Cave Development Research Articles

Karst hydrogeology of the Chalk and implications for groundwater protection

Abstract The Chalk is an unusual karst aquifer with limited cave development, but extensive networks of smaller solutional conduits and fissures enabling rapid groundwater flow. Small-scale karst features (stream sinks, dolines, dissolution pipes, and springs) are common, with hundreds of stream sinks recorded. Tracer velocities from 27 connections between stream sinks and springs have median and mean velocities of 4700 and 4600 m d −1 . Tests to abstraction boreholes also demonstrate very rapid velocities of thousands of metres per day. Natural gradient tests from observation boreholes have rapid velocities of hundreds of metres per day. There is strong geological control on karst with dissolution focused on stratigraphical inception horizons. Surface karst features are concentrated near the Paleogene boundary, or where thin superficial cover occurs, but rapid groundwater flow is also common in other areas. The Chalk has higher storage and contaminant attenuation than classical karst, but recharge, storage and flow are influenced by karst. Point recharge through stream sinks, dolines, losing rivers, vertical solutional fissures, and soakaways enables rapid unsaturated zone flow. Saturated zone networks of solutional fissures and conduits create vulnerability to subsurface activities, and enable long distance transport of point source and diffuse pollutants, which may be derived from outside modelled catchment areas and source protection zones.

Low impact sampling of speleothems – reconciling scientific study with cave conservation

Speleothems are increasingly valued as important paleoclimate archives and yet the removal of samples from caves can come at a cost to natural heritage, impacting delicate environments with limited mechanisms for repair. Conservation of cave environments is a key responsibility for scientists and, with this in mind, we are working to develop and implement techniques that allow us to extract valuable scientific data, with minimal impact. In this study, we demonstrate the utility of low-impact reconnaissance dating surveys on caves in southern Tasmania and southwest Western Australia as a precursor to the removal of stalagmites for paleoclimate reconstruction. Small flakes of calcite were discretely extracted from the base and tip of fallen stalagmites and dated using U-Th techniques. We specifically targeted stalagmites that have naturally fallen or been previously broken by human interference, to further reduce our impact on the caves. This approach provides maximum and minimum age constraints for each stalagmite and valuable information of growth frequencies without the need to remove whole samples from the cave. Selecting the most appropriate samples to analyze based on reconnaissance ages greatly reduces the quantity of speleothem material to be removed from a cave to locate a desired interval of past time, mitigating the impacts of the research. Moreover, the reconnaissance age data enable us to build an archive of speleothem ages from the cave for future scientific research and to provide information on the age and nature of cave development, useful for cave management purposes and other studies. To assess the accuracy of this method we compared the reconnaissance age with the results of a detailed age evaluation on a small number of stalagmites removed from the caves. We have found this method to be effective and has allowed us to successfully identify several stalagmites suitable for our scientific objectives.

The Influence of Groundwater on the Development of Soil Cave����A Case Study of a Project in Yugan County

The Influence of Groundwater on the Development of Soil Cave����A Case Study of a Project in Yugan County

Paleohydrology of the Stefanina Cave (Greece)

The development of hypergene Stefanina Cave, the hydrological conditions, and the maximum discharge of the paleo-flow are studied, based on its pattern in ground-plan, the geometry of the passage, and the peak flow velocity from the dimensions of the scallops. The village of Stefanina is located East of Thessaloniki and the cave NE of the village. A study was conducted measuring the orientation of the discontinuities of the rocks inside and outside the cave, the scallops in various sites to estimate the flow velocities, and in addition, were taken photographs for the full analysis of its cross-section. The cave-in ground-plan has a pattern of branches, which is often associated with recharging through karstic depressions. The shape of the passages is both curvilinear and angular, depending on the foliage and the fractures. The symmetrical phreatic passage shape has been evolved to a vadose canyon, forming a keyhole passage in cross-section. This is indicative of a water table drop. The scallops are visible in a meandering channel, where the discharge of the paleo-flow is estimated. The estimated peak flow velocity ranges from 0.4 to 2.7 m / s, while the area-specific peak flow discharge is estimated to be 2.2 m3/s. On the one hand, the scallops represent the peak flow velocity, on the other hand, the karst springs have a limited maximum discharge, regardless of the size of the catchment, making it impossible to use the calculated paleo-discharge to estimate the respective catchment area.

