Karst topography refers to landscapes characterized by distinct features found in regions composed of limestone and dolomite. These landforms are primarily shaped by the action of groundwater.

Global Distribution

Central Massif region in France

• Pennines in England
• Western slopes of the Appalachian Mountains, USA
• Kumaon Himalayas in Uttarakhand and Khasi Hills in Meghalaya, India

Conditions for the Development of Karst Topography

The presence of well-bedded and jointed massive limestone or dolomite.

• Adequate rainfall to facilitate the dissolution of carbonate rocks.
• Rocks positioned close to the surface to allow easy infiltration of rainwater.
• Highly folded, fractured, or faulted rock structures.
• A terrain conducive to efficient underground water circulation.

Formation Process

Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, forming carbonic acid.

• This weak acid reacts with carbonate minerals in limestone, producing soluble bicarbonates.
• The solution seeps through the rocks, gradually dissolving the limestone, leading to the development of unique landforms.

Landforms of Karst Topography

Erosional Landforms

• Terra Rossa: Red clayey soil formed by the chemical weathering of limestone or dolomite.
• Karren (Lapies or Clints): A surface covered with small ridges, clefts, and pits, created by the solutional activity of groundwater.

• Sinkholes: Funnel-shaped or saucer-like depressions of varying depths.
• Dolines: Formed by the merging of sinkholes; these are larger and more rounded depressions.
• Solution Pans: Large shallow depressions caused by prolonged solution processes, such as the Lost River solution pan in Indiana, USA.
• Karst Windows: Created when the roof of a sinkhole or doline collapses.
• Uvalas: Large depressions formed by the merging of several dolines.
• Poljes: Extensive depressions resulting from the coalescence of Uvalas, e.g., Livno Polje in the Balkans.
• Caverns: Underground caves formed by the dissolution of limestone or chalk by groundwater.
• Natural Bridge: An arch or bridge formed when part of a cavern collapses, leaving behind a standing portion.

Depositional Landforms

• Stalactites: Structures that hang from cave ceilings, formed by mineral deposits from dripping water.
• Stalagmites: Mineral formations growing upward from the cave floor due to dripping water.
• Columns: Created when stalactites and stalagmites merge to form a continuous pillar.

These features collectively illustrate the unique processes and outcomes of groundwater activity in karst landscapes.