Helictite Indexes page Abstracts of Vols 30 - 39 Helictite Home page Key to Abstractors
The abstracts appear in reverse order of the publishing sequence in Helictite.
Title: Sand structures cemented by focussed flow in dune limestone, Western Australia
Authors: GRIMES, Ken G.
Published: 2011, Helictite 40(2):51-54
Abstract by author:
Pendants, pillars and concretions of cemented sand are exposed in a dune limestone cave in southwest Western
Australia. These are the result of focussed flow of carbonate-saturated water through the sand in a very early stage of
eogenetic diagenesis. Vertical vadose fingered flow has cemented the pillars and pendants, and horizontal phreatic flow
has produced a layer of elongated concretions along a bedding plane. Later cave development has exposed the cemented
sand bodies.
Includes: 4 figures (3 colour photos), 16 refs
Keywords: syngenetic karst, eogenetic diagenesis, concretions, speleogens, sand speleothems, fingered flow, dune calcarenite, Australia
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Title: White-rumped Swiftlet Breeding Colony Size and Colony Locations in Samoa
Authors: TARBURTON, Michael K.
Published: 2011, Helictite 40(2):35-49
Abstract by author:
This paper describes the breeding and roosting caves used by the White-rumped Swiftlet (Aerodramus spodiopygius)
on Upolu and Savai’i, Samoa. Because these sites tend to be permanent and often difficult to locate, their locations and
other information to help find them are provided as a guide for future workers. This study lasted four years and followed
close after two devastating cyclones (Val & Ofa) so the data can form the basis for further study once the populations
have fully recovered and equilibria for the populations is reached.
Includes: 3 tables (38 cave descriptions, maps), 1 colour photo, 2 maps, 35 refs
Keywords: Aerodramus spodiopygius, Swiftlet colony, Lava caves, Samoa
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Title: Australia’s crystalline heritage: issues in cave management at Jenolan Caves
Authors: SMITH, Moshumi J.; BURNS, Georgette Leah
Published: 2011, Helictite 40(2):27-34
Abstract by authors:
This paper provides an environmental sustainability perspective on contemporary cave management issues in Australia
through examination of Australia’s most prominent tourist cave attraction, Jenolan Caves. Five key issues are discussed:
the administration and funding of the Jenolan Caves Karst Conservation Reserve; the extent of baseline data available;
long-term access and transport arrangements to the caves; visitor management; and the provision of interpretation facilities.
Each of these illustrates the difficulty of balancing the competing values and interests represented by conservation,
commercialisation and tourism. Cave management at Jenolan has improved in recent years but further changes in policy
and management structures are required to ensure environmental sustainability.
Includes: 4 figures (B&W photos), 46 refs
Keywords: karst, tourist cave, management, Australia
Reprint: PDF (680K)
Title: Microkarren in Australia - a request for information
Authors: GRIMES, Ken G.
Published: 2007, Helictite 40(1):21-23
Abstract by author:
Microkarren are the smallest class of visible karren. They are finely-sculptured solutional forms, typically recognisable
within a one centimetre grid. They come in a variety of patterns, of which fields of moderately to strongly sinuous
microrills about 1mm wide and several decimetres long are the most conspicuous type. A descriptive terminology
is suggested. Their genesis is uncertain, but appears to involve solution by thin films of water (dew, sea-spray or
light rain) with surface-tension effects. In Australia their best development seems to be in the tropical monsoon
(seasonally dry) and arid areas. However, these cryptic forms are poorly recorded and it is too early to make definite
statements about their distribution. This note is a request for people to watch for them and report any sightings.
Includes: 5 photos, 7 refs
Reprint: PDF (819K)
Title: Tectonic and Talus Caves at Pilchers Mountain, New South Wales
Authors: SMITH, Garry K.
Published: 2007, Helictite 40(1):11-20
Abstract by author:
There are fourteen known caves within the Pilchers Mountain Environmental Protection Reserve, in New South Wales,
Australia. The reserve contains five main chasms which run generally East-West for approximately one kilometre, over a
total width of half a kilometre.
The chasms and caves were formed by massive sandstone block separation along sub-parallel joint planes. Movement
of the blocks toward the valley floor was aided by the dip of the sandstone layers and presence of underlying shale bands
which acted as slip planes when lubricated by groundwater. There are two distinct types of caves at Pilchers Mountain,
"tectonic" caves formed by the movement of large blocks of bedrock, and "talus" caves amongst large breakdown rocks
and boulders. The chasms provide a micro-climate which supports a pocket of dense, high canopy, subtropical rainforest,
and the caves are home to populations of bats and other fauna.
The European history of Pilchers Mountain is detailed in chronological order from the early 1800s to the present day. A
Plan of Management is in the process of being formulated by stakeholders and interested parties to ensure the continued
preservation of the reserve.
Includes: 8 figures (3 maps, 4 photos, 1 diagram), 1 table, 22 refs
Keywords: Pseudokarst, Tectonic Caves, Talus caves, Fissure caves, History, Management, New South Wales
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Title: The abode of malevolent spirits and creatures - Caves in Victorian Aboriginal social organization
Authors: CLARK, Ian D.
Published: 2007, Helictite 40(1):2-10
Abstract by author:
A study of Aboriginal associations with Victorian caves finds that there is a rich cultural heritage associated with caves.
This association has been found to be rich and varied in which caves and sink holes featured prominently in the lives
of Aboriginal people - they were often the abodes of malevolent creatures and spirits and some were associated with
important ancestral heroes, traditional harming practices, and some were important in the after death movement of souls
to their resting places. Aboriginal names for caves, where known, are discussed.
Includes: 4 figures, 34 refs
Keywords: rock shelters, caves, dark zones, Aboriginal heritage, mythology, Victoria, Australia
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