The Loess “Cave” Near the Village of Surduk - an Unusual Pseudokarst Landform in the Loess of Vojvodina, Serbia

Authors

  • Tin Lukić Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad
  • Slobodan B. Marković Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad
  • Thomas Stevens Centre for Quaternary Research, Department of Geography, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey, TW20 0EX
  • Djordjije A. Vasiljević Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad
  • Björn Machalett Humboldt-University of Berlin, Department of Geography, Unter den Linden 6, D-10099 Berlin
  • Njeboša Milojković Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad
  • Biljana Basarin Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad
  • Igor Obreht Chair of Physical Geography, Department of Geography, Tourism and Hotel Management, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Trg D. Obradovića 3, 21000 Novi Sad

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v38i2-3.124

Abstract

Loess “caves” (piping caverns, wells, tunnels) exposed in loess cliffs are rare pseudokarst landforms that can be regarded as morphological equivalents to collapse dolines or sinkholes formed in classical karst terrains. This study presents the results of an investigation into a loess cave exposed in a loess cliff on the right bank of the Danube River near the village of Surduk in the Vojvodina region, Serbia. This study provides a first detailed morphologic description of this young pseudokarstic landform formed by piping erosion, probably partly supported with carbonate dissolution. The loess “cave” has a height of approximately 12 m and average diameter of around 3.5 m. In the middle of the cave ceiling there is a window. Observations indicate that over the last several years, the morphological characteristics of the landform have been stable. The main aim of this study is to provide a better understanding of the evolution of the piping process in the thick loess-paleosol sequences in the Vojvodina region, northern Serbia. A key role in the genesis of this landform was the short distance between an initial loess doline and a cliff exposing loess sediments, providing the possibility for the lateral removal of loess material. The presence of Robinia pseudoakacia trees around the initial depression modulated the evolution of the doline and provides support for the loess cavern roof. The nature of the dynamic erosional processes on the steep cliffs of the soft loess sediment indicates a very limited lifetime of this pseudokarstic landform.

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Published

2009-12-01

How to Cite

Lukić, T., Marković, S. B., Stevens, T., Vasiljević, D. A., Machalett, B., Milojković, N., Basarin, B., & Obreht, I. (2009). The Loess “Cave” Near the Village of Surduk - an Unusual Pseudokarst Landform in the Loess of Vojvodina, Serbia. Acta Carsologica, 38(2-3). https://doi.org/10.3986/ac.v38i2-3.124

Issue

Vol. 38 No. 2-3 (2009)

Section

Original papers

License

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