International Journal of Speleology (Jul 2007)

The polygenetic caves of Cuatro Ciénegas (Coahuila, Mexico): morphology and speleogenesis.

  • Leonardo Piccini,
  • Paolo Forti,
  • Italo Giulivo,
  • Marco Mecchia

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 36, no. 2
pp. 83 – 92

Abstract

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The Cuatro Ciénegas area is renown worldwide for its thermal springs, which feed a unique ecosystem consisting of many pools, lakes and marshes. The pools also represent a very important water resource in a region characterized by scarce rainfalls. Field investigation has emphasized the role of karst in the hydrogeology of the area. Only few and restricted forms of surface karst are represented; caves are mainly relics of old speleogenetic phases of thermal and bathyphreatic water flow.

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