Environmental Hazards in Karst Landscapes
As the human population continues to grow, the resources of the earth are increasingly stressed. With people living in nearly every environment type in the world, a better understanding of these environments is necessary for sustainable living. Karst areas of the world provide some of the most picturesque landforms. These range from spectacular gorges of teh Tarn in southern France to the beautiful tower karst in areas of China (Jennings, 1985). Potential environmental hazards are present in all corners of the globe, some are human induced and some occur as a result of natural processes of the earth.
A sinkhole in Kentucky collapsed a roadway and ruptured water and sewer lines under the surface, leaving their contents to seep freely into the bedrock.
image from http://www.billmunnsgallery.com/images/karst.jpg
Limestone towers and conical hills Southeast of Guilin, China
Image from: www.ulg.ac.be/geolsed/processus/ processus.htm
Sinkholes near the Pyreness Montains in France
Image from: http://www.stoptranspark.org/sinkholes.html
Road collapse due to sinkhole formation in Warren County, KY
Image from: http://www.stoptranspark.org/sinkholes.html
Vapor rising off of a collapsed road in Warren County, Kentucky caused by warm air from the underlying cave meeting the cold winter air above the surface.
