An Introduction to Austrian Karst (UBSS Proceedings v.16(1))

Abstract: The plateaux of the Northern Limestone Alps underwent uplift between Miocene and Pliocene times due to pressure from the Central Alps. The run-off from the Central Alps took a linear northerly direction to the Northern Foreshore. Subsequent dissection separated the plateaux physically and local radial drainage patterns developed. The surface features of the plateaux are dependant on glaciation, solution and weathering. The plateaux show good conditions for cave formation. This has occurred in two major phases, late Tertiary northerly phreatic tunnels and post glacial vadose development.