Dolomite caves within the Seroe Domi Formation on Curacao, Netherland Antilles

Remnant caves formed within the dolomitized Seroe Domi Formation on Curaçao were documented in order to determine their origin. Petrographic thin sections and geochemical analyses of samples from outcrops and cave wall rock agree with previous interpretations of a mixing zone origin for the replacement dolomite. Further, stable isotope analysis suggests migration of fluids from the underlying basalts along fracture networks in the Seroe Domi Formation. Most of the caves represent remnant phreatic caves based on morphology; however, a number of pseudokarst features were identified. Minimum clif... Mehr ...