What is Karst Topography?
Before understanding karst topography, let us learn about the term topography. Topography is the study of features and forms of landscape in any specific area of the earth. Karst topography can be simply called Karst landscape and it is formed primarily with soluble rocks. Solidification and accumulation of soluble rocks like gypsum, dolomite, and limestone leads to the formation of the karst landscape.
It further leads to the development of drainage systems under the earth’s surface located mainly in caves and sinkholes. Karst is a German word that is used in English. The meaning of this word is ‘rock’, however, there are several interpretations to it.
(Image will be Uploaded soon)
Karst Topography Features
This section deals with the karst topography features that you should know. It will be easier for you to understand the karst landscape with the help of a karst topography diagram. For now, you can go through the features:
Sinkholes: Sinkholes are one of the primary Karst topography features. Sinkholes are found in the areas where an accumulation of limestone./dolomite takes place. These are depressions that are mainly of the saucer shape or like a cylinder. You can understand the shape of a sinkhole with the help of a karst topography diagram.
Swallow Hole: Also known as ‘Serbo-Coat’ or ‘Ponor’, the shallow hole is one of the prominent features of karst topography. Often, the shallow holes are shown on the karst topography diagram clearly. In this case, the water (in any form) disappears from the hole of the karst.
Valley Sinks: Valley sinks formed while karst formation and they are more complex than the normal depression They are also known as Uvalas. You can study about them in the karst topography pdf that you can easily get on the internet.
Erosional Landforms Related to Karst Topography
Multiple types of erosional landforms define the karst topography. Here is a brief list and some information about it. These landforms develop in the process of karst formation itself. If you want to know what is karst topography, you should always know about the following:
Pools: Pools are formed in the case of the karst topography due to erosion and later, accumulation of water. This can be easily mentioned in the process of karst formation. You can also include pools as the answer to the question, what is karst topography.
Limestone Pavements: The limestone pavements are advanced lapies that are formed due to the gradual accumulation of the limestone. These can be parallel as well as non-parallel. You can read about them on the karst topography pdf.
Caves: Karst formation leads to the development of the caves. You can call a karst topography a cave and include it in the answer for what is karst topography. The caves are generally formed where the deposition of limestone and dolomite is high. You can call it a karst cave when there is a strong bed.
Karst Topography Examples
In this section, you can go through the list of places where there is Karst topography. So, all these places can be considered as karst topography examples.
Ankarana Reserve: The Ankarana Reserve is located in Madagascar and houses a lot of Jurassic limestone period. It is an accessible reserve and you can consider it to be one of the karst topography examples.
The South China Karst: The South China Karst is yet another accessible karst landscape of the earth and it is considered a world heritage site. You can study it in the karst topography pdf available on the internet.
Borra Caves: The Borra Caves are situated in Andhra Pradesh, India and it is full of limestone stalactites and stalagmites. This is the reason why it is counted as karst topography examples.
Karst Erosion
In any karst formation, erosion is a very common thing. It happens mainly due to the flowing water. The soluble rocks like limestone and dolomite or gypsum erode due to the downward movement of the water. Erosion of the karst landscape often gives rise to new karst landforms. This occurs mainly because the rock bed develops due to the deposition of limestone or dolomite. This is the only reason why one should not start living at a place where there is a karst landform. Erosions in this place can be drastic and any accident caused due to it can be fatal.
FAQs on Karst Topography
1. What is meant by karst topography?
Karst topography refers to a unique landscape that is formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks, primarily limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterised by underground drainage systems with features like sinkholes and caves, created as surface water and groundwater seep through bedrock, dissolving it over geological time. This process results in distinctive landforms both on the surface and underground.
2. What are the essential conditions for the development of karst topography?
For significant karst landforms to develop, several conditions must be met:
Presence of extensive, thick layers of soluble rock, like limestone, near the surface.
The rock should be dense, highly jointed, and thinly bedded, which allows water to penetrate rather than running off the surface.
Moderate to heavy rainfall to provide sufficient water for the dissolution process.
Entrenched valleys below the upland karst area to allow for deep and active underground water circulation.
3. What are some key examples of erosional landforms found in a karst region?
Erosional landforms in karst topography are created by the dissolving action of water. Key examples include:
Sinkholes (or Dolines): These are depressions or holes in the ground caused by the collapse of a cave roof or the dissolution of surface bedrock.
Caves and Caverns: Large underground chambers formed by the slow-moving groundwater dissolving rock along joints and bedding planes.
Uvalas and Poljes: These are larger depressions formed from the merging of several sinkholes (Uvalas) or large-scale tectonic and solutional activity (Poljes).
4. How are depositional features like stalactites and stalagmites formed in caves?
Depositional features in karst caves are formed when water rich in dissolved calcium carbonate releases this mineral. As water drips from the cave ceiling, it leaves behind tiny calcite deposits. Over thousands of years, these deposits accumulate to form stalactites, which hang down from the ceiling. When the water drips onto the cave floor, the deposits build up to form stalagmites, which grow upwards from the ground.
5. Where can significant karst topography be found in India?
In India, karst topography is not as widespread as in some other parts of the world, but notable examples exist. Prominent areas include the Vindhya region, particularly around Chitrakoot in Madhya Pradesh, the Borra Caves in the Ananthagiri hills of Andhra Pradesh, and certain parts of the Himalayas in Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand. These regions exhibit classic karst features like caves, sinkholes, and underground streams.
6. What is the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite?
The primary difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite is their location and direction of growth. A stalactite (which has a 'c' for 'ceiling') hangs downwards from the ceiling of a cave. A stalagmite (with a 'g' for 'ground') grows upwards from the cave floor. They are formed from the same process of dripping, mineral-rich water. When a stalactite and a stalagmite meet, they form a single structure known as a column or pillar.
7. Why is it important to conserve karst landscapes?
Conserving karst landscapes is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, they are often home to major underground aquifers, which are vital sources of fresh drinking water for many communities. Pollution in these areas can quickly contaminate the water supply. Secondly, these landforms are powerhouses of scientific information, containing well-preserved fossil records and climatic data that provide a glimpse into Earth's prehistoric past.
8. Why is the term 'karst' used to describe this type of landscape?
The term 'karst' originates from the Karst Plateau, a limestone region along the border of Slovenia and Italy. This area was the first place where this specific type of topography was scientifically studied in detail. Due to its classic and extensive features, its name was adopted by geographers worldwide to describe any landscape formed by similar dissolution processes on soluble rock.
