Karst Topography
Karst Topography - underground drainage in areas of massive limestone, and formation at the surface of hollows and pits - solution and abrasions open up joints Limestone features - well-jointed rock which is easily opened by contact with H20 creating wide irregular gullies known as Grykes o the interning blocks are known as clints - Limestone consists of calcium carbonate - Sedimentary rock (chalk, gypsum) - H20 (rain or rivers) converts calcium carbonate into soluble carbonate (massive chemical weathering). - Limestone is permeable - Karst region Croatia - hence the name - Carlsbad cave, New Mexico Karst Landforms - Sink holes (swallow holes, dolines) o Depression in land o Temporary accumulation of H20 and have 'eaten' away through limestone o Disappearing/reappearing stream o Cave (cavern) * Tunnel erosion causes roof to collapse * Calcium carbonate drips from cave roof * Evaporation leads to calcium carbonate deposits * Stalagmites - from floor * Stalactites - from roof * Pillar - mites and tites meeting o Vuala - 2 or more sinkholes formed together o Polje - collapse of cavern ceiling o Hums - small residual hills left behind after significant