This discussion of karst in relation to global change indications offers an explanation of the various methods of measurements and locations for measurement, information about the effects of human activities, and what we can learn from the study of karst. After a discussion of thresholds, the conclusion is that karst landscapes are particularly dynamic and subject to rapid change. They preserve a ... Full description.

Karst is a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock (usually limestone, dolomite, or marble). This site offers a collection of karst-related links, sorted by geographical region. Full description.

The Karst Waters Institute (KWI) is a non-profit institution whose mission is to improve the fundamental understanding of karst water systems through sound scientific research and the education of professionals and the public. Karst is explained in detail and in relation to water resources, water quality, geology, and ecology. Karst regions in the U.S. are shown, and a compilation of the top ten endangered ... Full description.

This site contains information about karst and karst landscapes. The first section, entitled Karst Hydrology, contains an introduction, theories of cavern development, hydrology of carbonate aquifers, and three sections on environmental problems, including groundwater contamination, sinkhole flooding, and sinkhole collapse. There is also a large reference section. This site has two other links, one ... Full description.

This interactive feature introduces viewers to the various types of caves, and describes Karst activity, the process by which naturally-occurring acidic solutions form cavities in soluble rocks. Other topics include locations of caves and Karst landscapes, features of caves, and what the cave environment is like. Full description.

This chapter on the formation of Karst topography discusses susceptible rock types, how dissolution occurs, and the general appearance of Karst landforms. Tables, maps, figures, and photographs of Karst landforms from around the world are included. It is part of 'Geomorphology from Space', an out-of-print publication of the National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA). Full description.

The purpose of this activity is to explore the way water moves through a porous, soluble substance and to observe the development of pits and channels as the substance dissolves in water. Students learn what karst is and how it is formed. Full description.

This lesson uses paper models to help students understand karst processes, why caves develop in limestone, and how karst topography develops. Introductory materials explain how ground- or surface waters can dissolve limestone, some features of karst landscapes (sinkholes, disappearing streams), and some features of caves (stalagmites, stalactites, flowstone). A teacher's guide provides patterns and ... Full description.

This site from SERC's Starting Point presents sample Gallery Walk questions about karst formations. Question topics include stalactites and stalagmites, spring and disappearing stream formation, cross-sections, relationships between solution process effectiveness and local hydrology, bedrock, groundwater contamination management strategies, and multi-use cave management. The questions are organized ... Full description.

This tutorial provides an introduction to caves and karst features in national parks and is meant to address fears and misconceptions about them. Text and imagery in this virtual classroom enhance understanding of these other-worldly places. Topics include basic information about caves and karst systems and locations, highlights some of the 23 different types of caves, and the formation of various ... Full description.