Texas Speleological Survey Monograph 3

HYPOGENE KARST OF TEXAS

Hypogene Karst of Texas.

Editors: Kevin W. Stafford (Department of Geology, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas, USA) and George Veni (National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Carlsbad, New Mexico, USA).

Austin, TX: Texas Speleological Survey, 2018. 122 pp.
ISBN 978-0-9906938-1-9

Open Access

This report is an open access publication and may be used freely with citation. Download here.

Classically, epigene processes (unconfined and gravity driven from surface features) were considered the principal means by which caves and karst features were formed. In recent years, the theory of hypogene speleogenesis (confined and hydrostatic pressure driven, independent of adjacent surfaces) has gained both scientific and public support as a valid, and widespread mechanism for karst development in varied terrains. This has led to a revolution in thought related to karst processes and the broad implications of hypogene speleogenesis throughout North America, especially in Texas.

As karst scientists and cavers began to view caves and karst processes in light of potential hypogene processes, many caves that had been previously considered “problematic” in relation to how they formed became more easily explained. Karst science in Texas is now at the forefront of unravelling the complexities of hypogene speleogenesis and delineating the boundaries and variations that exist between the different processes.

This publication, “Hypogene Karst of Texas” seeks to:

  • Describe and characterize the diversity of recognized hypogene karst phenomena in Texas.
  • Promote increased research to better delineate hypogene karst from epigene phreatic karst, which often proves problematic in field studies across the state.
  • Create a platform to initiate new research and discussion on hypogene phenomena in Texas.


TABLE OF CONTENTS
  • INTRODUCTION: HYPOGENE KARST OF TEXAS
    Kevin W. Stafford
  • ADVANCES IN UNDERSTANDING HYPOGENE KARST
    Alexander Klimchouk
  • POSTULATED ORIGIN OF CARLSBAD CAVERN, LECHUGUILLA CAVE, AND OTHER HYPOGENE CAVES, GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS, WEST TEXAS AND SOUTHEASTERN NEW MEXICO
    Douglas W. Kirkland and Brenda L. Kirkland
  • EVAPORITE KARST OF WEST TEXAS: DELAWARE BASIN
    Kevin W. Stafford and Raymond G. Nance
  • KARST OF THE STOCKTON PLATEAU: WEST TEXAS
    Kevin W. Stafford and Bryan Byrd
  • HYPOGENE CAVES AND KARST OF THE EDWARDS PLATEAU, TEXAS
    George Veni
  • THE BALCONES FAULT ZONE SEGMENT OF THE EDWARDS AQUIFER OFSOUTH-CENTRAL TEXAS
    Geary M. Schindel and Marcus Gary
  • HYPOGENE KARST OF THE LAMPASAS CUT PLAIN
    Melinda Shaw Faulkner and Aaron W. Bryant
  • KARST OF THE PALEOZOIC AQUIFER SYSTEM: LLANO REGION, TEXAS
    Kevin W. Stafford and Wesley A. Brown
  • GYPSUM CAVES OF NORTH TEXAS AND WESTERN OKLAHOMA
    Kenneth S. Johnson