This study seeks to achieve an understanding of the factors which control the rate and nature of karst solution in the Alpine setting of the southern Canadian Rockies. Theoretical controls of the process are reviewed quantitatively in order to ascertain the effects which they can be expected to exert. The value of techniques of hydrochemical analysis which have been developed for use in other environments are examined from the point of view of karst hydrochemistry.
The process of karst solution in two large river basins (the Athabasca and the North Saskatchewan) is described with particular reference to the effects of the hydrological regime of the area and to the theoretical controls of process. The findings are shown to be similar in kind to those which are presented for a number of small holokarstic basins within the same area. The hydrochemical behaviour of karst basins at both scales can be described in terms of the interaction of a small number of distinct hydrochemical environments in which the hydrodyamics of solution plays a determining role.
The implications of this conclusion with reference to the extent and distribution (both spatial and temporal) of karst solution within the southern Canadian Rockies are described. Karst solution is shown to be the most important single geomorphic process presently operating in the area. Improved estimates of the rate of this process are presented.