A STELLA MODEL FOR KARST LANDFORM EVOLUTION

The development of Karst landform has been studied in aspects of hydrology and geomorphology. However, there are few studies on its dynamics that involved not only the two, but other factors in structural and tectonic aspects of geology. This simulation study tried to use the currently known data of Karst geology and to examine the dynamic relationships among its controlling factors. The STELLA program from the isee Systems is used for the simulation. The Karst terrain at GuiLin in the southwest China is used to provide real geologic conditions in the simulation. The goal of the simulation is to explore the dynamic variation on the elevation of the Karst surface through time. Major controlling factors involved in the simulation include: A) The tectonic history of the area. The late Pliocene uplift of the Tibet Plateau is a major factored to initiate or to rejuvenate the Karst cycle. B) The control of base level. Currently, the Karst surface at GuiLin sits at a base level controlled by the contact of siliceous rock formation. The simulation explore how would the base level control the development of Karst landform. C) The mechanism of sinkhole and cave development. Known data and mechanism on carbonate rock dissolution are used in simulation. Quantified fracture and joint conditions are factored in. Variation on the proportion of dolostone in the carbonate rock is also considered. D) Changes of hydrological parameters are included. This includes assumed variation of climate change and the evolution of water flow in the rock from initial stage to developed stage. The common factor in the simulation is the time, which used the maximum time allowed in the program, which is 10 million years with resolution of 1000 years.