Two hundred million years of karst history, Dachstein Limestone, Hungary

ABSTRACT Platform carbonates of the Upper Triassic Dachstein Limestone in Naszály Hill have been karstified extensively over the past 200 million years. They provide an excellent example of polyphase karstic diagenesis that is probably typical of many subaerially exposed carbonate sequences. Seven karstic phases are recognized in the area, each of which include polyphase karstic events. The first karst phase was associated with the Löfer cycles. Meteoric waters caused dissolution; enlarged fractures and cavities, were filled by marine and/or vadose silts and cement. The second karst phase was caused by local tectonic movements. Bedding‐plane‐controlled phreatic caves were formed, and filled by silts. The third karst phase lasted from the end of the Triassic to the Eocene. This was a regional, multiphase karstic event related to younger composite unconformities. Bauxitic fill is the most characteristic product of this phase. The karst terrain reached its mature or senile stage with very little porosity. Narrow veins and floating rafts of white calcite marks karst phase 4, which resulted from hydrothermal activity associated with Palaeogene magmatism. The early Rupelian phase of Alpine uplift caused large‐scale rejuvenation of the former karst terrain (karst phase 5). Subsequently Naszály Hill was buried as an area of juvenile karst with significant porosity. A second period of hydrothermal activity in the area (karst phase 6) was induced by Miocene volcanism, which resulted in wide, pale green calcite veins. Finally karst phase 7 was of tectonic origin. Following the most recent, Miocene uplift of the Naszály Hill, the carbonates have again become the site of vadose karst development.