphology, speleogenesis, biota
Title: Palaeokarst in the Noondine Chert in Southwestern Australia: Implications for Water Supply and the Protection of Biodiversity
Authors: APPLEYARD, Steve
Published: 2002, Helictite 38(1):17-19
Abstract by author:
In southwestern Australia, karst features occur in geological formations
other than the coastal calcarenites of the Tamala Limestone. The
Noondine Chert was formed by the silicification of carbonate rocks
and contains relict carbonate textures and palaeokarst features such
as intense brecciation and the presence of subsurface voids. This
geological formation is an important aquifer to the east of the Perth
Basin where groundwater resources are otherwise limited, and the
aquifer is highly vulnerable to contamination from agricultural land
use. The Noondine Chert may also contain a rich stygofauna. This has
not been taken into account in groundwater protection policies, and
needs to be assessed as a matter of urgency.
Includes: 1 figure, 15 refs
Keywords: palaeokarst, stygofauna, groundwater, managemen
Title: Systematic composition and distribution of Australian cave collembolan faunas with notes on exotic taxa
Authors: GREENSLADE, Penelope
Published: 2002, Helictite 38(1):11-16
Abstract by author:
Collembola (springtails) have been collected from caves in Tasmania,
northwestern Western Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland
more intensively in recent years than in the past. A sharp boundary in
the composition of faunas of southern and northern Australia was found
with the highest diversity of troglobitic forms in southeastern Australia
and Tasmania. No extreme examples of troglobitic genera have yet been
found in Western Australia. A single record of Cyphoderopsis was made
from Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, a common genus in caves in Sumatra.
The Jenolan cave system has been most completely sampled with nearly
100 samples from fourteen caves. This system contains over twenty
species of which three genera, Adelphoderia, Oncopodura and a new genus
near Kenyura, are exclusively troglobitic with locally endemic species
of conservation and phylogenetic interest. Compared with some Tasmanian
caves, the Jenolan fauna appears to harbour more species that are likely
to have been introduced.
Includes: 2 figures, 3 tables, 29 refs
Keywords: Collembola, caves, Australia, distribution
Title: Cave Temperatures at Naracoorte Caves
Authors: SANDERSON, Ken ; BOURNE, Steven
Published: 2002, Helictite 38(1):7-10
Abstract by authors:
Temperatures in four different caves at Naracoorte were logged for periods
of up to two years, during 1998-2001. In Bat Cave temperatures near ground
level were 19.0-21.1°C in the maternity chamber, and 10.3-15.6°C near the
entrance. In Victoria Fossil Cave temperatures near the fossil chamber were
16.9-18.3°C. In Blanche Cave and the outer chamber of Robertson Cave
temperatures were 9.4-15.0°C, with temperatures in the inner chamber of
Robertson Cave 14.2-15.0°C. Cave chambers with little air flow had seasonally
stable temperatures, and those with high air flow showed seasonal temperature
variations of 5-6°C.
Includes: 6 figures, 1 table, 5 refs, 1 data file
Keywords: cave temperature, air flow, Naracoorte Caves
Title: Chromophores Producing Blue Speleothems at Cliefden, NSW
Authors: TURNER, Ken
Published: 2002, Helictite 38(1):3-6
Abstract by author:
Osborne (1978) has described in some detail the blue stalactites that occur in
Murder and Boonderoo Caves at Cliefden, NSW and reports "that the colour is
due to some impurity in the aragonite and not to refractive effects". In
this study, small samples from the Boonderoo and Taplow Maze blue speleothems
have been chemically analysed. Based on these chemical analyses it is suggested
that the major chromophore is copper, with secondary contributions from chromium
(Taplow Maze only) and perhaps nickel.
Includes: 1 figure, 1 colour photo (cover), 2 tables, 7 refs
Title: Subterranean Fauna of Christmas Island, Indian Ocean
Authors: HUMPHREYS, W.F.; EBERHARD, Stefan
Published: 2001, Helictite 37(2):59-74
Abstract by authors:
The subterranean environment of Christmas Island is diverse and includes
freshwater, marine, anchialine, and terrestrial habitats. The cave fauna comprises
swiftlets, and a diverse assemblage of invertebrates, both terrestrial and aquatic,
which includes a number of rare and endemic species of high conservation signicance.
