Karst genesis of the Swabian Alb, south Germany, since the Pliocene

摘要: An integrated approach of geomorphological, speleological, climatological and stratigraphical analysis was applied in a selected study area in the Swabian Alb (south Germany) to determine spatial temporal development of deep karstification since Pliocene. By correlating field data derived from applying different analysis, four karstification levels could be identified assigned regional landscape development. The oldest highest level L IV represents only scattered relics Late Tertiary karstification. Levels II III are clearly determined by terraces cave levels. They correspond major stagnation phases base level river Danube pre-alpine glaciation Middle Pleistocene. lowest I evolved during the major Riss-period is still active upper reaches but buried under younger deposits the lower area. points out necessity using methods characterise evolution of