Surficial karst patterns: Recognition and interpretation

Surficial karstic landforms commonly exhibit easily recognizable patterns, such as alignments of dolines (sinkholes) and solution valleys. Recognition of patterns and interpretation of these features in context with the regional geologic setting often gives considerable insight into the nature of subsurficial configurations including groundwater flowpaths and networks. Influences that control surficial karstic landforms include lithologic and stratigraphic character of the bedrock, geologic structure, hydrodynamic variables, and topographic evolution of the land surface. Analysis of surficial features is a valuable tool in assessing hidden underground conditions and potential environmental problems in karst regions.