At least twelve species are probably restricted to subterranean habitats and are
endemic to Christmas Island. Previously poorly known, the cave fauna of Christmas
Island is a signicant component of the island's biodiversity, and a signicant cave
fauna province in an international context. The cave fauna and habitats are sensitive
to disturbance from a number of threatening processes, including pollution,
deforestation, mining, feral species and human visitors.
Includes: 5 tables, 2 photos, 66 refs, 1 appendix
Keywords: Island karst, Biospeleology, stygofauna, troglobites, anchialine, scorpion, Procarididae
Title: Karst Features of Christmas Island (Indian Ocean)
Authors: GRIMES, Ken G.
Published: 2001, Helictite 37(2):41-58
Abstract by author:
Christmas Island (in the Indian Ocean) is an uplifted, composite,
reef-carbonate island with a volcanic core. The coast is mostly cliffed and
rises steeply via a series of terraces to a central phosphate-blanketed plateau.
In spite of the high rainfall, there is little surface water as drainage is
underground and karstic - it is initially stored in an epikarst aquifer, then
follows the limestone/volcanic contact out to the island edge to emerge at major
conduit springs. These springs are mostly at or below sea level, but some perched
springs occur where the volcanic rocks appear at the surface. Caves occur at
the present coast, as uplifted coastal caves, on the plateau, and there are a
few pseudokarst caves. Cave development involves mixing zones between fresh and
sea water in the coastal zone, and between vadose and phreatic waters perched on
the volcanic rocks beneath the plateau. Cave locations and form are controlled by
the rock structure (especially jointing) the location of the volcanic contact, and
the combination of uplift with present and past sea levels - which controls the
location of the mixing zone.
Includes: 4 maps, 4 figs, 2 tables, 12 photos, 31 refs, 1 appendix
Keywords: island karst, caves, tropical karst, Indian Ocean
Title: Searching for Water on Christmas Island
Authors: BARRETT, Peter J.
Published: 2001, Helictite 37(2):37-39
Abstract by author:
A hundred years of searching for underground water supplies for the settlement
and mine operations on Christmas Island has involved dug wells, drilling, cave
exploration and geophysics. Water has been extracted from wells, drill holes,
springs and caves. The main production at present is from a set of cave streams
on the plateau.
Includes: 1 map, 1 photo
Title: The History of Christmas Island and the Management of its Karst Features
Authors: MEEK, Paul D.
Published: 2001, Helictite 37(2):31-36
Abstract by author:
Christmas Island is an external Territory of Australia with a history pre-dating that
of mainland Australia. It hosts a diverse range of endemic and native terrestrial,
subterranean and aquatic flora and fauna with Australian, Indo-Malesian and Pacific
affinities. The Island has survived the impacts experienced on other tropical
islands as a result of human settlement and is a highly valued ecological asset
to Australia. The karst environment has been under-valued as an ecological entity
until recently when extensive speleological surveys were conducted. These surveys
were a part of broader attempts to prepare a management plan to conserve the values
of the karst environment.
Includes: 1 map, 2 photos, 21 refs
Title: Karst Geology of Wellington Caves: a review
Authors: OSBORNE, R.A.L.
Published: 2001, Helictite 37(1):3-12
Abstract by author:
After 170 years of scientific investigation and speculation,
significant problems in the karst geology of
Wellington Caves remain unsolved. Work in progress is addressing
issues relating to: the role of the geological
structure in cave development; the mechanism of cave formation;
the palaeontology, stratigraphy and sedimentology
of the cave sediments; the origin of the phosphate deposits and
the relationship between the caves and the
surrounding landscape. Little progress has been made in
understanding the hydrology of the karst or the
meteorology of the caves. These latter problems will require
long-term monitoring and data collection, which has yet
to commence.
Keywords: caves, speleogenesis, cave sediments, vertebrate fossils, Wellington Caves
Title: Review: What is karst?
