Why do karst landscapes have sinkholes and caves?
Quick Answer
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.
The Full Story
Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the air and soil, making it weakly acidic. When that water seeps through limestone or other soluble rocks like gypsum, it slowly dissolves the rock along fractures and bedding planes. This process enlarges cracks into cave systems and can leave the ground above unsupported. If the roof of a cavity collapses, a sinkhole forms at the surface. Famous karst regions include parts of Kentucky, Florida, southern China, and Slovenia’s karst plateau, which gave the landscape type its name.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"Why does the ground sometimes just disappear into a hole?"