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Hydrodynamic-Driven Stability Analysis of Morphological Patterns on Stalactites and Implications for Cave Paleoflow Reconstructions

Carlo Camporeale and Luca Ridolfi
Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 238501 – Published 8 June 2012
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Abstract

A novel hydrodynamic-driven stability analysis is presented for surface patterns on speleothems, i.e., secondary sedimentary cave deposits, by coupling fluid dynamics to the geochemistry of calcite precipitation or dissolution. Falling film theory provides the solution for the flow-field and depth perturbations, the latter being crucial to triggering patterns known as crenulations. In a wide range of Reynolds numbers, the model provides the dominant wavelengths and pattern celerities, in fair agreement with field data. The analysis of the phase velocity of ridges on speleothems has a potential as a proxy of past film flow rates, thus suggesting a new support for paleoclimate analyses.

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  • Received 7 January 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.108.238501

© 2012 American Physical Society

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Ancient Rainfall, Carved in Stone

Published 8 June 2012

Mysterious ripples on stalactites are explained by a theory that includes the dripping water’s fluid dynamics. The results could help researchers reconstruct ancient precipitation records.

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Authors & Affiliations

Carlo Camporeale* and Luca Ridolfi

  • Department of Environment, Land, and Infrastructure Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Abruzzi 24, 10129, Turin, Italy

  • *carlo.camporeale@polito.it

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Issue

Vol. 108, Iss. 23 — 8 June 2012

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