Solution pipes interpreted as a cryptokarst separate large-scale cross-bedded megaforms of shallow-marine calcarenites deposited at the Neogene-Quaternary transition in Cape Verde Islands. This implies that depositional phases were followed by subaerial exposure of the cemented calcarenites during subsequent falls of the sea level, and accumulation of unconsolidated eolianites which supported a vegetal cover that promoted the cryptokarst. The process was repeated several times. A widespread, more recent karstification with red silty clay filling of voids may represent the aridification of climate at the beginning of the Quaternary and the increased supply of Saharan dust by Trade Winds.

Financiado por los Proyectos: CGL2005-01336/BTE y CGL2005-04655/BTE y (CHM) por el S.E.E.R. Council (Canada) y la UNESCO Chair for Global Change Study (Univ. Québec). Contribución a: IGCP495, Comisión de Procesos Marinos y Costeros de INQUA y Grupo de Trabajo Paleoclimatología y Cambio Global UCM (910198).

Trabajo presentado en el VI Congreso del Grupo Español del Terciario, celebrado en Salamanca (España), los días 25 y 26 de Septiembre de 2006

Peer reviewed