Processes in Karst Systems: Physics, Chemistry, and Geology (Springer Series in Physical Environment, 4)

**Karst Systems** deal with the question of how the subsurface drainage system, typical of Karst areas develops from its initial state to maturity. Equal attention is given to physical, chemical and geological conditions which determine karstification. The reader will find discussions of mass transport, chemical kinetics, hydrodynamics of fluxes, and the role of dissolution and precipitation of Calcite as they occur in experiments and natural environments. It offers a wealth of information on a complex natural system to hydrologists, hydrochemists, geologists and geographers. Front Matter....Pages I-XII Introduction....Pages 1-9 Front Matter....Pages 11-11 Chemistry of the System H 2 O-CO 2 -CaCO 3 ....Pages 13-42 Mass Transport....Pages 43-58 Chemical Kinetics....Pages 59-79 Hydrodynamics of Flow....Pages 80-99 Front Matter....Pages 101-101 Dissolution and Precipitation of Calcite: The Chemistry of the Heterogeneous Surface....Pages 103-139 Modelling the Kinetics of Calcite Dissolution and Precipitation in Natural Environments of Karst Areas....Pages 140-182 Front Matter....Pages 183-183 Karst Systems....Pages 185-217 Models of Karst Development from the Initial State to Maturity....Pages 218-255 Precipitation of Calcite in Natural Environments....Pages 256-272 Conclusion and Future Perspective....Pages 273-274 Back Matter....Pages 275-288