España Speleothems in karstic caves beneath paleoglaciers in the Central Pyrenees

We explore the potential of various caves and karst systems of the Central Pyrenees (Lecherines-Collarada-Monte Perdido-Escuaín-Vignemale-Cotiella-Aneto-Maladeta) that could host speleothems that grew in karstic caves under glaciated areas. The requirements for the formation of speleothems in caves under areas covered by ice are: i) warm-based glaciers and ii) the presence of sulfides in the host rock. Springs and drip water were analysed to measure the presence of sulfates. Also, the presence of gypsum speleothems, pyrite, or other sulfides in the caves has been explored. Speleological observations, geological descriptions, and hydrochemical analyses have allowed the identification of caves and karst systems that may host these types of subglacial cave speleothems.