Authors: GOEDE, Albert
Published: 2000, Helictite 36(2):42
Abstract by KGG:
A review of a paper by Doerr, S.H., 1999, Karst-like landforms and hydrology
in quartzites of the Venezuelan Guyana shield: pseudokarst or "real" karst?
Zeitschrift fur Geomorphology, 43(1), 1-17. The erosion process appears to
involve solution of the silica, not just weathering of the cement.
Includes: ref
Title: Review: Evolution of caves and the inception horizon hypothesis
Authors: GOEDE, Albert
Published: 2000, Helictite 36(2):41-42
Abstract by KGG:
Review of a paper by OSBORNE, R.A., 1999: The inception horizon hypothesis
in vertical to steeply-dipping limestone: applications in New South Wales,
Australia. Cave and Karst Science, 26(1), 5-12.
Includes: 2 refs
Title: Thermoluminescence dating of dune ridges in western Victoria
Authors: WHITE, Susan
Published: 2000, Helictite 36(2):38-40
Abstract by author:
Absolute dating of the Pleistocene dune ridges of southwestern Victoria
establishes a time frame for speleogenesis of syngenetic karst in such
dune calcarenites. The dunes were deposited during the late mid-Pleistocene.
Includes: map; 9 refs
Title: Records of the Tasmanian cave fauna known or purported to be in the South Australian Museum
Authors: CLARKE, Arthur
Published: 2000, Helictite 36(2):23-37
Abstract by KGG:
A detailed list of Tasmanian cave invertebrate specimens supposedly
held in the South Australian Museum, sorted by species and also by
karst area. Records indicate that the South Australian Museum collection
should contain at least 334 specimens, represented by 41 species from 9
karst areas and 23 caves in Tasmania; over 40% were not located.
Includes: fig; 26 refs
Title: Mud speleothems in a west Victorian cave
Authors: GRIMES, Ken G.
Published: 1999, Helictite 36(1):18
Abstract by GJM:
Describes mud stalactites in a cave at Drik Drik, western Vic.
Suggests a possible mode of formation.
Title: Christmas Island cave studies
Authors: GRIMES, Ken G. ; HUMPHREYS, William F.
Published: 1999, Helictite 36(1):17-18
Abstract by KGG:
Summary of karst features and karst biology of Christmas Island
(Indian Ocean). Limestone caps a basalt volcanic seamont. Coastal
caves entered from sea cliffs. Uplifted coastal caves reflect past
sea levels. Also plateau caves, fissure caves and one cave in basalt.
Subterranean fauna was sampled via caves, boreholes and springs.
Fauna includes swiftlets and a diverse assemblage of invertebrates,
both terrestrial and aquatic (including anchialine). At least 12
underground species endemic to island.
Title: Sand speleothems: an Australian example
Authors: GRIMES, K.G.
Published: 1999, Helictite 36(1):11-16
Abstract by author:
Sand speleothems have formed in sea caves at Loch Ard Gorge,
Victoria, Australia, by the localised precipitation of calcium
carbonate in loose sand that fills the caves. Calcite-saturated
waters have entered the caves from the surrounding porous limestone,
either dripping onto the sand, or seeping directly into it from
the walls. Removal of the uncemented sand has exposed the cemented
formations which have shapes analogous to those of conventional
stalagmites, stalactites and shelves.
Includes: 7 figs, 10 refs
Keywords: caves, karst, sand speleothems, concretions, Australia
Title: Ribbon helictites: a new category
Authors: ROWLING, Jill
Published: 1999, Helictite 36(1):3-10
Abstract by author:
Describes the size, shape, abundance and location of ribbon helictites
and proposes possible growth mechanisms for them. SEM photographs of
surface of a ribbon helictite show an unusual crystal form for a
calcite speleothem, together with apparent etching and pitting of
surfaces. These surfaces exhibit some features found in organically
deposited calcite. Further optical work revealed that stem of ribbon
helictites is composed of a twinned pair of crystal aggregates, with
stem's central canal lying in this twin plane. The ribbon also appears
to exhibit twinning. Oval features on ribbon's surface appear to be
twinned aggregates, originating from ribbon's central canal. It is
proposed that ribbon helictites form by two growth stages: development
of stem and then a ribbon, with influences from acidic solutions.
