Karst

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. Conditions that promote karst development are well-jointed, dense limestone near the surface; a moderate to heavy rainfall; and good groundwater circulation. Limestone dissolves relatively easily in slightly acidic water, which occurs widely in nature. Rainwater percolates along both horizontal and vertical cracks, dissolving the limestone and carrying it away in solution. Limestone pavements are produced by the removal of surface material, and the vertical fissures along joints are gradually widened and deepened, producing a grooved and jagged terrain. As it flows along cracks underground, the water continues to widen and deepen the cracks until they become cave systems or underground stream channels into which narrow vertical shafts may open. Most, but not all, of the principal cave areas of the world are areas of karsts. Features such as lapiés, natural bridges, and pepino hills are characteristic of karsts. If a cave becomes large enough and the top extends close enough to the surface, the top collapses. This produces depressions called sinkholes, which are among the most characteristic features of karst topography. Sinkholes commonly coalesce into much larger depressions called poljen, which are often flat-floored and covered with soil that is derived from the insoluble residues of the limestone. These poljen may be the only areas where cultivation can be carried on. However, limestones vary in solubility and in the proportion of insoluble components; hence the general surfaces of some karst areas can be farmed. Over broad areas, surface streams may be totally absent. In fact, in some karst areas with heavy rainfall, all precipitation may disappear underground so completely that even water for domestic purposes may be difficult to find. In other places water may surface as large springs, flow as a stream across the surface, and then disappear again underground.