Karst Landform

Brief Introduction of Karst Landscape

Karst Landform is the generic terms of the earth's surface and underground form, which is formed as a result of the corrodible water corrodes the soluble rocks. Apart from the affection of corrosion, there were the scouring and erosion of flowing water as well as the mechanical corrosion of collapse. The word Karst was originated from the carbonate rocks continental plateau of Istra, at the northwest of Federation Narodna Republik Jugoslavija. The local people think it means the place the rocks are uncovered. Karst landform is famous the researches on Karst.

The Classification of Karst Landform

According to the degree of emersion, Karst landform can be classified into: Uncovered Karst, Covered Karst, and Hidden Karst.

According to the climate zone, Karst Landform includes: Torrid Zone Karst, Subtropical Zone Karst, Temperate Zone Karst, Frigid Zone Karst and Arid Region Karst.

According to the lithology, the Karst Landform includes: Limestone Karst, Dolomite Karst, Gypsum Landform and Salt Karst.

Some other classifications are according to the altitude, degree of development, hydrograghy and the formation time. The phenomena of Karst-like formed out of some causes are called fake Karst, including the Fragment Karst, Loess and Clay Karst, Hot melt Karst, and Karst around the volcano. The fake Karst is different from the Karst in essence.

According to the evolution, Karst Landform has 6 categories:

The underground water corrodes the joint surface and fracture surface of the limestone, forming the channeling and fluid bowl. The primitive limestone is separated by the channeling and form peristele and stalagmite.

The underground water flows down through the fracture of the limestone, when over 100 meters, avens are formed.

The underground water drops down from the avens, getting into the aquiclude and having lateral flow, forming the Karst Caves.

With the formation of the karst cave, the surface of the ground begins to subside, if it is deep and small square, we call it subside funnel, if it is shallow and large square, we call it subside pool.

The long time combination of the corrosion of underground water and subsiding, the hoje and natural bridges are formed.

With the rising of the ground, the karst caves and underground water are lifted up to be dry valley and stone forest.