Effects of Groundwater on Topography

ByDiana L. Duckworth

Rustburg High SchoolCampbell County, VA

Karst Topography

• Karst topography forms in limestone– carbon dioxide dissolves in groundwater– makes a weak acid which attacks rock

• Cracks become enlarged into caverns– groundwater deposits stalactites and stalagmites

• When roof of cave collapses, make a sinkhole; forms on surface as a depression

• Many lakes and disappearing rivers

Green River disappears underground inMammoth Caves National Park

Inside caves - groundwaterdeposits of calcite: stalactites stalagmites columns

Mineral springs are surfacegroundwater deposits

Roaring Springs Grand Canyon North Rim

Center Pivot irrigation: radius 1/4 mile, pumpingwell in center of each circle