>Do you have any explanation for the _lack_ of karst weathering in the formations described above?
Possibilities that come to mind include either that it has been overlooked or else that the geological conditions were not favorable for it (e.g, submarine or low humidity subaerial exposure). I would have to know something about the deposits to be more specific. However, I do know that there is lovely Tertiary paleokarst in southeastern Alabama and nearby areas.
The key point is not that every limestone erosional surface has karst, but that many do, and the claims of the article were inaccurate.
Some of the flatter surfaces may represent ancient seafloor rock exposures, or hardgrounds. These represent just as much of a problem for claims of rapid deposition as do karst surfaces.
Also, in interpreting carbonate landscapes you need to watch out for tectonic features, or else you may wind up putting your karst before your horst.
Dr. David Campbell
"Old Seashells"
Biology Department
Saint Mary's College of Maryland
18952 E. Fisher Road
St. Mary's City, MD 20686-3001 USA
dcampbell@osprey.smcm.edu, 301 862-0372 Fax: 301 862-0996
"Mollusks murmured 'Morning!'. And salmon chanted 'Evening!'."-Frank Muir, Oh My Word!
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