Overall shape is strongly controlled by crystal habit.
Includes: 15 figs, 8 refs
Keywords: helictite, calcite, twinning, Jenolan, lublinite
Title: Nineteenth Century Paintings, Drawings and Engravings of Australian Caves
Authors: Hamilton-Smith, Elery
Published: 1997, Helictite 35(1&2):12-38
Abstract by author:
Non-photographic images of Australian caves and karst from the 19th century
are catalogued, together with notes on sources and artists.
Includes: 243 catalogue entries, 15 figs, notes on 3 sources and 46 artists
Title: Perceptions of Australian Caves in the 19th Century: The Visual Record
Authors: Hamilton-Smith, Elery
Published: 1997, Helictite 35(1&2):5-11
Abstract by author:
Visual images, however produced, provide a record of how the physical
world is perceived. All images of the natural world convey both a
'scientific' objectivist perception and an 'aesthetic' subjectivist view,
each in differing proportions according to the perception of the person
creating the image. This paper examines and assesses the extent to which
images of Australian caves produced during the 19th century can illuminate
our understanding of how Australias perceived caves at the time. Although
providing some overview of all images, the paper gives primary attention
to non-photographic renditions.
Includes: 4 figs, 15 refs
Title: Review: "The caves of Thailand" by John R. Dunkley, 1995, 124 pages; "Thailand caves catalogue" by John R. Dunkley, 1994, 44 pages; "Caves of North-West Thailand" by John R. Dunkley and John B. Brush (eds.), 1986, 62 pages
Authors: MIXON, Bill
Published: 1996, Helictite 34(2):38
Abstract by GNB:
All three books are A4 size softbound, available from the Helictite
Commission of Australian Speleological Federation Inc.
Orignally published by Speleological Research Council.
Title: Radon and its decay products in caves
Authors: BARNES, Craig M. ; JAMES, Julia M. ; WHITTLESTONE, Stewart
Published: 1996, Helictite 34(2):33-37
Abstract by RB:
Investigations into radon and its progeny in Australian caves
are showing the presence within the caves of high levels of these
substances. Described here are the factors that have been shown in
studies worldwide to affect the levels of radon and radon decay
products over time within cave systems.
Includes: 3 figs
Title: The Stromatolites of the Cenote Lakes of the Lower South East of South Australia
Authors: THURGATE, Mia E.
Published: 1996, Helictite 34(1):17-25
Abstract by RB:
Stromatolite are lithified, laminated, organosedimentary deposits.
Preliminary examination of eight cenote lakes near Mt. Gambier has
revealed the presence of tens of thousands of actively - forming
stromatolites. Based on the external morphology, 14 different types
of stromatolites have been identified, columnar growth forms are
most common. Three genus of Diatom and three genus of Cyanobacteria
are the most likely responsible for stromatolite development.
Includes: 3 figs, 1 table, 8 plates, 18 refs
Title: Vadose weathering of sulfides and limestone cave development, evidence from eastern Australia
Authors: OSBORNE, R. Armstrong L.
Published: 1996, Helictite 34(1):5-15
Abstract by RB:
Many significant limestone caves in eastern Australia (particularly
New South Wales, Tasmania) are associated with sulfide deposits
and other ore bodies. These deposits have a variety of origins
(hydrothermal, paleokarst, volcaniclastic). The sulfides weather
on exposure to oxygen - rich vadose seepage water, lowering the
water pH and releasing sulfate and magnesium which can lead to
the deposition of gypsum and aragonite speleothems. Removal of
weathered ores and ore - bearing paleokarst sediments in the
vadose zone is, in places, an important mechanism for the
formation of large caverns.
