Abstract
The Ochtiná Aragonite Cave (Slovakia, Central Europe) is a world-famous karst phenomenon of significant geological, geomorphological, and mineralogical values. Its specific origin is determined by particular lithological and hydrogeological conditions of the Ochtiná karst formed in lenses of Paleozoic crystalline limestones, partly metasomatically altered to ankerite and siderite. Although the cave is only 300 m long, it represents a combined labyrinth consisting in parallel tectonically controlled halls and passages, that are largely interconnected through transverse conduits of phreatic and epiphreatic morphology with many medium- and small-scale forms originated in slowly moving or standing water (flat solution ceilings, wall inward-inclined facets, water table notches, convectional cupolas, and spongework-like hollows). The highly dissected and irregular morphologies of the cave were surveyed with terrestrial laser scanning and digital photogrammetry. Both used surveying technologies proved to be suitable for quick and accurate mapping of the complicated cave pattern. While terrestrial laser scanning can provide a rapid survey of larger and more complex areas with results delivered directly in the field, digital photogrammetry is able to generate very high-resolution models with quality photo-texture for mapping of small-scale morphologies. Several data on cave morphometry were generated from terrestrial laser scanning (e.g., the area of cave ground plan, the peripheral surface of underground spaces, and their volume). The new detailed map, sections, and 3D model create an innovation platform for a more detailed study on the morphology and genesis of this unusual cave also for its environmental protection and use in tourism.
Highlights
The Ochtiná Aragonite Cave (Revúcka vrchovina Mountains, southern Slovakia) is associated with the World Heritage property “Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst” from 1995
Medium- and small-scale morphologies are not displayed, they are important for a more detailed morphological study or the inventory and protection of aragonite forms
Terrestrial laser scanning was used for the new geodetic surveying and 3D mapping of the cave
Summary
The Ochtiná Aragonite Cave (Revúcka vrchovina Mountains, southern Slovakia) is associated with the World Heritage property “Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst” from 1995. It is famous and significant for its rich and rare aragonite decoration and because of the specific solution phreatic morphologies; mainly flat ceilings and facets. Sci. 2020, 10, 4633 this cave, especially of its medium- and small-scale morphologies, is not sufficiently visualized on the existing speleological maps. Classic surveying and mapping of bedrock surfaces with such irregular and rugged morphologies is much more time-consuming and mostly less precise. Terrestrial laser scanning was used for the new geodetic surveying and 3D mapping of the cave
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