1. PROPOSAL FOR IGCP 299 ON GEOLOGY, CLIMATE,HYDROLOGY AND KARST FORMATION

Transmitted by Prof. Yuan Daoxian

The proposed project which was registered as its No.299 project by theIGCP Secretariat early 1989 is supported by the Chinese National Committee for IGCP. It was first discussed and endorsed by the Karst Commission of the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH) at its 18th meeting in Guilin, China on Oct.11 and 14, 1988. Later 1988, Prof. Yuan Daoxian filled a formal IGCP application form for the project and sent it to the IGCP Secretariat and relevant scientists and National Committees for review. Meanwhile, Dr. H.Paloc, president of Karst Commission of IAH, sent a formal supporting letter on behalf of the Commission to the IGCP Secretariat on Feb. 8, 1989.

In 1989, this project had gotten support from more geoscientists and rele- vant IGCP National Committees. It was discussed and endorsed again by the Karst Commission of IAH during its 19th meeting in Orlando, Florida, USA on July 21, 1989. Eighteen geoscientists from 9 countries ( China, France, West Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Netherland, Switzerland, USA, Yugoslavia) signed their names on the list of supporters for the project. Some Scientists also suggested some changes for the project.

The project have been accepted by IGCP Board in Paris as a new IGCP Project N0.299 in Feb., 1990, and the IGCP 299 Working Group of China was established in Guilin on May 22,1990.

The importance and benefit of this project come from the broad expanse of karst area in the world, its rich but unevenly distributed natural resources, high population,fragile environment, and many informative geological records accumulated in karst area, which can be a new tool to study global environ- mental change.

Karst area totals about 15% of the terrestrial part of the earth's surface, i.e, about 22 million square kilometers.

An important part of the tropical and subtropical cash crops and about 60% of oil and natural gas production in the world are from karst regions. Moreover, karst regions are rich in many mineral deposits, such as bauxite, lead, zinc, copper and tin.

In China, most of the coal measures, currently the major energy resources in the country, are related to karst or paleokarst phenomena. Besides, the most favourable region for hydroelectric power construction in China is in its southwest part, which enjoys the broadest continuation of karstland in the world. About a quarter of China's groundwater resources (200 billion m³ annually) are from karst aquifers. Unique surface and subsurface karst features, such as tower karst, tufa dams and waterfall, karst springs and fantastic cave speleothem, are very often major attractions in many important tourism areas in the world.

However, karst-related resources are difficult to be explored, exploited or harnessed because of its uneven distribution. The reason of such phenomena is that karst water and karst-related mineral deposits or oil & gas are storing/flowing in surface and subsurface karst features of different size, different forms, with different degrees of integration and interconnection.

Moreover, the coexistence of surface and subsurface karst features, and the calcium-rich geochemical background, and generally thin soil cover in karstland makes it a very fragile and vulnerable environment. A series of problems frequent karst areas, such as drought, flood, deforestation, and surface collapses. But they are also quite different at different karst regions in the world. To treat all these environmental problems properly, it also needs a better understanding on karst formation.

World geoscientists have long sought for the origin and distribution regularities of different types of karst features. Previous works have revealed that all the differences cited above are the results of global differences in geological, climatical, as well as hydrological conditions.

Because the calcium cycle, carbon cycle and water cycle are the main ways of material and energy transfer in karst area, it is very sensitive to environmental, particularly climatic change. Accordingly, there are many geological records reflecting paleoenvironment. Cave deposits and fossils, surface deposits, and karst features can all tell something about environmental change in different time scale.

In combination with dating techniques or isotopic study on liquid inclusion, speleothem can sometimes tell the alternation of wet or dry, and warm or cold periods. Weathering products in karst area can tell the paleohydrological and paleoclimatic conditions directly, e.g, terra rossa are the result of humid warm condition, whereas limestone scree are formed under dry and cold climate.

It is therefore believed that the implementation of this project would provide an opportunity for scientists of various disciplines and from different countries to participate in international cooperation of studies concerned with most important economic and environmental problems in karst area, and develop a new approach in paleoenvironment reconstruction.

The International Correlation on Geology, Climate, Hydrology and Karst Formation shall be carried out under a common technical requirement to be drafted and agreed by all the collaborators. It will include the relationship between different kinds of karst features (surface and subsurface ones, macroforms and microforms, solutional forms and depositional forms) and basic factors controlling the development of karst features (such as geological, climatic, biologic, and hydrological conditions). The basic indicators and factors to be included in the correlation shall be carefully sorted out.

The project will also include the correlation on environmental changes in major karst regions around the world. Different kinds of geological records, such as those reflected in karst features, surface and cave sediment, isotopic data, shall be collected, identified, and interpreted for different time scale with care.

