Karst

/kɑrst/ noun

Definition

A landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, featuring sinkholes, caves, underground rivers, and disappearing streams. Characterized by underground drainage systems.

Etymology

From German 'Karst,' the name of a limestone plateau region between Slovenia and Italy where these features were first systematically studied. The word comes from the Slovene 'kras' meaning 'rocky ground.'

Kelly Says

Florida sits on a massive karst foundation – the state has over 700 freshwater springs because rainwater dissolves the limestone bedrock and emerges as crystal-clear spring water! This same process creates the sinkholes that occasionally swallow houses and roads.

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