Karst Topography Notes
Karst: German word meaning _________________.
Karst is found where rainwater mixing with the acids in soil from decaying plants
eats away at _____________________ rock found under soil.
Characteristics:
*Caves—hollowed out areas in rock under the surface.
*Stalactites—calcium deposited by dripping water on the roof of a cave.
*Stalagmites—calcium deposited by dripping water on the floor of a cave.
*Sinkhole—opening in the roof of a cave created when the roof collapses.
*Sinking creeks or springs—flowing water that disappears and reappears due to
caves.
*Entrenched meanders—deeply eroded river banks (also found in areas of uplift).
Spelunking is “caving” or cave exploration; extreme sport.
Underwater caving is very dangerous; extreme sport.
Famous caves:
*Mammoth Cave in Kentucky
*Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico
*Oregon Caves in SW Oregon
*Lechuguilla Cave in New Mexico