Based on the reports from major typical karst regions selected for compa- rison, the project shall include some field seminars and mutual visits, and work out a final general report. It will define the characteristics of karst form complex in different karst regions, and their distribution regularities, and will also establish their relationship with geological, climatical and hydrological conditions, and relevant natural resources and environmental problems. Moreover, it will cover the history of environmental changes in different karst regions.

There are many previous works, as described in detail in the formal application forms, which make this project feasible.

Meanwhile, this project is not only supported resolutely by the members ofKarst Commission of IAH , but also supported by IGCP National COmmittees ofseveral countries, and many karstologists from major karst regions of the world are willing to participate in the project.

Besides IGCP National Committee of China, this project has already got supporting letters from the IGCP National Committees of Austria, Australia,Yugoslavia, USA, UK, USSR, France and Italy. Prof. Ugo Sauro, Chairman of Study Group: Environmental Changes in Karst Areas of International Geographical Union has also sent letters in support of this project.

This project will last five years and cover three stages. At its first stage (1990-1991), the main purpose is to work out a common technical requirement and to decide typical points for correlation.Its first meeting will be held in Antalya, Turkey on Oct. 7-16, 1990. Then, the correlation will start in May, 1991 with a field seminar in China (from Guilin in South China, through Guiyang, Qingling karst in Central China,to Shandong in North China). At the end of 1991 (December), we will expect to see different types of karst in Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea.

The second stage of the work (1992 - 1993) will concentrated in field correlations. A meeting will be arranged in May, 1992 in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and then to see karst in Mammoth Cave Region, USA, and Alpine Karst in Castleguard (Canada). In the later half of 1992, we expect to see karst in Soviet Union and Poland. In May, 1993, a meeting will be held in Petnica (Yugoslavia), and Bologna (Italy), and then to see some typical karst in Western and North Europe.

The main work for the final stage (1994) is to prepare and approve the final correlation report. A meeting will be arranged in Guilin, China in Oct., 1993.

It is believed that the results of the international karst correlation project will not only improve greatly our knowledge on karst formation, to offer a new approach to study the global environmental change, but also benefit the proper use of international experiences on exploitation and management of karst-related resources and karst environment protection.

There have already been about 300 projects under IGCP. The suggested project on "Geology, Climate, Hydrology and Karst Formation" will be undoubtedly as important and successful as previous ones.

The inaugural meeting of the IGCP Project 299 Working Group of China was held in Guilin on May 22, 1990. Prof. YUAN Daoxian reported the origination, plan, aims, method and future activities of the project.

It was agreed that Prof. YUAN Daoxian of the Institute of Karst Geology, should act as leader of the IGCP 299 Working Group of China. Also, the members of the Working Group and constitution of its secretariat agreed by the IGCP National Committee of China was announced.

Forty four participants coming from universities, institutes, hydrogeological teams, scientific committees of some provinces, National protection Areas etc. attended the meeting and made discussion of the significance of the IGCP Project 299 on karst research, environmental protection and economic development of China. It was considered that earth's system science is a guide of the method of IGCP Project 299, i.e, to relate the karst process with the interaction of lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere, to realize organically a link between geology, geography, hydrology, biology, atmosphere science and environmental science. Those mentioned above is the difference between IGCP Project 299 and karstlogical reseach undertaken in the past.Many suggestions noted that emphasis must be placed on association analysis of karst feature complex in one area, i.e, to study comprehensively macro- and micro-forms, surface and subsurface forms,corrosion and deposition forms and basic factor controlling the development of karst features.

After discussing with some relevent researchers, the following regions have been decided as typical correlative points in China: Guilin(Guangxi), Wuxuan(Guangxi),Maolan(Guizhou),Yangzhuang(Shandong), Tumen(Yiyuan, Shandong),Niangziguan(Shanxi), Qixian(Tianjin), and Taizihe basin (Liaoning), and the following seven will be further practicable: Jiaozuo(Henan), Mengzi(Yunnan),Laibin(Guangxi), Puding(Guizhou), Zhenan(Shanxi), Beijing and Jiuzhaigou (Sichuan). Of course, some regions in Xinjiang, Gansu and Xizang which represent karst region in dry cold and high mountain area are also in consideration.

IGCP Project 299 has to make close contact with other IGCP Projects, especially those related to environmental problem. It should be note that, up to now, any international research plans of reconstruction of paleoenvironment is mainly based on changes of sedimentary facies and fauna or flora, eustacy of sealevel, and advance and retreat of glacier, as well as isotopic data.However, many environmental informations retained because of the susceptibility of soluble rocks to change of environment in karst area haven't been used overall. The IGCP Project 299 will carry out paleoenvironmental research on the basis of information noted above.

