Cave sediment mapping

The objectives of this study were to develop a method for cave sediment mapping, and to use that method to develop a sedimentary history for the caves of Lime Creek. Cave deposits were mapped using techniques generally applied to unconsolidated surface deposits. Correlation between surface glacial deposits and cave deposits allowed some... 

Cave sediments in the Lime Creek area of Eagle County, Colorado were classified by composition and texture and were plotted on detailed maps of cave geomorphology. These maps were used to relate cave sediments to surface deposits and to assemble a depositional history of the caves. 

Cave sediments were differentiated based on color, grain size, and general composition. Sediments were mapped and digitally drawn onto the plan and profile cave maps. The classification and descriptions of mapped sediments are shown in Table 1. The distribution of sediments were mapped onto cave profiles Ato determine the vertical... 

By mapping the distribution and types of cave sediments it is possible to determine the depositional history of the caves. The similarity between the cave sediments and surface deposits provide some clues as to the provenance of cave sediment. The relationship between the caves and surface features can provide an idea as to when and how the caves were formed. 

The sedimentary maps were developed using standard cave mapping techniques and techniques generally used for mapping unconsolidated surface deposits. With virtually no disturbance to the deposits in the cave, it was possible to reconstruct the sedimentary record of the caves of Lime Creek. The cave sediment record made it possible to determine the speleogenesis of the caves and to evaluate the effects of glaciation on karst development. 

Figure 5. Map of Columbian Avenue, Flint Ridge section of Mammoth Cave showing location of sediment pits. Underlined numbers are elevations in meters above pool stage of Green River. Base map adapted from Brucker and Bums (1964).

Clay, sand, and gravel deposits were mapped to determine likely sources of cave fill and relative flow system energy (Table 1). The vertical relationships between sediments indicate the sequence of sedimentation in most of the caves of Lime Creek. Older deposits are buried by younger ones, or can be preserved in pockets and cemented by calcite above current base level. Older deposits may have been completely removed by later stream activity, so a complete sediment record may not be preserved. 

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