chapter 9 karst landscapes

Question 1

explain a limestone pavement (surface feature)

Answer 1

A limestone pavement is a large flat area of limestone that has had its soil cover removed and has been exposed to the surface for a long time

limestone is a stratified rock which means water can trickle down through the joints and bedding planes

carbonation is concentrated in these areas the joints are then widened to form fissures called grikes

the rest of the limestone is more resistant and it remains as a series of rocks called clints.

carbonation also takes place on the surface where the acid may lodge in pools or run over the edge and cause a karren

small cuts or channels into the edges of the clints are called fluting

the Burren is Irelands best limestone pavement

Question 2

describe an underground feature of a karst landscape

Answer 2

explain carbonation

a stalactite is an icicle-like formation that hangs from the ceiling of a cave. it is formed when water saturated with calcium carbonate hangs from the ceiling of a cave. while some of the carbon dioxide evaporates a ring of calcite is left behind.

sometimes the drops of water will hit the floor and deposits of calcite build up from the ground forming stalagmites

as time passes they continue to grow and eventually meet in the middle and form a pillar

found in the Burren