Includes: 12 figs, 32 refs
Title: Karst Geomorphology and Hydrology of Gunung Tempurung, Perak, Malaysia
Authors: GILLESON, David ; HOLLAND, Ernst ; DAVIES, Gareth
Published: 1995, Helictite 33(2):35-42
Abstract by authors:
Gunung Tempurung is a 600-metre high limestone tower in the Kinta Valley located to the south of the city
of Ipoh, Malaysia. The tower contains at least one extensive cave system, Gua Tempurung, which
has a length of approximately 4800 metres and a vertical range of about 200 metres. The tower is an erosional
remnant of a thick sequence of Silurian - Permian Limestones initially formed as a shelf deposit near an
ancient coastline. The carbonate rocks lie adjacent to, and are laterally bounded by, Late Mesozoic granite
plutoniic rocks emplaced by activity related to the Late Triassic uplift from plate boundary stresses along the western
edge of the Malay Peninsular. The limestones have been folded and compressed between the granites and
have been altered by contact metamorphism to marbles and skarn. Hydrothermal mineralisation of the
limestone host rock has yeilded deposits of tin, with some tungsten minerals and other minor ores. In the central
part of the karst tower a river-cave system, Gua Tempurung, developed from local damming of the north and
south outlets of a small catchment derived from the granite upland area to the east. In several locations inside
the dry upper chambers of the cave, vein deposits of tin (cassiterite) are evident in walls and ceilings.
Additionally alluvial tin deposits derived from the Old Alluvium are present in the cave.
Includes: 5 figs, 2 plates, 7 refs
Title: Investigations of the Wyanbene Caves Area
Authors: ROWLING, Jill
Published: 1995, Helictite 33(2):29-34
Abstract by author:
This paper discusses preliminary findings concerning the geological
structure of these and other caves in the area. The other caves
include Clarke's Cave, Ridge Mine Pot, Goat Cave and several unnamed
caves and springs. Wyanbene Cave is a streamway cave, formed
primarily along a south striking joint in Late Silurian limestone.
Drainage of the surface above Wyanbene Cave is affected by the
south west striking joints of a Late Devonian conglomerate cap.
Secondary deposits in the cave are affected by hydrothermal ore deposits.
Includes: 5 figs, 4 refs
Title: Cocklebiddy Shells
Authors: BROWN, Rosemary
Published: 1996, Helictite 33(1):19-21
Abstract by author:
Five genera of shells were collected from the sediment around
Cocklebiddy Cave lake in the Nullarbor Plain (Western Australia).
All shells belong to small modern gastropod terrestrial snails.
Includes: figs
Title: Early Accounts of Caves in Mauritius
Authors: MIDDLETON, Greg
Published: 1995, Helictite 33(1):5-18
Abstract by author:
A survey is attempted of published accounts of lava caves on
the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius up to the early 20th
century. A number of writers mentioned caves as part of the
natural curiosities of the island, though there was a high
level of information recycling. The earliest written cave
account dates from 1769; the cave it relates to is also the
most written-about and, on current knowledge, is the oldest
on the island. On neighbouring Rodrigues the earliest record
is thought to date from 1789.
Includes: maps, photos, illustrations
Title: Siluro - Devonian Bungonia Group, Southern Highlands, NSW
Authors: BAUER, J. A.
Published: 1994, Helictite 32(2):25-34
Abstract by author:
The Bungonia Group is a sequence of Late Silurian - Early
Devonian biostromal limestone, sandstone and shale constituting
marine fill of the Wollondilly Basin, an extensional structure
initiated during the Mid-Silurian. The Bungonia Limestone is
elevated to Group status based on detailed mapping and analysis
of the facies and faunal assemblages.
Includes: 5 figs, including 2 maps, 1 table
Title: Crombie's Cave. A granite cave in New England, NSW
Authors: OLLIER, C. D. ; SMITH, J. M. B.
Published: 1994, Helictite 32(1):17-20
Abstract by author:
A small cave near Armidale formed when Powers Creek found an underground
route through weathered joints in granite, and enlarged by stream abrasion.
