Salt dissolution, interstratal karst, and ground subsidence in the northern part of the Texas Panhandle

Natural dissolution of Permian salt beds in the northern Texas Panhandle during late Cenozoic time has resulted in interstratal Karst, wherein sheet-like dissolution occurs in extensive areas beneath covering layers of nonkarstic rocks. A result of such interstratal karst is the disturbance of overlying strata as they subside or collapse into dissolution cavities. A study of interstratal karst in the Permian Flowerpot salt in the vicinity of the proposed Palo Duro dam and reservoir was conducted to determine whether karst development is an ongoing process and whether any special construction was needed to accommodate the interstratal karst. The Flowerpot salt is 0-107 m (0-352 ft) thick; it is at a depth of…