Karst (/ kɑːrst /) is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone and dolomite.

Apr 27, 2022 · Karst is a landscape of sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. A quarter of the world's population depends upon water supplied from karst …

Karst is an area of land made up of limestone. Limestone, also known as chalk or calcium carbonate, is a soft rock that dissolves in water. As rainwater seeps into the rock, it slowly erodes. Karst …

Nov 11, 2025 · karst, terrain usually characterized by barren, rocky ground, caves, sinkholes, underground rivers, and the absence of surface streams and lakes. It results from the excavating …

Jul 20, 2021 · Karst areas are characterized by distinctive landforms (like springs, caves, sinkholes) and a unique hydrogeology that results in aquifers that are highly productive but extremely vulnerable to …

Nov 17, 2025 · The term "karst" describes the whole landscape, not a single sinkhole or spring. A karst landscape most commonly develops on limestone, but can develop on several other types of rocks, …

Karst is the land of caves, sinkholes, and sinking streams and is formed when soluble rocks are dissolved by water. Karst occurs worldwide and in the United States, approximately 20 percent of the …

Karst What is Karst? Simply speaking, karst is a type of landscape. It is formed by water dissolving certain types of rocks, creating features such as caves, sinking streams, springs and sinkholes.

Although relatively unfamiliar, karst is far more widespread than you might imagine, covering an estimated 20% of the world’s land surface. It is characterised by spectacular rock outcrops, pinnacles …

Simple guide to karst: how dissolving rock creates caves, sinkholes, springs, and aquifers—plus real-world examples, travel ideas, and why it matters.