Includes: map, photos, survey
Title: The Effects of Fire on Soluble Rock Landscapes
Authors: HOLLAND, Ernst
Published: 1994, Helictite 32(1):3-10
Abstract by author:
The spalling of limestone as a result of fire is discussed.
Numerous observations throughout Australian karsts show that
the effects of fire on limestone vary with its type, the
intensity of the fire and the nature of the limestone weathering.
An associated laboratory study of the effects of heat on
limestone is also discussed.
Includes: 3 figs, 2 tables, 8 plates, 20 refs
Title: Abstract: Insect larvae and tufa formation at Louie Creek, Northwest Queensland, Australia IN: Proceedings of the Wombeyan Karst Workshop November 19-22, 1993
Authors: DRYSDALE, Russell
Published: 1993, Helictite 31(2):46
Abstract by author, RM:
Although insect larvae have been previously recorded in tufas, no studies
have been carried out which examine their role in tufa formation. It is
clear from preliminary results from Louie Creek that these organisism
are in some cases very important in tufa growth and development.
Title: Abstract: The Invertebrate Cave Fauna of Wombeyan IN: Proceedings of the Wombeyan Karst Workshop November 19-22, 1993
Authors: EBERHARD, Stefan
Published: 1993, Helictite 31(2):45
Abstract by RM:
57 species of cave dwelling invertebrates are recorded.
Title: Abstract: Speleogenesis in aeolian Calcarenite: a case study in Western Victoria IN: Proceedings of the Wombeyan Karst Workshop November 19-22, 1993
Authors: WHITE, Susan
Published: 1993, Helictite 31(2):45-46
Abstract by author, RM:
The simultaneous lithification of the carbonate dunes into aeolian calcarenite
rock and the development of solutional karst features in the dunes is the
characteristic feature of the speleogenesis of the area.
Title: Abstract: Distribution of Bryophites on limestones in Eastern Australia IN: Proceedings of the Wombeyan Karst Workshop November 19-22, 1993
Authors: DOWNING, A. J.
Published: 1993, Helictite 32(2):45
Abstract by author, RM:
Comparisons of bryophytes on limestone and nonlimestone substrates at
Jenolan Caves, London Bridge, and Attunga.
Title: Abstract: The Gregory Karst and Caves, Northern Territory IN: Proceedings of the Wombeyan Karst Workshop November 19-22, 1993
Authors: DUNKLEY, John R.
Published: 1993, Helictite 31(2):45
Abstract by author, RM:
Located in the Gregory National Park between Katherine and Kununurra,
this area has been investigated by speleologists since 1990 and
this is a preliminary report drawing attention to a significant
new tropical karst.
Title: Abstract: Eastern Australian Quaternary mammal faunas: their palaeoclimatic and faunistic setting - and their potential IN: Proceedings of the Wombeyan Karst Workshop November 19-22, 1993
Authors: RIDE, W.D.L.
Published: 1993, Helictite 31(2):44-45
Abstract by author, RM:
The availability of extensive palaeoclimatic information and
the realisation that the cave deposits of eastern Australia
extend back into the Tertiary, and the recognition that
virtually the whole of the characteristic marsupial fauna are
arid adapted, it seems likely that the caves have the
potential to illustrate the whole of the spectacular and
rapid Australian radiation after the loss of the rainforests.
Title: Karsting around for bones: Aborigines and karst caves in South Eastern Australia
Authors: SPATE, Andy
Published: 1993, Helictite 31(1):13-22
Abstract by RM:
Whilst there appears to be a popular belief that Australian
Aborigines viewed caves with some trepidation there is much
anecdotal and physical evidence that karst caves were used for
occupation, art and funery practices. This paper reviews the
past and modern literature on Aboriginal use of karst caves
on the Tablelands and immediate surrounds. About ten occupation
and a lesser number of disposition sites are known as are hand
stencils and abstract engraved art. More representational art
has been reported in the past and skeletal material of accidental
or unknown origin reported widely. Dated sites are few ranging
from about 1500 years BP to as old as 23000 years BP.
