Karst and pseudo-karst in Victoria: an overview

Dr Susan White

This paper will give an overview of the many caves and related landforms known in Victoria. Some are true karst but others are volcanic caves and pseudokarst. These features have scientific, recreation, aesthetic, conservation and education values and are an important part of the state's heritage. The karst and pseudokarst features are the result of the following natural processes: solution, precipitation, volcanism, weathering, piping, and wave action. Some karst is buried under the volcanic flows of western Victoria. Solution and precipitation, primarily of carbonate rocks is the single largest group. These fall into two main groups at widely separated in geological time: karst in the Palaeozoic limestones, mainly in the eastern part of the state, and that in Cainozoic limestones which are found from East Gippsland to the South Australian border. The next largest group is the volcanic caves of the Western District Volcanic Province which have a wide range of features, many of national and international geological significance. Significant features are found in a range of other rock types including granitic rocks, quartz sandstones and silcrete.