Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

KARST TOPOGRAPHY

Surface processesUNIT

8

Karst topographyUNIT

8

Well

Sinkholes

Collapsed sinkhole

Infiltration of the water throughout the limestone

Underground river Water table

Impermeable rock

Limestone

Canyon

Cave

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Alvar

Alvars or limestone pavements are areas composed of slabs, divided by deep fissures, generally with sharp edges.

Alvar

UNIT

8

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Karst topography

Sinkholes or dolines are funnel-shaped depressions which form in areas on the surface of the massif where water accumulates.

Sinkholes

UNIT

8

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Karst topography

Poljes are large depressions resulting from the union of a number of sinkholes.

Polje

UNIT

8

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Karst topography

Collapsed sinkholes are enormous cavities with very vertical walls, which are formed when the inside of the massif is so hollowed-out that the surface (the roof of the cavities) collapses.

Collapsed sinkhole

UNIT

8

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Karst topography

Canyons or gorges are deep ravines with vertical walls.

Canyon

UNIT

8

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Karst topography

The systems of cavities of a karst massif are composed of galleries, which are horizontal tunnels, potholes, which are vertical shafts, or caves, which are large cavities that are formed when the systems of potholes and galleries widen and join together.

Cave

UNIT

8

Biology and Geology 3. Secondary Education

Karst topography