Cave and karst development in the Craven Basin, UK

The Craven Basin, which was an area of crustal subsidence during much of the Carboniferous, contains carbonate strata that pre-date the deposition of the better known carbonates of the Askrigg Block to the north. Later basin-fill deposits consist mainly of clastic sedimentary rocks. However, interbedded carbonate horizons and Waulsortian mud-mounds are also present. Karst development has taken place locally on the exposed carbonate strata. including establishment of the only example of a sulphurous cave stream currently known in the British Isles. The caves so far examined in the area are described, alongside an account of their geological setting.