Estudio interdisciplinar del macizo kárstico de Alkerdi: rasgos geológicos, evolución kárstica y contenido arqueopaleontológico [Interdisciplinar study of Alkerdi karstic massif: geological features, karstic evolution]

Abstract

The interdisciplinary study performed in the Alkerdi karstic massif (Urdazubi, Nafarroa), has demonstrated the existence of a complex karst system developed in two Cretaceous calcareous units, with up to three kms of development and structured in four levels of SW-NE direction. The upper, and older, three levels are in vadose conditions and present features of an evolved karst, with evidences of fractured and collapsed roof and walls, which at times show moderate speleothem growth or marks of sedimentary infilling and erosive phases. The archaeological studies in the uppermost karstic levels have resulted in new discoveries. The most remarkable would be the Paleolithic parietal art forms in Alkerdi 2 cave, including red and black geometric motifs, and animal engravings...