“Damis” by Attila Terbócs is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported license.
In order to understand solution caves and Mammoth Cave in particular, it is important to understand the concept of Karst Topographies. The word “karst” finds its origins in a Slavic word meaning “barren, stony ground.” This name is somewhat accurate, as karst topography can be defined as a landscape with sinkholes, caves, and springs, which usually form in limestone, but can also form in salt, gypsum, and other types of rocks. These features result from the dissolution of the carbonate rock by slightly acidic water. Features such as springs are created where the water table and the surface meet, or due to the presence of an impermeable rock type such as slate forcing groundwater to the surface. Around 25% of Kentucky is made up of karst topography, including the Mammoth Cave National Park and the surrounding area. This landscape can presents problems in many areas, especially when sinkholes develop.
“River Styx” by Daniel Schwen is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
More than 50% of surface rocks in Kentucky are limestone, which is formed by marine deposits. This sedimentary rock is composed mainly of calcite, which allows for its dissolution and the formation of the karst landscape.