Karst Springs: Difference between revisions
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==Introduction== | ==Introduction== | ||
A Karst topography is formed when rock is dissolved, causing small fissures within the geologic structure. This soluble rock material is often limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. This caustic solution creates sinkholes in the soil surface and as it digs further into the rock, can create underground caverns and passageways. This allows precipitation and surface runoff to penetrate the soil horizons and fill subterranean caverns. This water can be held within the underground caverns, or exit though hydric tunnels. Karst springs are formed when water exits the subterranean matrix (though eroded tunnels) and forms surface pools. | A Karst topography is formed when rock is dissolved, causing small fissures within the geologic structure. This soluble rock material is often limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. This caustic solution creates sinkholes in the soil surface and as it digs further into the rock, can create underground caverns and passageways. This allows precipitation and surface runoff to penetrate the soil horizons and fill subterranean caverns. This water can be held within the underground caverns, or exit though hydric tunnels. Karst springs are formed when water exits the subterranean matrix (though eroded tunnels) and forms surface pools. | ||
===Importance of Karst Systems=== | |||
Karst systems host a wide variety of endemic species due to the unique nature of the habitat. With anthropogenic di | |||
==Physical environment== | ==Physical environment== |
Revision as of 04:19, 12 April 2010
Introduction
A Karst topography is formed when rock is dissolved, causing small fissures within the geologic structure. This soluble rock material is often limestone, dolomite, or gypsum. This caustic solution creates sinkholes in the soil surface and as it digs further into the rock, can create underground caverns and passageways. This allows precipitation and surface runoff to penetrate the soil horizons and fill subterranean caverns. This water can be held within the underground caverns, or exit though hydric tunnels. Karst springs are formed when water exits the subterranean matrix (though eroded tunnels) and forms surface pools.
Importance of Karst Systems
Karst systems host a wide variety of endemic species due to the unique nature of the habitat. With anthropogenic di
Physical environment
The formation of the karst topography begins with the "carbon dioxide cascade." Rainfall absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere during droplet formation, while it falls as precipitation, or as it moves through the soil horizons. This forms carbonic acid (H2CO3).
H2O + CO2= H2CO3
As the acid comes in contact with the alkaline rock the two react, forming an aqueous solution that will further dissolve small channels within the soil. Slowly over decades channels will expand allowing larger volumes of water to pass through it.
Subsection 1
Subsection 1a
Biological interactions
Are there important biological interactions that are important in this environment? Do these interactions influence microbial populations and their activities? How do these interactions influence other organisms? Describe biological interactions that might take place in this environment, using as many sections/subsections as you require. Look at other topics available in MicrobeWiki. Create links where relevant.
Subsection 1
Subsection 1a
Subsection 1b
Subsection 2
Microbial processes
The bacteria within the Karst landscape build and define the channels of the system. Through the cycling of carbon, carbon dioxide is utilized to build up, and break down calcium deposits. This action creates the sinkholes from which
What microbial processes define this environment? Describe microbial processes that are important in this habitat, adding sections/subsections as needed. Look at other topics in MicrobeWiki. Are some of these processes already described? Create links where relevant.
Subsection 1
Subsection 1a
Subsection 1b
Subsection 2
Key Microorganisms
Bacteria
Actinomycetes- Responsible for odor of caves widespread due to lower temps and high humidity. found as specks in limestone. -Streptomycetes and nocardia
Nitrosomas and nitrobacter Leptothrix, Gallionella, Clonothrix
Thiobacillus, Beggiatoa, Thiothrix
Cyanobacteria: Geitleria calcarea, Scytonema julianum
Oscillatoria, Phormidium, Gleocapsa, and Lyngbya
Algae
chlorphyta, bacillariophyceae
Fungi
Zygomycetes
What kind of microbes do we typically find in this environment? Or associated with important processes in this environment? Describe key groups of microbes that we find in this environment, and any special adaptations they may have evolved to survive in this environment. Add sections/subsections as needed. Look at other microbe listings in MicrobeWiki. Are some of the groups of microbes from your environment already described? Create links to those pages. Specific microbial populations will be included in the next section.
Examples of organisms within the group
List examples of specific microbes that represent key groups or are associated with important processes found in this environment. Link to other MicrobeWiki pages where possible.
Current Research
Enter summaries of recent research here--at least three required
Resources
Lecture on Karst Aquifers: University of Texas
References
Earth Science Institute. "What is Karst?". University of Texas at Austin.
Encyclopedia of Cave and Karst Science. "Microorganisms In Caves".
International Association of Hydrogeologists. "Karst Hydrology". IAH Karst Commission. 2009
The Karst Conservancy. "What is Karst?".
Kentucky Geological Survey. "Introduction to Karst Groundwater".
Edited by Benjamin Miller: student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.