Development of Karst Landscape

Groundwater

Geologic work of groundwater
Groundwater is often mildly acidic
Contains weak carbonic acid
Dissolves calcite in limestone
Caverns
Formed by dissolving rock beneath Earth’s surface
Formed in the zone of saturation

Geologic work of groundwater
Caverns
Features found within caverns
Form in the zone of aeration
Composed of dripstone
Calcite deposited as dripping water evaporates
Common features include stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing upward from the floor)

Geologic work of groundwater
Karst topography
Formed by dissolving rock at, or near, Earth’s surface
Common features
Sinkholes – surface depressions
Sinkholes form by dissolving bedrock and cavern collapse
Caves and caverns
Area lacks good surface drainage