Cryogenic cave carbonates: Mechanisms of formation and relationship to permafrost depth

Cryogenic cave carbonate is a rare type of secondary cave carbonate, which was formed in caves as a result of water freezing. The dissolved load of karst water was concentrated in the residual solution during formation of ice, and upon complete water freezing it was segregated as a carbonate precipitate. The existence of this carbonate type in caves of Central Europe was recognized only several years ago. Samples of cryogenic cave carbonate from localities in the Central European countries will be documented in the field, dated by U-series method and studied both mineralogically and geochemically, using C and O stable isotopes. Based on position of the dated samples, minimum permafrost depth during the Last Glacial Maximum will be estimated. The study will be complemented by experimental laboratory freezing of calcium bicarbonate water, followed by mineralogical and geochemical study of the formed carbonate phases.