The project will involve any scientist who actives in the field related to the aims of IGCP 299, and welcome all relevant institutions and individuals jointly complete the task of the project. With progress of the work, subworking groups will needed to establish. For example:

1. Karst morphological complex and forming environment;

2. Reconstruction of paleoenvironment in karst area;

3. Environmental effect of human activities in karst area.

The secretariat of IGCP Project 299 Working Group plans to edit a yearly NEWSLETTER as on going publication containing material directly relevant to the project.

The first meeting of international IGCP 299 Working Group will be held in Antalya, Turkey on October 7-16 during the meeting of "Hydrogeological Processes in Karst Terranes".

Reported by Wang Fuxing

On the constitutive meeting of the Yugoslave Woking Group for the topic:"Environmental and Groundwater Protection in Lelic Karst, Yugoslavia", as a part of te IGCP Project No.299 ("Geology, Climate, Hydrology and Karst Formation").

--In the initiative of Prof.Dr.Neven Kresic from the University at Belgrade there was a meeting in the premises of the School of Mining and Geology on 25 June 1990, with constituing of Working Group which will be in charge of realization of Yugoslav part of the IGCP Project No.299. The topic is : "Environmental and Groundwater Protection in Lelic karst, Yugoslavia" and the period of its completion is 1990--1994.

--In the introdution part Dr.Neven Kresic stated the details about the initiative for realization of this international project, as well as about discussions he had had with the Project Proposer Prof.Dr.Yuan Daoxian from the Chinese Institute of Karst Geology, and the attitude held by the Karst Commission of IAH on its meeting in Orlando,U.S.A. on 21 July 1989. Furthermore,he spoke about the Yugoslav experts, as well as to suggest the polygon for research.

--Neven, Petar Papic and Radisav Golubovic, as members of the Initiative Group, submitted the suggestion of the concept of research realization. The suggestion was accepted with some changes.

--Prof.Dr.Neven Kresic is chosen for the leader of Working Group by voting.

--It was decided that all the material regarding constitution of the Yugoslav Working Group and research program should be submitted to the Prosposer of IGCP

Project No.299,-- Prof.Dr.Yuan Daoxian from the Chinese Institute of Karst Geology, the Yugoslav Comm. for IGCP, the Petnica Science Center and the Working Group Members. It was also agreed to apply for partly covering of research expenses, granted by the competent institutions.

--The Working Group expressed warmest thanks to Petnica Science Center for all the support and willingness to place equipment and premises to the Group's disposal.

--As far as the project realization is concerned, the Working Group has already made contacts with the eminent world experts and some preparations for several meetings in Belgrade and Petnica.

--The Scientific and Organizing Committees of the International school of Advanced Karst Hydrogeology were formed in the Petnica Science Center; numerous Yugoslav and foreign experts have confirmed their participation.

--Towards the end of September 1990, several foreign experts headed by the Project Proposer Prof.Dr. Yuan Daoxian, are expected to visit Yugoslavia and Petnica Science Center.

--The meeting of the International Working Group for the IGCP Project No.299 is planned to be held in Petnica in May 1993.

--The Yugoslav Working Group is of the opinion that all activities in connection with with the IGCP Project No.299 must be public and open to participation of all interested experts in Yugoslavia. Including of other polygons for research inYugoslavia within the International Project will also be sopported by the Yugoslav Working Group.

Reported by Neven Kresic and Petar Papic

3. GENERAL TRENDS

BRITISH SCIENTISTS SEEK NEW WAY TO RECONSTRUCTION
OF PALEOENVIRONMENT FOR GUILIN KARST

As a part of the work for IGCP 299, at the invitation of the Institute of Karst Geology Dr. M.M.Sweeting and Dr. P.bull of the Oxford University visited Guilin from the end of July to early August, 1990.

Chinese colleagues shoved them two types of major sediments in Guilin Karst, i.e. the Quaternary sandstone gravel boulder mixed with clay deposited on the karst plain and in some caves, and the late Cretaceous red calcareous breccia scattered on different altitude around Guilin Basin. Both of them are considered to be paleo-climatic indicators, and important to reconstruct karst history of not only Guilin. But also south China karst. However, the explanations to their origin are controversial.

Dr. P.Bull showed his result of SEN investigation on quartz grains from samples of the sandstone gravel boulders, which he took during his last visit. It appears that the surface features of the quartz grains remained unchanged when they were moving from sandstone areas to Guilin karst basin. He concludes that there might a major environmental change event to make so many sediments coming down without the action of river, wind or ice, such as earthquake, or rapid change of climate from dry to wet. If so, the events were not limited to Guilin. But happened all over south China. More samples of gravel boulders and red breccias were taken during their visit, and will show the result to the participants of IGCP 299 Meeting in Guilin, July next year.

