Karstiset

Karstiset is the Finnish term used to describe karst-related landscapes and landforms. It denotes relief and hydrological features formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, most commonly limestone, but also dolostone and gypsum.

Formation and processes: In karst areas, rainfall and surface water percolate through the rock; carbon dioxide from the soil forms carbonic acid that slowly dissolves the rock over long periods. This dissolution creates underground drainage networks, caves, springs, and characteristic surface terrains. The development of karst features depends on rock type, climate, and the presence of fractures and joints that guide water flow.

Features and hydrology: Common karst features include dolines (sinkholes), ponors (where surface streams disappear underground), caves with stalactites and stalagmites, and underground rivers. Karst hydrology is typically highly integrated, with water flowing through subterranean pathways that can lead to rapid changes in discharge. Karst aquifers can provide important groundwater resources but are also particularly vulnerable to contamination because pollutants can travel quickly through underground channels.

Human use and conservation: Karst landscapes support water supply, cave ecosystems, and tourism, but they require careful management to protect water quality and prevent land instability or collapse. In Finnish geological literature, karstiset is used to categorize features, processes, and studies related to karst landscapes, their formation, and their ecological and hydrological significance.