Karst pocket valleys and their implications on Pliocene–Quaternary hydrology and climate: Examples from the Nullarbor Plain, southern Australia

摘要: Abstract Karst on the Nullarbor Plain has been studied and described in detail past, but it lacked determination of karst discharge palaeo-watertable levels that would explain palaeohydrological regime this area. This study explores existence previously unrecognised features area – pocket valleys gives a review worldwide. Initial GIS analyses were followed up by detailed field work, sampling, mapping measuring morphological, geological, hydrological characteristics representative Wylie Hampton scarps Plain. Rock sand samples examined for mineralogy, texture grain size, U–Pb dating speleothem from cave within valley enabled establishment time frame formation its palaeoenvironmental implications. The document evolution system Neogene–Pleistocene palaeoclimatic southern hemisphere. A different climatic geological settings suggests their basic remain same, often overlooked utility as environmental indicators can be used further studies. main period intensive karstification widening hydrologically active underground conduits is placed into wetter climates Pliocene epoch. Subsequent drier lowering watertable sea-level retreat Quaternary resulted (gravitational undermining, slumping, exudation collapse), which, combined with periodic heavy rainfall events due to impeded drainage, caused edge escarpments.