How karst forms.How karst forms.

Karst 2-1

Some rocks, such as Some rocks, such as limestone, can be dissolved by limestone, can be dissolved by

weakly acidic water.weakly acidic water.

Karst 2-2

Carbon dioxide in air and soil Carbon dioxide in air and soil combines with water to form combines with water to form

weak carbonic acid.weak carbonic acid.

Karst 2-3

Water containing carbonic acid Water containing carbonic acid can slowly dissolve limestone, can slowly dissolve limestone,

especially along fractures.especially along fractures.

Karst 2-4

As fractures enlarge, they As fractures enlarge, they can become caves.can become caves.

Karst 2-5

Caves can be very large Caves can be very large underground.underground.

Karst 2-6

Collapse of cave roofs Collapse of cave roofs causes sinkholes.causes sinkholes.

Karst 2-7

Natural filling of sinkholes Natural filling of sinkholes sevelops gently rolling sevelops gently rolling

sinkhole plains.sinkhole plains.

Karst 2-8

Dissolving large amounts of Dissolving large amounts of limestone leaves behind limestone leaves behind

remnant rock towers.remnant rock towers.

Karst 2-9