Chapter 4 - Geomorphology - Karst Features

Question 1

Karst

Answer 1

The topography of a region which is underlain by limestone, dolomite, gypsum, or other rocks which can be affected by dissolution

Question 2

Terra Rossa

Answer 2

A red clayey (CL-CH) soil found mantling the ground surface and extending into joints or fractures resulting from surface or near surface solution, usually found on moderate to gentle slopes

Question 3

Lapies

Answer 3

Grooved or fluted surface resulting from the solution of limestone at or near the surface in an area of high relief. The grooves range in width from a few millimeters to more than a meter in width and commonly result in knifelike ridges.

Question 4

Sinkholes

Answer 4

A circular depression that is commonly funnel-shaped and can be a few feet to a hundred feet in diameter. This is the most commonly observed feature of karst terrain.

Question 5

Origin of Sinkholes

Answer 5

1. Solution of the rock beneath the soil (a doline)
2. The collapse of the rock over an underground cavity (a collapse sink)

Question 6

Compound Sinkhole

Answer 6

In an area riddled with sinkholes, as the sinkholes enlarge with time they may expand and combine with adjoining sinkholes

Question 7

Sinkhole Ponds or Karst Lakes

Answer 7

A pond or lake resulting from the clogging by clay of a doline sinkhole that perches water above the water table.

Question 8

Swallow Holes

Answer 8

A hole in the bottom of a sinkhole which allows surface water runoff or streams to flow into the subsurface cavities

Question 9

Karst Window

Answer 9

A hole in the ground in which one can observe an underground stream flowing from one carver to another. A whole in a cavern which breaks the surface.

Question 10

Uvala

Answer 10

An elongated karst windown that has occurred by the collapse of an extensive portion of a subsurface waterway. These features can extend from 1000 feet to a mile or more.

Question 11

Polje

Answer 11

A sinkhole formed by solutional modification of the rock (similar to a doline) in a previously faulted or folded structure. This feature can be 30 miles or more in length.

Question 12

Solution-Subsidence Trough

Answer 12

A non-tectonic feature, up to 10 miles in length, resulting from concurrent subsidence and solution along joints or faults

Question 13

Sinkhole or Karst Plain

Answer 13

A limestone plain exhibiting sieve-like characteristics resulting from numerous sinkholes intercepting any surface waters and diverting them to subsurface channels

Question 14

Sinking Creeks

Answer 14

Any surface creek or stream which disappears underground in karst terrain; many disappear in a swallow hole

Question 15

Sink

Answer 15

The point at which a sinking creek ends, often in an observable swallow hole

Question 16

Blind Valley

Answer 16

A valley that ends at a swallow hole due to a prolonged period of upstream erosion above the sinkhole

Question 17

Solution Valley or Karst Valley

Answer 17

A transitional feature between surface and subsurface drainage in and area of clastic rocks. A special type of blind valley.

Question 18

Natural Tunnels and Bridges

Answer 18

Features produced by the underground flow of water in karst terrain. When the tunnel sections collapse leaving only small segments, bridges are formed.

Question 19

Hum

Answer 19

Isolated hill remnants due to erosion by solution in karst terrain

Question 20

Cavern

Answer 20

Large caves that may extend in any direction, have one or several levels, and are created by solution of limestone along joints and bedding planes

Question 21

Travertine

Answer 21

A deposit of calcium carbonate precipitate that can be found in limestone caverns coating the cavern walls, floors, and ceilings

Question 22

Dripstone

Answer 22

The travertine deposits that result from the calcium carbonate-rich water dripping from the ceiling of a cave or cavern. Stalactites are the downward protrusion of these deposits and stalagmites are the upward protrusion

Question 23

Helictite

Answer 23

An irregular twiglike deposit forms in a cavern where there is not enough water to form drips but the surface remains damp or the water comes from a tiny hole or tube within the deposit and the water flows out the end