Formation mechanisms of paleokarst and karst collapse columns of the Middle Cambrian-Lower Ordovician carbonates in Huainan coalfield, Northern China

Karst water in the Middle Cambrian-Lower Ordovician carbonates is the ecological resources and domestic water in the Huainan coalfield (Anhui Province, China), but it also directly threatens the safe production of coal mines due to the development of paleokarst and karst collapse columns (KCCs). Most of the Middle Cambrian-Lower Ordovician carbonates in Northern China experienced multistage tectonic movements and were affected by multi-type corrosive fluids, but very few studies focused on the effect of multistage fluid-rock reaction on the formation of paleokarst and KCCs. To investigate the formation mechanisms and characteristics of paleokarst and KCCs, this study integrated petrographic studies, isotope geochemistry (C and O) and minor elements (Ba, Mn, and Sr), and clarified the sources and types of corrosive fluids. Through this study, meteoric water, formation water, hydrothermal fluids, and mixing fluids were determined as the four main types of corrosive fluids that formed pores, vugs, fractures, caves, and KCCs in the Middle Cambrian-Lower Ordovician carbonates. The meteoric dissolution is controlled by carbonic acid solution recharge conditions which affect the karst development in the Cambrian and Ordovician paleoweathering crusts and local carbonate outcrops. Hydrothermal fluids with high-temperature, high-pressure and high-corrosivity can develop a strong hydrothermal pore-fracture system in the Cambrian carbonate, which is the reason that KCCs can develop in the Cambrian strata in the Huainan coalfield. The mixing dissolution is controlled by sulfuric acid dissolution and usually occurs in the water tables and the fault and fracture zones, which are conducive to the development of caves and KCCs. In addition to the above four corrosive fluids, the development of paleokarst and KCCs in the Huainan area is also controlled by stratigraphic lithology and geological structures, especially for faults and fractures, which are the main migration channels of corrosive fluids. An evolution model of paleokarst and KCCs was established, providing a plausible interpretation for better understanding of the spatial distribution of paleokarst and KCCs. In practice, this study provides critical references for predicting the spatial distribution of paleokarst and KCCs in Northern China coalfields, as well as the exploration and development of karst water around the world.

Multi-criteria analysis for mapping susceptibility to iron formation caves development in the Gandarela mountain range (MG), southeast Brazil

In tropical regions, abundant in iron-rich geological materials, caves that are genetically and geographically associated with exploitable mineral deposits may develop. These caves have speleological relevance and are environmentally and legally protected in Brazil. Thus, for better planning of exploitation and environmental licensing, it is necessary to study the genesis and development of the iron formation caves seeking to preserve them without impeding the advancement of mining. This subject is complex, rarely studied, and few are the knowledges on alternatives to predict the occurrence of these caves. This gap justifies the development of research and products capable of assisting decision-makers, planners, and competent authorities in supporting the definition of target sites for speleological prospecting in the field. In this study, the prediction of the factors involved in the development of iron formation caves was evaluated producing a map of susceptibility in a GIS environment using fuzzy logic and an analytical hierarchic process (AHP). Therefore, the variables: iron oxide ratio, slope gradient, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), plan curvature, profile curvature, lineament intensity, and height above the nearest drainage (HAND) were selected. These variables were obtained by processing of geospatial data from a region of the Gandarela Range (Minas Gerais, Brazil). The fuzzy logic and AHP techniques were applied, and for the validation of the results, a previously surveyed cave inventory was used. The results showed satisfactory performance of the map produced in predicting areas favorable to the occurrence of iron formation caves, presenting an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of approximately 0.85, which indicates a high prediction rate and validates the proposed method. Such results demonstrate that this susceptibility map was reliable and that the set of criteria and weights used were suitable for mapping areas favorable for speleological prospecting.

Development and collapse of karstic cavities in folded marbles: Geomorphological and geophysical evidences in Nerja Cave (southern Spain)

Karstic evolution leads to the growth and collapse of cavities by the interaction between geological structures and the hydrogeological framework. Nerja Cave developed within marbles belonging to the Alpujarride complex of the Internal Zones in the Betic Cordillera of Spain. The residual gravity anomaly map of the karstified areas –surrounding the known Nerja Cave– may indicate a likely elongated parallel cave system, N-S oriented, unknown up to present, and formed by both small shallow and large deep caves below a nearby hill located north-westwards to the known cave. At the east hillside, a moderate gravity anomaly minimum and geomorphological evidence (vertical walls and sunken terrains) suggest the presence of an old collapsed cave. At the west hillside, a marked gravity minimum is associated with a strongly folded marble layer without evidence of collapse. An electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) profile across the hill –in the E-W direction– supports an interpretation of several voids, two of the bigger ones located on either side of the hill. The combination of geomorphological, ERT and gravity forward modelling indicate the location of unknown caves, one of them partially collapsed. These caves, located at a higher topographic level than the known Nerja Cave, may represent an early stage of cave development, and suggest the preferred dissolution of some layers in the folded marbles. This field example provides new insights on the interaction of structure in the karstic evolution that determines the cavity stability.

