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Monadnocks of the Mekong delta: character, caves and evolution
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 08:14 authored by Kiernan, KIsolated limestone hills and towers near the Gulf of Thailand coast, and granitic monadnocks that extend further inland, protrude through alluvial silts of the Mekong River delta in Vietnam and Cambodia. The form of the granitic monadnocks is guided by bedrock geometry and some exhibit extensive boulder mantles residual from deep weathering within which large boulder cave complexes occur, together with underground stream systems that feed permanent springs. The limestone hills vary in form according to differences in structure, rock purity and hill-base topographic setting and contain vertically-developed vadose invasion caves and basal floodwater stream caves. Evolution of the present day hillbase and stream cave morphology has been influenced by changes in the base level of vadose activity that have been related to changes in relative sea level, most recently as the Mekong delta has formed during the Holocene.
History
Publication title
Cave and Karst ScienceVolume
38Pagination
71-80ISSN
1356-191XDepartment/School
School of Geography, Planning and Spatial SciencesPublisher
British Cave Research AssociationPlace of publication
United KingdomRights statement
Copyright © British Cave Research Association 2011Repository Status
- Restricted