Karst Topography

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.

1.  karst topography is also included in Geomorphic process.

 2. Types of karst topography :             

         karst forms two types of features ,,,

            (1) features above the surface 

             (2) features beneath the surface.

3. here are  few features that are made in karst topography ,discuss them one by one .......................................

1. sinkhole 

                          A sinkhole, also known as a cenote, sink, sink-hole, swallet, swallow hole, or doline, is a depression or hole in the ground caused by some form of collapse of the surface layer. Most are caused by karst processes – the chemical dissolution of carbonate rocks or suffosion processes. 

                           

2,cenote                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         A cenote is a natural pit, or sinkhole, resulting from the collapse of limestone bedrock that exposes groundwater underneath. Especially associated with the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, cenotes were sometimes used by the ancient Maya for sacrificial offspring .

3. stalactite 

                                      A stalactite is a type of formation that hangs from the ceiling of caves, hot springs, or manmade structures such as bridges and mines. Any material that is soluble, can be deposited as a colloid, or is in suspension, or is capable of being melted, may form a stalactite..

                                                                

              

4. stalagmite 

                     A stalagmite is a type of rock formation that rises from the floor of a cave due to the accumulation of material deposited on the floor from ceiling drippings. Stalagmites may be composed of lava, minerals, mud, peat, pitch, sand, sinter and amberat. 

                     

5. cave

             A cave or cavern is a natural void in the ground, specifically a space large enough for a human to enter. Caves often form by the weathering of rock and often extend deep underground...

                            

These are the man & most common features of karst topography .......

>  now we see where this  topography forms ? 

1     always form where there the surface is made of lime stone 

     & rocks that can dissolve in water .

2    the areas where rainfall is in high quantity .

              

                      this is about karst topography .....