Why is karst topography important?

Besides the often extremely rich variety of plants and animals, including endemic species, found in karst areas, caves are also unique microbiological habitats. Karst systems act as natural sinks for carbon dioxide (CO2) (Liu et al., 2011), thus helping to mitigate climate change.

What is a synonym for karst topography?

Topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks. karst geography. karst landscape. karst topography. kegelkarst.

What is meant by the geologic term karst?

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. Karst landscapes can be worn away from the top or dissolved from a weak point inside the rock. Karst landscapes feature caves, underground streams and sinkholes on the surface.

What is the best definition for the Geological word karst?

Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves. Subterranean drainage may limit surface water, with few to no rivers or lakes.

What is karst and why is it important?

What is karst? And why is it important? Karst is a special type of landscape that is formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, including limestone and dolomite. Karst regions contain aquifers that are capable of providing large supplies of water.

What kind of rock is in a karst landscape?

Karst Landscape. 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 top or dissolved from a weak point inside the rock. Karst landscapes feature caves,…

What kind of terrain is in the Karst region?

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. The term originally applied to the Karst (or Kras) physiographic region,…

Why are karst landforms important to hydrogeology?

Rock structure and lithology are also important: dense, massive, pure and coarsely fractured rocks develop the best karst…Experience shows that many hydrogeologists mistakenly assume that if karst landforms are absent or not obvious on the surface, then the groundwater system will not be karstic.