Using Groundwater Chemistry to Identify Soil Cave Development in Karst Terrain: a Case Study in Guangzhou, China

The relationship between soil cave development and the chemical characteristics of groundwater in a karst area was investigated. The purpose of the investigation was to identify potential soil caves and predict their collapse. Field surveys and monitoring were carried out, and statistical analysis, and geological comparison methods were used to analyze the relationships between Ca++, HC $${\text{O}}_{3}^{ - }$$ , TDS, (Na++K+)/(Na++K++Ca++), Cl–/(Cl– + HC $${\text{O}}_{3}^{ - }$$ ) and soil cave development. Gibbs charts and Piper diagrams were used. The results show that the development of soil caves can be identified from groundwater chemistry indicators. All hidden and collapsed soil holes were located on a strong development zone that was identified using Gibbs charts. This study provides a new approach for the monitoring of soil cave development and for early-warning of soil cave collapse using macro-scale groundwater chemistry.

Structural, geomorphic, and hydrochemical influences on the karst hydrogeology of the Haney Limestone in south-central Kentucky, USA

South-central Kentucky (USA) has one of the world’s most intensively studied karst landscape/aquifer systems, including the carbonates that hold the Mammoth Cave System. Slightly higher in the Mississippian (Lower Carboniferous) stratigraphic section, the Haney Limestone forms a locally important but much less well-studied karst aquifer. This research provides the most comprehensive synthesis to date of the karst hydrogeology of the Haney Limestone of south-central Kentucky, focusing on the distribution of and controls on caves and karst features. In contrast to drainage systems within the underlying major limestones, joints have controlled passage development in the Haney Limestone, and passage orientation is consistent with regional jointing. Bedding planes and insoluble rock at the base of the Haney Limestone also influence conduit development. Most caves developed in the Haney Limestone in the study area are single-conduit caves that receive direct allogenic recharge. Often, cave entrances are perennial springs where streams resurge, suggesting that the caves function within the contemporary landscape as drains for localized recharge areas. Most caves developed in the Haney Limestone appear to be geologically recent phenomena. Most cave passages in the study area are hydrologically active, water resurging from the sampled springs is typically undersaturated with respect to calcite, and some caves appear to be developed along stress-release fractures associated with small young valleys. This suggests that caves in the Haney Limestone were not directly influenced by the incision of the Green River over vast periods, as was the case for Mammoth Cave, but that cave development is a largely contemporary process.

Characteristics of Karst Cave Development in Urban Karst Area and Its Effect on the Stability of Subway Tunnel Construction

The existence of karst caves poses a large threat to safe tunnel construction in a karst area. This paper presents a synthetic method to evaluate the collapse risk before subway tunnel construction with Yang‐Jian interval tunnel as a case study. The crosshole seismic Computed Tomography (CT) integrated with Geological Drilling (Geo‐D) was first applied to accurately delineate the karst location and its scale. Then, 483 groups of seismic wave CT images were recorded, and 524 karst cave anomalies were found. The height of karst caves in the study area is 1–20 m and mainly concentrated at approximately 5 m. The vertical distance between the karst cave and the tunnel is mainly within 15 m. According to the detection results, a series of numerical models were built and calculated using FLAC3D to investigate the effect of different sizes and locations of karst caves on the displacement and stability of the surrounding rock in tunnels. Afterwards, based on the simulation results, the disturbance degree evaluation index was established to quantitatively evaluate the risk level of karst caves. The evaluation results indicate that the buried depth of the karst cave greatly affects the disturbance degree. No treatment is required for the deeply buried karst cave that is more than 7 m from the tunnel. When the distance between the cave and the tunnel is less than 7 m, there is a critical size of the cave. Karst caves that are larger than that critical value must be filled with a single slurry or binary slurry before tunnel construction to eliminate the risk of tunnel collapse. This study can be used to provide a more efficient and economical program for metro tunnel construction above a karst cave.

