Karst Lands

White WB, Culver DC, Herman JS, Kane TC, Mylroie JE. 1995. Karst Lands. American Scientist. 83(5):450-459

The dissolution of carbonate rock produces unique landscapes and poses significant hydrological and environmental concerns. Karst is defined and processes that form karst landscapes are described. Karst drainage basins and aquifers are discussed. Caves as paleoclimatic recorders is discussed with water budgeting using scallop markings in Mammoth Cave to determine paleocatchments and rainfall explained. Caves as ecosystems are discussed. Water issues in karst regions, sinkholes, soil piping, and subsidence concerns are addressed.

Type
Journal Article
Authors
White, William; Culver, David; Herman, Janet; Kane, Thomas; Mylroie, John
Units
MACA
Keywords
Aquatic Sciences, Aquifers, Caves, Climate, Ecosystems, Geomorphology, Groundwater, Hydrology, Karst, Landscape (Natural), Paleoenvironment, Physical Sciences, Precipitation, scallops (geologic), Threats, Water Resource Management, Watersheds

Series

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