Karst Topography
Underground water contains CO2 which forms a weak acid and can weather
carbonate rock (i.e. Limestone)
This process of solution by carbonization is significant in areas of
extensive limestone; like the Karst mountains in Slovenia, where karst
topography got its name. Here water gradually widened natural cracks into large
caverns. This area is covered with sinkholes, and dolines, where rivers emerge
and disappear throughout.
Eventually bicarbonate is precipitated (comes out of solution) and can form:
- Stalactites
- Stalagmites
- Columns: Created when a stalagmite and stalactite grow together as
one
- Rock curtain: A line of dripping water forms a sheet.
|
