The NSS Bulletin - ISSN 1090-6924
Volume 56 Number 2: 82-95 - December 1994

A publication of the National Speleological Society

Morphology and Development of Salt Caves
Amos Frumkin

Abstract

Morphology and origin of salt caves are discussed, based on a study of 105 caves in Mount Sedom salt diapir, Israel. High solubility of rock salt has favoured the development of allogenic caves under arid climate. Caves along the margins of the mountains are integrated systems with open outlets at base level. Central caves lack such an outlet, discharging slowly through narrow fissures to a regional aquifer. Cave profiles are adjusted to base level, allowing reconstruction of the evolutionary history of the region.

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