Karstimaasto

Karstimaasto refers to a type of landscape that is formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, most commonly limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. This geological process, known as karstification, creates distinctive surface and subsurface features. Surface features can include sinkholes, which are depressions in the ground that form when the rock below dissolves, or poljes, which are large, flat-floored depressions often filled with water. Other visible elements can be uvalas, a collection of coalesced sinkholes, and blind valleys, where surface streams disappear underground.

Beneath the surface, karst landscapes are characterized by extensive cave systems, underground rivers, and aquifers. These underground networks are formed as water erodes and dissolves the soluble rock over long periods. The water table often drops significantly in karst areas, and surface water may be scarce, with most of the hydrological system existing underground. This makes karst regions particularly sensitive to groundwater pollution.

Karst landscapes are found in various parts of the world where soluble bedrock is present and sufficient rainfall occurs to drive the dissolution process. Examples include parts of Slovenia, Croatia, China, Mexico, and the United States. The unique topography and hydrology of karst regions can influence settlement patterns, agriculture, and the availability of water resources. The study of karst is known as speleology when focusing on caves, and karstology more broadly.