Karst Landscapes & Features Above ground, there are areas of bare rock called limestone pavements which show distinctive clints (blocks) and grykes (grooves) and swallow holes where streams disappear underground. Below ground, large cave systems are formed by solution along the vertical joints and horizontal bedding planes. In these caves may be narrow stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stumpy stalagmites on the cave floor. Sometimes these join to form pillars. Springs are formed where water re-emerges back on to the surface as the rock changes from limestone to something impermeable. Sometimes the roofs of cave systems collapse and leave narrow steep-sided limestone gorges. Some of these are dry but others may contain streams, particularly in wetter periods.
{"Image DocumentName": "Karst Landscapes & Features Above ground, there are areas of bare rock called limestone pavements which show distinctive clints (blocks) and grykes (grooves) and swallow holes where streams disappear underground. Below ground, large cave systems are formed by solution along the vertical joints and horizontal bedding planes. In these caves may be narrow stalactites hanging from the ceiling and stumpy stalagmites on the cave floor. Sometimes these join to form pillars. Springs are formed where water re-emerges back on to the surface as the rock changes from limestone to something impermeable. Sometimes the roofs of cave systems collapse and leave narrow steep-sided limestone gorges. Some of these are dry but others may contain streams, particularly in wetter periods.", "Image ImageDescription": "NOTE: Add image of limestone cave.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}