                                                                                                   Reported by Yuan Daoxian

A YUGOSLAV WORKING GROUP FOR IGCP 299

Members of the Working Team for the realization of the Yugoslav part of the IGCP Project No.299 ("Geology. Climate. Hydrology and Karst Formation") titled "Environmental and Groundwater Protection in Lelic Karst, Yugoslavia".

Neven Kresic, leader, University at Belgrade, School of Hiniing and Geology. Djusina 7, 11000 Belgrade. Hydrogeology, Groundwater Modelling, Groundwater Protection.

Pepar Papic, University at Belgrade, School of Mining and Geology, Djusina, 11000 Belgrade. Hydrochemistry, Hydrochemical Modelling, Environmental Protection.

Radisav Golubovic, Petnica Science, P.P.40, 14000 Valjevo. Geology, Hydrogeology.

Nebojsa Kukuric, Karst Water Research Institute, Luke Vukalovica 3, 89101 Trebinje. Hydrogeology, Groundwater Modelling.

Vladimir Filipovski, Energoproject-Hydroengineering, Bulevar Lenjina 12, 11000 Belgrade. Hydrology, Numerial Modelling.

Miroslavo Vrvic, University at Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Studentski trg 16, 11000 Beigrade. Chemistry, Microbiological Chemistry, Environmental protection.

                                                                                                       Reported by Henen Kresic

CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS POLAND

Discussion on IGCP 299 has been taken place in the Institute of Geology Science, Jagiellonion University, Krakow on May 30, this year. during the Chinese Delegation of Regional Karst visited Poland, leading by Director of the Institute Karst Geology Xu Zhenxin. Famous karstologists, Prof. Gradzinski, Dr. J.Szulc and several experts attended the symposium. As the result, five research sub- projects under the IGCP 299 associated with the Polish projects existed would be suggested, two persons serve as Polish group coordinators. Dr. J.Glazek from Jagiellonion University. The conference of IGCP 299 in 1992 is welcome to take place in Cracow, Poland.

                                                                                                        Reported by Ru Jinwen

4. FUTURE MEETING

IGCP 299 SYMPOSIUM AND FIELD SEMINAR, GUILIN, CHINA
July 7th--Aug. lst, 1991.

The seminar will be taken place at seven points that represent the wide environment coverage of karst in China.

Guilin(south China): Humid tropical karst, late Cretaceous to Pleistocene environment.

Maolan Nature Preserve: Mechanism of karstification in virgin forest condition. Karst feature at the slope zone between Guizhou plateau and eastern Guangxi lowland.

Guiyang(middle China): Plateau karst, water disturbance type tufa on the Huangguoshu waterfall.

Sichuan Huanglong-Jiuzai: High mountain karst, stone pinnacles, magnificent tifa cascades(photosynthesis, outflow).

Xi'an (middle China): Southern slope of Qinling Mt. The northmost real tower karst in China, or even in the world, on the boundary between humid karst and semi-arid karst.

Tumen-Yiyuan (Shandong, north China): Semi-arid karst, evidences of humid middle Pleistocene. Scallops and allogenic gravels in high level caves concurrent with speleothem dating back to 2,000,000 years B.P.

Beijing(north China): Semiarid karst. Evidences of Pleistocene environment from Zhougoudian homo erectus Pekinensis cave. Isomorphic tower karst on Precambrian siliceous limestone.

The Guilin seminar will be finished on August 1st, 1991, and in good connection with the XIII Congress of International Union for Quaternary Research, which will be held in Beijing from August 2-9,1991. There will be a karst session in the congress, and a lot of interesting karst papers are expected to be presented.

IGCP 299 AUSTRALIA SYMPOSIUM AND SEMINAR, 1991

Dr.David Gillieson (University of New South Wales) promised to organize a meeting for the end of 1991. Arid karst on Tertiary limestone, in Nullarbor plain, and Tower karst in Chillagoe area and relevant environmental problems will be the main topics for correlation in the event.

IGCP 299 NORTH AMERICA CORRELATION, SUMMER 1992

We are trying to organize another major trans-environmental zone correlation in 1992 summer. The main topics will be includ coastal karst, humid temperate karst, and glacial karst, with an excursion from Caribbean through the Mammoth cave area to Canadian Rockies. Prof. D.C.Ford has promised to guide the trip to Castleguard glacial karst region after the IGU Congress in Washington D.C. (August 4-8,1992).

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