Karst is best described as a region characterized by sinkholes, underground streams, and caverns. These underground conduits are typically formed by acidic rain water dissolving certain types of soluble bedrock over thousands to millions of years. Karst areas are typically devoid of surface water as all the water is diverted through underground channels. The main theme in karst regions is underground drainage.

 While it's difficult to look underground to tell if you live in a karst area, you can check the surface for clues. If you live near sinkholes, caves, sinking streams, or large springs then you live in a karst region. Twenty percent of the land in the United States is classified as karst. Karst is found throughout the US and the look varies from region to region. Examples of karst include the huge clear springs of Florida, the large and decorated caves of New Mexico, and the sinkhole plains of Kentucky.

Water

Karst may not be a well known word, but it is a common feature across the country as one fifth of the landmass of the United States is karst and 25% of the nation's drinking water comes from karst aquifers. Karst regions contain some of the largest and most productive aquifers that are capable of providing large supplies of water.

 On the downside, surface water in karst areas flows into caves and sinkholes very quickly, receiving very little filtration. This water, and the impurities it carries - human and animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, petroleum products, and other pollutants - often travel great distances underground, contaminating wells, springs, and aquifers.

Endangered Ecosystems

Karst areas contain some of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth. Many endangered and threatened species are endemic to a single sinkhole or cave. Pollution or disruption to one sinkhole could easily wipe out an entire species.

 In Florida, for example, researchers have determined that there are only six caves in the entire state where bat maternity colonies roost. Most of the babies from this particular species of bat (southeastern myotis) are born and raised in one of these six maternity caves. Three of these caves have been filled by thoughtless landowners.

What The Karst Conservancy Is Doing

The Karst Conservancy is actively working in karst regions around the country to permanently protect sensitive karst. We protect karst aquifers by preserving and protecting their recharge zones, the areas where the water sinks into the ground. We also protect fragile and endangered ecosystems by protecting the caves, sinkholes, streams, and forests that threatened plants and animals inhabit.