Erosional and depositional textures and structures in coastal karst landscapes

Exposed surfaces of limestones on marine coastlines are characterized by a tremendous range of rock textures and structures. Many of them are features limited to coastal areas and are morphologically and genetically distinct from inland analogs. This distinction is due to idiosyncrasies of both coastal environments and coastal limestones. Processes operating in coastal settings are not limited to dissolution by fresh water and involve profound chemical and physical action of sea water and marine biota. In addition, these processes act upon rocks that are frequently younger and diagenetically less mature than inland limestones that have undergone deep burial and accompanying changes. The outcomes are distinct types of karren sculpturing, bioerosional markings, deposited and precipitated fabrics, bioconstructions, and compound structures that are unique to coastal karst. Many are limited to particular microenvironmental settings and certain elevations with respect to the sea level and can, therefore, be used as powerful paleoenvironmental and past sea level indicators.