A geomorphological study on the diversity of micro karst landforms of a limestone cave (with special reference to waulpane cave in ratnapura district)

Research Article
A.A.R. Thamodi * and Sumanajith Kumara
DOI: 
http://dx.doi.org/10.24327/ijrsr.2020.1106.5386
Subject: 
Geography
KeyWords: 
Karst, Dissolution process, Limestone cave, Depositional process, Micro karst landforms
Abstract: 

Karsts are the result of complex interaction between geology, climate, hydrology and biological factors over long-time periods. It is a collection of surface and subterranean landforms, formed through the dissolution of soluble bedrocks. Sri Lanka consists of several limestone caves and Waulpane limestone cave in Ratnapura is important among such limestone caves. The main objective of this study is to identify the diversity of micro karst landforms of a limestone cave. The entire Waulpane cave was taken as the sample. Water and rock samples were collected and landforms were measured and photographed while respondents were interviewed to get further information. The research findings show that the cave is consisted of speleothems like stalactites, stalagmites, drapery like features and karren on the walls, ceilings and ground with various sizes. Some stalactites seem like bulbs, cones, leaves and pillars while some resemble pencils, wall lamps, rounded arches, sand clocks and flower petals. Most of the features have scattered in the middle of the cave due to favourable conditions.