Karst (/ k ɑːr s t /) is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite. It is characterized by features like poljes above and drainage systems with sinkholes and caves underground.

Apr 27, 2022 · Karst is a type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. Karst is associated with soluble rock types such as limestone, marble, and gypsum.

Jul 3, 2024 · Karst is an area of land made up of limestone. Limestone, also known as chalk or calcium carbonate, is a soft rock that dissolves in water. As rainwater seeps into the rock, it slowly erodes. Karst landscapes can be worn away from the …

Apr 4, 2025 · Karst, terrain usually characterized by barren, rocky ground, caves, sinkholes, underground rivers, and the absence of surface streams and lakes. It results from the excavating effects of underground water on massive soluble limestone.

Jun 8, 2022 · Basically karst is water flowing through rocks and making the openings bigger by dissolving the rocks. More easily dissolved rocks form the most significant areas of karst topography. These include: sedimentary carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolostone; metamorphic rock marble; sulfate layers like gypsum; Madison Limestone/Amsden Formation

Jan 5, 2023 · The term "karst" describes the whole landscape, not a single sinkhole or spring. A karst landscape most commonly develops on limestone, but can develop on several other types of rocks, such as dolostone (magnesium carbonate or the mineral dolomite), gypsum, and salt.

Nov 24, 2023 · Karst ecosystems or karst biota refers to all the plants and animals living in, or using, karst. This includes the flora and fauna of surface epikarst cavities, cave ecosystems, cave entrance zones or large sinkholes, as well as the broader karst landscape.

Oct 29, 2024 · Karst topography is a unique geological formation that arises in areas where water-soluble rocks, such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum, are predominant. This landscape is characterized by sinkholes, disappearing streams, caves, and …

Karst is a geological system of rocks where water has eroded (dissolved) the bedrock. If it is very extensive, karst can be a geographical or topographical feature. It is classed as a badland if it difficult to travel through the environment, which it often is. Almost always, karst is formed in carbonate rocks, such as limestone or dolomite.

“ We may define karst as comprising terrain with distinctive hydrology and landforms that arise from a combination of high rock solubility and well developed secondary (fracture) porosity. Such areas are characterized by sinking streams, caves, enclosed depressions, fluted rock outcrops, and large springs.