Karst - Wikipedia
WEBKarst ( / kɑːrst /) is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by features like poljes above and drainage systems with sinkholes and caves underground. [1] [2] More weathering -resistant rocks, such as quartzite, can also occur, given the right conditions. [3]
Karst - National Geographic Society
WEBJan 4, 2024 · Karst is an area of land made up of limestone. Limestone, also known as chalk or calcium carbonate, is a soft rock that dissolves in water. As rainwater seeps into the rock, it slowly erodes. Karst landscapes can be worn away from the top or dissolved from a weak point inside the rock.
Karst | Limestone, Sinkholes & Caves | Britannica
WEBKarst, terrain usually characterized by barren, rocky ground, caves, sinkholes, underground rivers, and the absence of surface streams and lakes. It results from the excavating effects of underground water on massive soluble limestone. …
Karst Landscapes - Caves and Karst (U.S. National Park Service)
WEBApr 27, 2022 · Karst is a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. Karst is associated with soluble rock types such as limestone, marble, and gypsum.
12.2: Karst Landscapes, Landforms, and Surface Features
WEBNov 24, 2023 · The characteristics of karst landscapes vary depending on factors such as: soluble bedrock type, climatic environment (more specifically precipitation and temperature), geographic position (both globally and locally), overlying soil materials, and vegetation cover (Figure 12.2.1).
12.1: Karst Landscapes and Systems - Geosciences LibreTexts
WEBNov 24, 2023 · Karst ecosystems or karst biota refers to all the plants and animals living in, or using, karst. This includes the flora and fauna of surface epikarst cavities, cave ecosystems, cave entrance zones or large sinkholes, as well …
Learn About Karst - National Cave and Karst Research Institute
WEBKarst provides important resources beyond drainage and drinking water. It offers habitat for unusual, rare, and endangered species in its caves, springs, and among its unusual landforms. Some of the most fantastically scenic landscapes on Earth are in karst.
What is karst, and why should we care about it? - Phys.org
WEBJan 22, 2021 · What is karst? Karst is actually the name of a rocky limestone region in Slovenia, but is used as a generic term to describe this type of landscape wherever it occurs throughout the...
What is karst? – Karst Waters Institute
WEBKarst is the land of caves, sinkholes, and sinking streams and is formed when soluble rocks are dissolved by water. Karst occurs worldwide and in the United States, approximately 20 percent of the land surface is karst.
Karst Topography and Sinkholes - ThoughtCo
WEBJul 21, 2019 · Karst topography forms the world's longest cave system - the Mammoth Cave system of Kentucky is over 350 miles (560 km) long. Karst topography can also be found extensively in the Shan Plateau of China, Nullarbor Region of Australia, the Atlas Mountains of northern Africa, the Appalachian Mountains of the U.S., Belo Horizonte of …
Skip to content