Post by 1dave on Mar 26, 2020 11:40:42 GMT -5
Karst - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst
The Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves.[1] It has also been documented for more weathering-resistant rocks, such as quartzite, given the right conditions.[2] Subterranean drainage may limit surface water, with few to no rivers or lakes. However, in regions where the dissolved bedrock is covered (perhaps by debris) or confined by one or more superimposed non-soluble rock strata, distinctive karst features may occur only at subsurface levels and can be totally missing above ground.
The study of karst is considered of prime importance in petroleum geology because as much as 50% of the world's hydrocarbon reserves are hosted in porous karst systems.[3]
Global distribution of major outcrops of carbonate rocks (mainly limestone, except evaporites)
Features typical of well-developed karst terrain
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst
Škocjan Caves, Slovenia
The Puerto Princesa Underground River, Philippines
Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. It is characterized by underground drainage systems with sinkholes and caves.[1] It has also been documented for more weathering-resistant rocks, such as quartzite, given the right conditions.[2] Subterranean drainage may limit surface water, with few to no rivers or lakes. However, in regions where the dissolved bedrock is covered (perhaps by debris) or confined by one or more superimposed non-soluble rock strata, distinctive karst features may occur only at subsurface levels and can be totally missing above ground.
The study of karst is considered of prime importance in petroleum geology because as much as 50% of the world's hydrocarbon reserves are hosted in porous karst systems.[3]
Global distribution of major outcrops of carbonate rocks (mainly limestone, except evaporites)
Features typical of well-developed karst terrain
