What is Karst?

Figure 1-1: The unique features and three-dimensional nature of karst landscapes are the result of complex interplays between geology, climate, topography, hydrology and biological factors that happen over many thousands of years.

Karst – a distinctive topography that develops as a result of the dissolving action of water on soluble bedrock (usually limestone, dolomite, marble, and, to a lesser extent, gypsum), which produces a landscape characterized by fluted and pitted rock surfaces, vertical shafts, sinkholes, sinking streams, springs, subsurface drainage systems and caves.