High resolution digital 3D modelling of subsurface morphological structures of Koutouki Cave, Greece

Remote sensing techniques and laser scanning technology have given us the opportunity to study indoor environments, such as caves, with their complex and unique morphology. In the presented case study, we used a handheld laser scanner for acquiring points with projected coordinate information (X, Y, Z) covering the entire show cave of Koutouki; including its hidden passages and dark corners. The point cloud covers the floor, the walls, and the roof of the cave, as well as the stalactites, stalagmites and the connected columns that constitute the decoration of the cave. The absolute and exact placement of the point cloud within a geographic reference frame gives us the opportunity for three-dimensional measurements and detailed visualization of the subsurface structures. Using open - source software, we managed to make a quantification analysis of the terrain and generated morphological and geometric features of the speleothems. We identified 55 columns by using digital terrain analysis and processed them statistically in order to correlate them to the frame of the cave development. The parameters that derived are the contours, each column height, the speleothem geometry and volume, as well as the volume of the open space cavity. We argue that by the demonstrated methodology, it is possible to identify with high accuracy and detail: the geomorphological features of a cave, an estimate of the speleogenesis, and the ability to monitor the evolution of a karstic system.Key words: cave, laser scanner, 3D representation, speleothems, SLAM.

Study on Heterogeneity of Pore Throats at Different Scales and Its Influence on Seepage Capacity in Different Types of Tight Carbonate Reservoirs

The carbonate reservoirs in the middle Sichuan area have undergone complicated tectonics, resulting in various types of reservoir space, large secondary changes, and multiple complexities. Taking the tight carbonate gas reservoir of the Deng-4 member in this area as an example, based on casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, and high-pressure mercury injection experiments, the reservoir space and microstructural characteristics of the micropore throats were studied, and the influence of the microscale heterogeneity in different types of reservoirs on the seepage capacity was analyzed by applying fractal theory. The results showed that the reservoir space in the tight carbonate rock of the Deng-4 member in the study area could be divided into 3 types: pore-hole-fracture, pore-hole, and pore types. The distribution characteristics of the pore throat diameter were multimode wide type, double-mode high and low asymmetrical type, and single-mode concentrated type. The fractal dimension and seepage capability of the pore throat increased successively in sizes from less than 0.1 μm to 0.1~1.0 μm and greater than 1.0 μm. On the one hand, the development of karst caves and fractures controlled the percolation ability of tight carbonate reservoirs; on the other hand, it enhanced the heterogeneity of the micropore throat structure. However, the development degree of dissolved pores and microfractures has a weak contribution to the connectivity and seepage capacity of the reservoir space. Acidification, fracturing, and other measures can be adopted to enhance the connectivity between pores to improve the productivity of the gas reservoir. This study provides a scientific basis for the efficient exploration and development of tight carbonate reservoirs.

Magnetostratigraphic and uranium-series dating of fossiliferous cave sediments in Jinyuan Cave, Liaoning Province, northeast China

Chronological sequences of Quaternary terrestrial mammalian faunas can provide important information about the evolutionary history of mammals, regional biostratigraphy and paleoenvironmental changes. Here we report the results of studies of a thick, nearly-continuous sedimentary sequence from Jinyuan Cave, in Liaoning Province, northeast China; the sequences contains four mammalian faunas ranging in age from the Late Pliocene to the late Middle Pleistocene. Detailed paleomagnetic and U-series age determinations date the upper unit of the sedimentary sequence to ~2.2–0.3 Ma. The results suggest that cave development and infilling were closely associated with the tectonic evolution of the Bohai Basin, including the subsidence of the basin and the uplift of the surrounding mountains, such as Luotuo Hill. Together with the large mammalian faunas from both south and north China, we suggest that these mammalian faunas were smaller in size and lower in species diversity during the Middle Pleistocene Transition (MPT) (1.2–0.7 Ma) than in the earlier and later Pleistocene. This indicates that major climatic variations during the MPT in north China may have reduced their taxonomic abundance and diversity. The extremely warm and wet interglacial climates that followed the MPT in monsoonal East Asia provided an ecological niche for the evolution and migration of these mammalian faunas, resulting in an increase in the numbers and diversity of mammals in East Asia.

Coastal caves on the Interview Island of Andaman Islands, India

By the presence of well-developed terraces on the Interview Island of Middle Andaman, we conducted an exploratory study on the Interview Island of Andaman and Nicobar Islands to understand the development of coastal caves here. During the investigation, we identified seven coastal caves on the island. Morphometric data of these study caves were used for further quantitative analysis by following the area/perimeter (A/P) and entrance width/maximum width (E/M) ratios to classify the cave types. We recognized from the results that the coastal caves could not be easily differentiated as flank margin caves based on A/P and E/M ratios. Nevertheless, based on their morphometry, we could confirm the occurrence of sea caves on the East and West coast of the Interview Island. The present study, as part of the more extensive ongoing research to conserve a cave-dwelling bird, allowed us to report and discuss the occurrence of the coastal caves, and their importance to understanding the speleological significance of the Interview Island.