Includes: map, 49 refs
Title: An unusual subjacent karst doline at East Buchan, Victoria
Authors: DAVEY, Adrian G ; WHITE, Susan
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(2):41-43
Abstract by author, RM:
A small subjacent karst doline is described which is expressed in
surface outcrop of volcanics overlying limestone. The doline is
close to the fault contact between the karstic and non - karstic
rocks. Stratigraphic inversion resulting from thrusting of the
volcanics over the limestone on an inclined fault plane gives
the unusual result of a surface doline form expressed in rocks
which are older than the underlying karst rocks, solution of
which is responsible for the surface form.
Includes: 1 fig
Title: Radon hazard in caves: a monitoring and management strategy
Authors: LYONS, Ruth G.
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(2):33-40
Abstract by author, RM:
Factors governing the accumulation of radon in caves are discussed.
Preliminary measurements in some Australian caves show levels which
vary by factors of 4 (seasonal) and 75 (diurnal), with the upper
levels approaching recommended maximum exposure levels for some
tourist cave guides.
Includes: 7 figs, 3 tables, 19 refs
Title: Karst geomorphology and biospeleology at Vanishing Falls, South-West Tasmania
Authors: EBERHARD, Rolan ; EBERHARD, Stefan ; WONG, Vera
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(2):25-32
Abstract by author, RM:
A speleological expedition to Vanishing Falls explored a 2.3km long
cave associated with the underground course of the Salisbury River,
and provided the first systematic documentation of karst features
and cave ecology in this remote area. The caves host a fauna
comprising at least 30 taxa, of which probably more than 14 are
troglobitic or stygobiontic. This fauna exhibits a high degree of
troglomorphy, with some species likely to be endemic to the
Vanishing Falls karst.
Includes: maps, figs, surveys
Title: A new topofil
Authors: WARILD, Alan
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(1):20-23
Abstract by author:
A light, compact, reliable instrument for surveying difficult
vertical caves has been a drean of cave surveyors for many years.
The topofil described goes a long way towards fulfilling that ideal,
although there are still problems of availability and user error.
Even so, the author is of the firm opinion that topofils are ideal
for expedition and deep cave surveys.
Includes: 2 figs, 5 refs
Title: Some Coastal Landforms in Aeolian Calcarenite, Flinders Island, Bass Strait
Authors: KIERNAN, Kevin
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(1):11-19
Abstract by RB:
The development of solutional landforms in Pleistocene calcarenite on
Flinders Is. (Tasmania) is described - particularly at Cave Bay and
Fotheringate Bay. Radiometric dating of speleothems indicate that the
cavity in which it formed was in existence during the late Last
Glacial Stage and was invaded by the sea during the Holocene.
Includes: 3 figs, 55 refs
Title: The phototropic phytospeleothems of Moss Palace, Mole Creek, Tasmania
Authors: LICHON, Michael J.
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(1):8-10
Abstract by author:
In Moss Palace, the presence of unusual speleothems further justifies
the conservation of Dogs Head Hill karst
at Mole Creek, Tasmania. A "symbiotic" carbonate deposition and growth of the
moss Distichophyllum microcarpum results in phototropic phytospeleothems,
in the form of fan-shaped erratics.
Includes: 2 plates, 2 figs, 10 refs
Title: A giant Late Pleistocene halite speleothem from Webbs cave, Nullarbor Plain, Southeastern Western Australia
Authors: GOEDE, Albert ; ATKINSON, Tim C. ; ROWE, Peter J.
Published: 1992, Helictite 30(1):3-7
Abstract by authors:
A giant halite stalagmite found in a broken condition, believed
to be tallest recorded anywhere, collected from Webbs Cave, Mundrabilla
area, Nullarbor. Reconstruction showed it had been 2780 mm tall.
Collapse due to water percolating down the side and dissolving
cylindrical hole near base. Analysis of bulk sample indicates
late Pleistocene deposition between 20 and 37 ka. Previous dating
of a small halite speleothem from Webbs Cave showed Holocene period
of halite deposition dated at 2.5 +/- 1.2 ka.
Includes: 2 figs, 1 table, 17 refs
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Abstracts of Vols 21 - 29
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