The first occurrence of sulfuric acid speleogenesis in Uzbekistan (Central Asia)

A cave formed during the process of sulfuric acid speleogenesis (SAS) was explored on the territory Uzbekistan. Evidence of sulfate speleogenesis includes the characteristic morphology of the cave, the upward flow of warm groundwater of a chloride-sulfate sodium-calcium composition with the release of hydrogen sulfide, the widespread development of ascending passage, the presence of biomats in water, and characteristic secondary minerals. Based on the chemical composition of the water and the values of stable isotopes of oxygen and deuterium, it was concluded that the underground water of the cave are formed by mixing infiltration waters and buried sedimentogenic waters of marine sediments. The cave is an example of active sulfuric acid speleogenesis in Uzbekistan.