Dissolution and collapse features on the eastern Mediterranean Ridge

Abstract

Morphologic features similar to subaerial karstic dolines and zanjónes have been observed on the eastern Mediterranean Ridge using a near-bottom-towed geophysical instrument package. These features are found only on the floors of certain large depressions which lie above the crests of subcropping evaporite diapirs. The coincidence of dissolution controlled morphology with the subcropping soluble evaporite confirms earlier suggestions that the large depressions result from dissolution of the evaporites and collapse of the overlying strata.