Karst development characteristics and collapse risk assessment along Shaoxing metro line 1

Urban subway construction in karst areas can be seriously threatened by geological disasters, which impact the safety of subway construction and operation. Given the effects of geological conditions and human engineering activities, it is necessary to comprehensively analyze the influence of various factors and then evaluate the risk of karst collapse. With the section between Yanghe road station and Jianhu town station of Shaoxing metro line 1 as an example, crosshole seismic wave computed tomography (CT) was employed to prospect the geometric characteristics and spatial distribution of karst caves. Based on the survey results, ten influencing factors were selected as evaluation indexes for karst collapse susceptibility. Then, an assessment system was established, and each index was quantitatively rated through three grades. The analytical hierarchy process was used to determine the weight of these indexes, and the fuzzy transform principle and maximum membership degree principle were applied to quantitatively and comprehensively evaluate the collapse risk level in the study area. Results showed that karst cave development mainly occurred in the bedrock surface under 11 m. The caves were mostly 2–5 m high, and most of them were filled. Approximately 70% of the studied section had a moderate or high risk of karst collapse. As the subway passes through the karst area, appropriate measures should be implemented for the different risk sections to ensure the safety of construction and operation.

Stratigraphical influence on chalk cave development in Upper Normandy, France: implications for chalk hydrogeology

Classically, the Upper Cretaceous Chalk Group aquifer of northwest Europe is conceptualized as a homogenous dual-porosity aquifer, with high porosity related to its fine-grained porous matrix, and intermediate hydraulic conductivity associated with fractures. However, an increasing number of hydrological studies visualize the Chalk as a heterogeneous karst aquifer due to the localised presence of dissolutionally enlarged conduits. Field investigation suggests that cave development is guided by distinct stratigraphical and tectonic discontinuities within the rock mass. Identifying which potential inception horizons within the Chalk aquifer are favoured, and why, is important for developing future robust conceptual models of groundwater behaviour. This study focusses on the Chalk of the Upper Normandy region in France where karstic conduits are common and are linked to major sources of groundwater for public water supply. We analyse the geometry and geomorphology of six chalk caves exposed in the Seine Valley with an aggregated length of over 5.7 km, along with other caves in southern England, and identify the key inception horizons associated with their development. The data shows that prominent Turonian, Coniacian and Santonian hardgrounds have influenced the development of 68% of the studied caves length, with sheet-flints and marl seams also playing a prominent role. Caves developed on or between hardgrounds typically display a complex interlinked anastomotic passage network, whereas passages subjected to paragenetic conditions caused by a high sediment flux tend to be concentrated into fewer, larger conduits. The new evidence from Normandy and Southern England demonstrates the role of lithostratigraphy, and in particular stratigraphical discontinuities on conduit development. The data reinforces the idea that the Chalk aquifer should be viewed as a heterogeneous triple porosity karstic aquifer, in which conduit development is influenced by key stratigraphical discontinuities. This improved conceptual model can be used to develop better groundwater flow models and improved catchment delineation.

Holocene evolution of halite caves in the Cordillera de la Sal (Central Atacama, Chile) in different climate conditions

Geomorphological studies have been carried out in rapidly evolving salt caves related to small watersheds in the San Pedro de Atacama area, Chile. Radiocarbon ages of bones and wood from cave deposits, combined with the presence of large salt caves, geomorphological and sedimentological observations, and the results of micrometer measurements outside and in some of the caves, suggest a period of speleogenesis in the Cordillera de la Sal during the onset of the Holocene, during which the large halite cave systems developed, followed by an early Holocene hyperarid period. Most smaller caves (i.e. Lechuza del Campanario) most probably formed at the start of the wetter mid-Holocene period (5–4.4 ka), when precipitation was never intense enough to entrain large amounts of sediments, but enough to trigger cave development. A diamicton in Lechuza del Campanario Cave radiocarbon dated at ca. 4.4 ka shows that at least one high intensity rainfall event occurred in this recharge basin during the mid-Holocene wet interval. A wet period with lower intensity rainfall events followed between 4.0 and 2.5 ka, causing the 4.4 kyrs old diamicton in Lechuza del Campanario Cave to be entrenched, and the alluvial fan at the downstream end of Palacio del Sal Cave to be covered with windborne sediments dated by OSL at around 3.6 ka. At ca. 2 ka there was a high-intensity rainfall event documented by the age of a twig stuck in the ceiling of the Palacio del Sal Cave, followed by a period with lower intensity rain events until ca. 1.3 ka, when another intense flood produced a mudflow that deposited a second diamicton in Lechuza del Campanario Cave. From then on clustering of radiocarbon ages for wood and bone recovered from caves indicates increased rainfall intensity in the period ca. 0.9–0.5 ka, followed by no registered events until a minor flood at ca. 0.13 ka. The four-centuries long wetter time interval (0.9–0.5 ka), corresponding to the Medieval Climate Anomaly, has been an archeologically important period in the Atacama Desert (Tiwanaku culture).The observations and a detailed review of paleoclimate literature from this key area have allowed the development of a landscape evolution model related to changing climate conditions during the Late Holocene.

