'Ghost rock' weathering: processes, evolution and implications for the karstification

作者：Quinif Yves^*; Bruxelles Laurent

来源：Geomorphologie-Relief Processus Environnement, 2011, (4): 349-358.

• weathering
• ghost rock
• karst
• alterite
• karstic morphology
• Hainaut
• Grands Causses
• Belgium
• France

For several years, numerous examples of ghost rocks have been recognised in karst areas in Belgium, in France and in Italy. They correspond to decalcified pockets but also to decalcified corridors filled with in-situ alterite. It is a special case of karstification where a non-soluble skeleton remains and preserves the structures of the initial rock (fossils, joints, levels of cherts, etc.). This alterite, which can also be formed under a safe roof, draws a large maze following the tectonic patterns. It constitutes an important discontinuity inside the karstic areas. When the base level drops, the structure of the alterite collapses and a void is formed on his top. Then runoff can use this void and erode the soft alterite. Cave network but also surface features can develop quickly, mainly by the cleaning of the alterite. Now, some examples of this phenomenon have been recognised all around the world and occur in different sorts of rocks, carbonated or not.

• 出版日期2011-12