Question

Describe the evolution of karst topography. Include at least 5 topographic features a geologist might find. What surface hazards are associated with karst? How does this affect the interaction between surface water and groundwater, and how does that affect water quality in aquifers?

Answer 1

Answer:

Karst topography is formed from soluble rocks with many features that create crevices that channel or funnel the surface water into the ground and aquifers below.  This can lead to contamination of the water quality in aquifers.

Explanation:

Karst topography refers to the topography formed from soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. The topography evolves as the soluble rocks are exposed to wind, sun, and precipitation that erodes the rock materials and creates crevices and the groundwater is channeled away from the surface, inhibiting the formation of lakes and reserves of water at the surface.  When these sorts of rocks begin to dissolve caves and crevices and other forms of underground drainage. Five topographic features a geologist might find are solutions flutes and limestone pavement, cenotes, funnel-shaped sinkholes, and reappearing streams.  

The surface hazards associated with karst topography are sinkholes as well as other topographic hazards such as subsidence and slope movements. There is a lot of surface water and groundwater interaction in a landscape with karst typography and so aquifers are susceptible to contamination from pollution and the use of fertilizers and chemicals at a higher rate than other topographies.  Urban areas and areas where there is a lot of animal husbandry are especially vulnerable to aquifer contamination.