Rocks, dissolution and karst

Abstract

Karst refers to a distinctive terrain that evolves through dissolution of the bedrock and development of efficient underground drainage. It is therefore associated primarily with limestone, but also forms on other carbonates and other soluble rocks. The special landforms of karst include sinkholes, dry valleys, pavements, cave systems and associated springs. Karst terrain possesses not only topographic features peculiar to itself but also unique hydrogeological characteristics. The landforms of karst vary enormously in character, shape and size, and combine to create a terrain that may represent extremely difficult ground conditions for construction and engineering. Collapse of rock over caves formed by dissolution is fundamental to the evolution of karst terrains, but is the least important of karst hazards in civil engineering (Chapter 3).