Karst
9 questions tagged Karst — spanning every one of the seven Ws.
Why do karst landscapes have sinkholes and caves?
Karst landscapes form when slightly acidic water dissolves soluble rocks such as limestone. Over time, underground voids grow into caves and the surface can collapse into sinkholes.
Where is the Shilin Stone Forest?
It is in Yunnan Province, southwestern China, near Kunming. It is a karst landscape of tall limestone pillars.
Where is the Karst Plateau?
It lies in southwestern Slovenia and extends into northeastern Italy. The landscape gave its name to 'karst' geology.
How do karst landscapes form from limestone?
Slightly acidic rainwater dissolves calcium carbonate in limestone over long periods. This creates sinkholes, underground drainage, and sometimes dramatic towers and caverns.
Why do sinkholes suddenly appear in some landscapes?
Sinkholes often form where soluble rock like limestone dissolves underground and the surface collapses into the cavity. They are most common in karst terrain.
How do limestone caves and sinkholes form in karst landscapes?
Slightly acidic water dissolves soluble rock like limestone, creating underground voids and sometimes sudden collapses.
Why do some rivers run underground for part of their course?
Some rivers sink into porous rock or crack systems and flow below the surface before reappearing elsewhere.
What is a karst plain?
A karst plain is a landscape shaped by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone or dolomite. It often has caves, disappearing streams and irregular rocky terrain.
How do sinkholes form in limestone regions?
Slightly acidic groundwater slowly dissolves limestone or other soluble rock, creating underground voids. When the roof collapses or the ground subsides, a sinkhole appears at the surface.