karstic
Cave-riddled rock landscape
Karstic describes landscapes or geological features shaped by the dissolution of solite rock—typically limestone, dolomite, or gypite.
Water slowly dissolves the stone, creating distinctive formations: sinkholes, caves, underground rivers, and dramatic surface features.
The karstic terrain was riddled with caves and disappearing streams.
The adjective derives from the Karst region of Slovenia, where such formations were first studied scientifically.
Sudden structural failure
- subsidenceGradual ground sinking
- depressionProlonged low state
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
- pitFruit's hard seed
Hanging cave mineral deposit
- stalagmiteUpward-growing cave deposit
- grottoSmall scenic cavern
- subterraneanBeneath earth's surface
- undergroundBelow ground or countercultural
speleology · spelunker · flowstone · dripstone · soda straw · calcite · darkness · chamber
Carbonate sedimentary rock
- dolomiteCalcium magnesium carbonate mineral
- gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
- chalkSoft sedimentary writing stone
travertine · tufa · calcite · calcium carbonate · evaporite · halite · bedrock · joint
Groundwater-bearing geological formation
- springRecoiling metal spiral
- resurgenceReturn after dormancy
- siphonLiquid transfer tube
- conduitTube conveying fluid or cables
recharge · groundwater · water table · blind valley · percolation · drainage · catchment
Breaking up completely
- chemical weatheringRocks altered by reactions
- carbonationGas dissolved in liquid
- corrosionChemical wearing away
- leachingDissolving out by liquid
soluble · permeability · acidification · etching · sculpting · pitting · scalloping · solution
collapse
Sudden structural failure
- subsidenceGradual ground sinking
- depressionProlonged low state
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
pit · cenote · fissure · void · crater · slump · funnel · dropout
stalactite
Hanging cave mineral deposit
- stalagmiteUpward-growing cave deposit
- grottoSmall scenic cavern
- subterraneanBeneath earth's surface
underground · speleology · spelunker · flowstone · dripstone · soda straw · calcite · darkness · chamber · passage
limestone
Carbonate sedimentary rock
- dolomiteCalcium magnesium carbonate mineral
- gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate
- marbleRecrystallized limestone rock
chalk · travertine · tufa · calcite · calcium carbonate · evaporite · halite · bedrock · joint · fracture
aquifer
Groundwater-bearing geological formation
- springRecoiling metal spiral
- resurgenceReturn after dormancy
- siphonLiquid transfer tube
conduit · recharge · groundwater · water table · blind valley · percolation · drainage · catchment
dissolution
Breaking up completely
- chemical weatheringRocks altered by reactions
- carbonationGas dissolved in liquid
- corrosionChemical wearing away
leaching · soluble · permeability · acidification · etching · sculpting · pitting · scalloping · solution · weathered
cockpit
Pilot's control compartment
karsticvolcanic
Of fiery mountain origin
igneous · glacial · alluvial · sedimentary · metamorphic
- tower karstSteep-sided residual limestone hills
- cockpit karstKarst with enclosed basins