LAPIES AND RELATED SMALL KARST FEATURES ON THE NIAGARA ESCARPMENT

Abstract

It was said, more than sixty years ago, that the lapies problem was solved. Nevertheless, much work still remains to be done, in order to clear up controversial aspects, and to find answers to questions that have since been raised. Dew observations, quantitative field and laboratory analyses and experiments are needed to justify or discard the statements and suggestions of others of the past and the present. The principle aim of this thesis is to bring the problem a step nearer to resolution, by establishing a connection between the chemical and physical properties of the host rock and the- features being developed in them, under various climatic and weathering conditions. A second aim is to describe and classify these forms where they occur in sample areas of the Niagara Escarpment, considering their appearance in relation to those factors which may localize, accelerate, or hinder growth. Thirdly, an attempt is made to clear up some of the still-existing controversies and misunderstandings in the terminology, the chemical and physical processes, and the control of structure. finally, new problems are raised and hypotheses are presented.