Research Status and Prospects of Key Technologies for Underground Water-sealed Oil Storage Cave

Petroleum is the lifeblood of the national economy. The underground water-sealed oil storage cave has become the main development direction and research object of petroleum reserve at home and abroad due to its advantages. This paper summarizes the research progress of key technologies for large-scale underground water-sealed oil storage cave, emphasizes the current role of underground water-sealed oil storage cave in petroleum reserve, and discusses water curtain system and water sealing, surrounding rock permeability and evaluation, surrounding rock stability and evaluation, field construction technology and related issues, and also emphasizes the importance of strategic petroleum reserve(SPR), and has prospects to the future development of underground water-sealed oil storage cave.

Main controlling factors and remaining oil distribution in ancient buried hill reservoir

The paleo buried hill in the study area belongs to the metamorphic rock buried hill reservoir, and the reservoir conditions are controlled by the dual factors of structure and dissolution; the comprehensive structural relative difference, the network fracture network characteristics of the reservoir space and the development scale of the secondary dissolution holes are divided into three types of buried hill reservoir; through the comprehensive study of the reservoir characteristics and the reservoir forming conditions of the buried hill reservoir, the source rock fault transport and the fracture and cave development of the buried hill reservoir The main controlling factors for the formation of buried hill reservoir in the study area are the degree of development and sealing conditions. Based on the comparative analysis of a large number of field data such as drilling, oil testing, logging, logging interpretation, oil-water identification and production performance, the trap characteristics, original oil-water interface, rising speed of oil-water interface and water flooded surface condition of buried hill reservoir are clarified, thus guiding the distribution of remaining oil.

Reconstructing fluvial incision rates based on palaeo‐water tables in chalk karst networks along the Seine valley (Normandy, France)

AbstractQuantifying rates of river incision and continental uplift over Quaternary timescales offer the potential for modelling landscape change due to tectonic and climatic forcing. In many areas, river terraces form datable archives that help constrain the timing and rate of valley incision. However, old river terraces, with high‐level deposits, are prone to weathering and often lack datable material. Where valleys are incised through karst areas, caves and sediments can be used to reconstruct the landscape evolution because they can record the elevation of palaeo‐water tables and contain preserved datable material. In Normandy (N. France), the Seine River is entrenched into an extensive karstic chalk plateau. Previous estimates of valley incision were hampered by the lack of preserved datable fluvial terraces. A stack of abandoned phreatic cave passages preserved in the sides of the Seine valley can be used to reconstruct the landscape evolution of the region. Combining geomorphological observations, palaeomagnetic and U/Th dating of speleothem and sediments in eight caves along the Lower Seine valley, we have constructed a new age model for cave development and valley incision. Six identified cave levels up to ∼100 m a.s.l. were formed during the last ~1 Ma, coeval with the incision of the Seine River. Passage morphologies indicate that the caves formed in a shallow phreatic/epiphreatic setting, modified by sediment influxes. The valley's maximum age is constrained by the occurrence of late Pliocene marine sand. Palaeomagnetic dating of cave infills indicates that the highest‐level caves were being infilled prior to 1.1 Ma. The evidence from the studied caves, complemented by fluvial terrace sequences, indicates that rapid river incision occurred during marine isotope stage (MIS) 28 to 20 (0.8–1 Ma), with maximal rates of ~0.30 m ka−1, dropping to ~0.08 m ka−1 between MIS 20–11 (0.8–0.4 Ma) and 0.05 m ka−1 from MIS 5 to the present time. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.