What is karst geomorphology?
The study of landscapes formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, mainly carbonates, resulting in distinctive surface and subsurface features.
What are the key characteristics of karst landscapes?
High rock solubility, well-developed secondary porosity, subsurface drainage, lack of surface streams, and features that funnel water underground.
Why are surface rivers often absent in karst regions?
Water infiltrates rapidly through fractures and conduits into the subsurface.
Where did classical karst studies originate?
The Classical Karst Plateau in Slovenia.
Who was Jovan Cvijić?
A pioneering karst scientist who helped establish karst geomorphology as a discipline.
Who was Édouard-Alfred Martel?
A founder of modern speleology and early cave exploration.
What is carbonate rock?
A sedimentary rock containing carbonate minerals (CO₃²⁻), mainly calcite or dolomite.
Which rocks most commonly form karst?
Limestone and dolostone.
What percentage of sedimentary rocks are carbonates?
Approximately 10–25%.
What happens to carbonate rock when metamorphosed?
It recrystallizes into marble.
What is a carbonate platform?
A shallow, warm, flat marine environment where calcium carbonate precipitates.
Why are carbonate platforms important for karst development?
They produce thick, pure carbonate rock sequences ideal for dissolution.
What minerals make up limestone?
Mostly calcite (CaCO₃) or aragonite.
Why does high-purity limestone form the best karst?
Fewer impurities allow more efficient dissolution.
How do clastics and organics affect karst development?
They inhibit dissolution and reduce karstification.
What mineral dominates dolostone?
Dolomite (CaMg(CO₃)₂).
Why is karst less developed in dolostone than limestone?
Dolomite dissolves more slowly and is often more tightly cemented.
Why is karst rarer in marble?
Recrystallization reduces porosity and removes fossils, limiting dissolution pathways.
Which non-carbonate rocks can form karst?
Gypsum, anhydrite, and halite.
Why are gypsum and salt karst landscapes rare?
These minerals dissolve too quickly, leading to unstable landscapes.
Can sandstone or granite form karst?
Very rarely, because they are poorly soluble.
What can prevent carbonate bedrock from becoming karst?
Low purity, poor fracturing, impermeable cover, or arid climate.
What is holokarst?
A fully developed karst system with dominant subsurface drainage and minimal surface streams.
Where does holokarst typically develop?
In dense, pure, massive carbonate bedrock with well-developed fractures.
