DAI Qun-wei1, DANG Zheng1, PENG Qi-xuan2, DONG Fa-qin1, LI Qiong-fang1,
LUO Yao-dong1, WANG Fu-dong1, ZHAO Xue-qin1, AN De-jun2, ZHANG Qing-ming2
(1. School of Environment and Resource, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, China;
2. Huanglong National Scenic Resort Administrative Bureau, Songpan 623300, China）
Abstract: The Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area, a Natural Heritage site in Sichuan, is famous for its travertine landscape. The porous geological structure of travertine makes it possess the similar property with that of "sponge". In this paper, the porous structure and water circulation property of travertine geological body have been studied by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ground penetrating radar, electromagnetic methods, and other geological detection techniques. Meanwhile, the water circulation regulating significance of the porous structure of travertine geological body had been discussed, combining with many years field reconnaissance experience. The analytical results show that the travertine geological body in the Huanglong ravine has various pore structures at different scales due to geologic processes. The microscopic pores formed with the involvement of biological action have functions of “permeability and filtration”. The visible pores and crevices produced by erosion are capable to let water be rapidly permeated. They could further be developed to collapsed areas and travertine funnels. The pools, caves, and cracks provide good channels and locations for the water impoundment and migration. Geological exploration techniques have confirmed that the underground cavities in the typical travertine section have the function of “water storage and drainage”. The pores at different scales interact with each other to jointly regulate the surface-groundwater circulation system in the Huanglong scenic area. This preliminary study has found that algae had the bidirectional controlling actions for accelerating and reducing the formation speed of pores in the Huanglong travertine during the deposition process. In the future, combining with the study on the role of algae for the travertine formation process, we will further undertake the study of pore structure properties of the Huanglong travertine geological body, in order to provide helpful reference for the maintenance and conservation of travertine landscape.
Keywords: the Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area; travertine; sponge geological body; porosity; water circulation
ACTA MINERALOGICA SINICA Vol. 39, No.2, 2019, page 219-225
