limestonekarst

Limestone karst is a distinctive landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, primarily limestone, but also dolomite and gypsum. This process, known as karstification, is driven by slightly acidic groundwater that chemically weathers and erodes the bedrock over geological timescales. The resulting topography is characterized by a unique set of landforms.

Common features of limestone karst include sinkholes, which are depressions in the ground surface formed by the collapse of underlying bedrock or the dissolution of rock from below. Caves and underground drainage systems are also hallmarks of karst, as the dissolving rock creates fissures and passages that channel surface water underground. Other visible karst features can include disappearing streams, where surface water flows into underground conduits, and uvalas, which are larger depressions formed by the merging of several sinkholes. Karst landscapes often have limited surface water due to the porous nature of the bedrock, and soils can be thin and infertile in many areas.

The formation of karst is highly dependent on several factors: the presence of soluble bedrock, sufficient rainfall or groundwater to initiate dissolution, and often, the presence of joints and fractures in the rock that act as pathways for water flow. These landscapes are found globally in regions with suitable geological and climatic conditions, and they play important roles in hydrology, ecology, and the availability of resources like groundwater.