78 New Frontiers in Cave and Karst Science

We encourage submissions in any field of cave and karst science, with special emphasis on novel techniques, interdisciplinary approaches, and contributions from diverse early career researchers (students, postdocs, and faculty).

Monday, 20 October 2025
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
HBGCC, 211

Modeling the Development of Keyhole Passage Morphology

Paper number: 78-12
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 10:50 AM – 11:05 AM

Authors

Abstract

Cave passage morphology is an important indicator of the paleohydrological conditions under which a cave passage was formed. Keyhole passages are a commonly occurring type of passage morphology that consists of a round, wide top with a smaller canyon incised in the bottom of the passage. These passages typically indicate a shift from phreatic to vadose conditions. However, there are multiple mechanisms by which such a transition can occur, and little is understood about which of these mechanisms is most common, or whether aspects of keyhole morphology may indicate the primary formation mechanism. CaveCHAMP is a physically based cave evolution model that can simulate the evolution of passage shape along an extended conduit, including effects of ventilation and CO2 dynamics in the air-filled portion of the conduit. We have found several ways to model keyhole passage formation using CaveCHAMP, including manipulating discharge, chemistry, and tectonic forcing. To quantify changes in cross section shape, we have developed a set of parameters to describe the shape of the cross section. We have simulated the changes to keyhole morphology along a conduit and shown that the cross section maintains its geometry throughout the passage when created by a sudden decrease in discharge. In contrast, the keyhole widens and becomes less distinct upstream when created by base-level fall. We have also discovered that the distinctiveness of a keyhole shape is controlled by the timescale during which the phreatic-to-vadose transition occurs. These differences in morphology indicate that field observations of keyholes may allow us to constrain the conditions under which they formed. 

Geological Society of America Abstracts with Programs. Vol. 57, No. 6

doi: 10.1130/abs/2025AM-413469

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