Alluvial Fans on Contact Karst: an Example from Matarsko Podolje, Slovenia.

Abstract

Several types of contact karst are found within the Slovenian karst, but the most common is the ponor type, which usually appears between flysch and limestone. The most extensive contact of this type is in western Slovenia, in the area of Matarsko podolje, where a variety of typical contact karst depression features can be found. In the northwestern part of Matarsko podolje two types of alluvial fans occur. One alluvial fan has an active process of alluvial sedimentation on its surface and is distinct in shape, just like alluvial fans in fluvial geomorphic systems. The other type represents relict alluvial fans on contact karst. They are fan-shaped surface features in carbonate bedrock. Their formation is a result of the gradual removal of alluvial cover and the chemical denudation of carbonate bedrock on areas that were covered by alluvial fans. Geomorphological features and processes on alluvial fans, and the influences of alluvial fans on the development of contact karst have been investigated in detail.