A new history of cave development at Bungonia,N.S.W. |
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| Authors: | R A L Osborne |
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| Institution: | Centre for Mathematics and Science Teacher Education/ , University of Sydney , NSW 2006 |
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| Abstract: | Bungonia Caves are the result of three distinct phases of speleogenesis. The first, Late Cretaceous phase is characterised by the development of horizontal passages close to the plateau surface. Caves developed in the lower limestone during this phase probably drained southward to risings in Becks Gully. The second, Palaeocene phase resulted in the development of dolines and large dynamic phreatic conduits. Caves extended to depths approximating the level of the Efflux and drainage from caves in the lower limestone was captured by the caves in the middle limestone, rising above the level of the Efflux. The second phase ended when the caves were filled with laminated clays, blocking underground drainage, and the surface was buried by quartz‐rich fluvial sediments prior to the Eocene. The third, and continuing phase, which began in the Late Tertiary, is characterised by the development of vadose shafts and by the removal of sediment deposited following the second phase. |
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| Keywords: | Bungonia Caves and Gorge limestone caves speleogenesis phreatic passages vadose shafts and canyons clastic cave sediments dykes hanging springs |
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