Karst Topography

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-015127",
  "term": "Karst Topography",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A distinctive landscape (topography) that can develop where the underlying bedrock, often limestone or marble, is partially dissolved by surface or ground water.\n\n2. A limestone terrain characterized by sinks, caverns, abrupt ridges, protuberant rocks and drainage characteristics due to greater solubility of limestone in natural waters than is common. The term is derived from the geographical name of part of Slovenia.\n\n3. Areas where karst topography, with its characteristic surface and subterranean features, is developed as the result of dissolution of limestone, dolomite, or other soluble rock. Characteristic physiographic features present in karst terranes include, but are not limited to, sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, large springs, and blind valleys.\n\n4. A type of terrain where there are numerous sinkholes and large voids such as caves. Karst is created when water dissolves rocks such as limestone, halite (salt) and gypsum.",
  "references": [
    "Adapted from USGS Geology in the Parks Glossary",
    "NOAA Coral Reef Glossary",
    "40 CFR 258.15 (CFR 2013)",
    "NSTEPS Online Glossary of Terms"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/karst-topography/"
}