Processes in Karst Systems Physics, Chemistry, and Geology [Paperback]

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.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.- 1.1 The Process of Karstification.- 1.2 Approaches to an Explanation of Karst Development.- 1.3 Organization of the Book.- I Basic Principles from Physics and Chemistry.- 2 Chemistry of the System H2 O-CO2 -CaCO3.- 2.1 Reactions and Equilibria.- 2.2 Boundary Conditions for Achieving Equilibrium.- 2.2.1 The General Case.- 2.2.2 Change of Boundary Conditions.- 2.2.3 Saturated CaCO3 Solutions.- 2.2.4 Mixing of Saturated Waters in the Closed System.- 2.2.5 Influence of Foreign Ions on Calcite Dissolution.- 3 Mass Transport.- 3.1 The Random Walk Problem as Principle for Diffusional Mass Transport.- 3.2 The Laws of Diffusion.- 3.2.1 Some Basic Solutions.- 3.3 Diffusive and Advective Mass Transport.- 3.3.1 Diffusion in Turbulent Flow.- 3.3.2 Hydrodynamic Dispersion.- 3lÃ)