Theory question 208
Underground Water and Karst(a) Explain the term Karst topography. (b) Name any four features found in Karst regions. (c) Highlight five characteristics of Karst regions.
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(a) Karst topography is the distinctive landscape formed on thick, well-jointed limestone (or chalk) by solution, with few surface streams and many underground features (named after the Karst region of Slovenia/Yugoslavia).
(b) Swallow holes/sink holes; dolines and uvalas; poljes; clints and grikes (limestone pavement); caves and caverns; stalactites, stalagmites and pillars; limestone gorges; dry valleys; resurgent streams.
(c) Little or no surface drainage; underground streams and caves; bare rocky surface with thin soils; scanty vegetation; dry valleys; steep gorges and cliffs; rock highly jointed and soluble; sparse population.
Name features with their correct terms and describe the dry, rocky surface.