Laterite Karst - caves

Caves in laterite karst are generally NOT the result of solution alone. In most cases they form in the soft mottled or pallid zone beneath a hard duricrust cap. The soft material has been removed by piping, wind or other mechanical processes. Tafoni are a related phenomenon, but are not restricted to laterite or DWPs.

For an example, with map, of a low maze cave beneath a laterite cap, see Lefroy, T., & Lake, P., 1972: A laterite cave in the Upper Chittering Region, Western Australia. The Western Caver, 12(3): 68-77.

See also photos of possible solutional caves in sandstone at Lawn Hill Gorge, NW Qld. But those are not assocuated with a DWP.

Selected photographs and diagrams

Cave (arch) eroded in softer DWP beneath a hard duricrust. Mt Coolon, Qld. S850321.jpg

Small cave entrance beneath a hard silcrete cap. The cave behind is about 25x15m across but mostly less than a metre high (see map of 4RB-3, below). 4RB-3, Ravensbourne, SE Qld. S74H-05.jpg

Maps of two caves beneath silcrete duricrust, at Ravensbourne, SE Qld. 4RB-3c.png

Cave in a DWP beneath a duricrust. Georgetown area, Qld. S730616.jpg

Tafoni, weathering behind a case-hardened surface. Remarkable Rocks, Kangaroo Island, SA. Perhaps better classed as pseudokarst? S950820.jpg