The speleogenesis of Kanaan Cave, Lebanon: geomorphological interpretation and paleoenvironment records of Antelias region

International audienceMgharet Kanaan, a 170 m long cave located at 100 m above the Mediterranean sea level, is composed of two different morphological sections. The speleogenetic analysis of the cave forms based on the geomorphological map observation confirms that these sections were developed separately and were connected at an advanced level of the cave development. The geological characteristics of each section and the different hydrogeological regime, as well as the tectonic formation, affect, at large scale, the karstic network system of Antelias area. The geomorphologic approach of this study helped us to understand the major factors contributing to the karstic system in the region, as well as its evolution from Late Quaternary times to the present time. The relative chronology based on cave mapping analysis can reveal main geological events and hydrological system development implicated in paleoenvironmental conditions. This approach is necessary to better understand speleothems dating records and to insert them in the geographical and geomorphological context of the study area