This Earth Cache is located in the Runge Nature Area. This cache is designed to show you a very interesting example of what happens when water erodes into a Karst. So, just what is a Karst anyway? A Karst by definition is “a landscape underlaid by limestone which has been eroded by dissolution, producing ridges, towers, fissures, sinkholes, and other characteristic landforms.” Mid-Missouri is well known for its Karst topography ,and it is shown widely through many filled sinkholes and caves across the state. Here at the Runge Area you see an example of the power of dissolution and erosion when water is exposed to low lying bedrock. If you look uphill from the posed coordinates you will see that the top of the Karst overhang was once the bottom of a prehistoric stream. At some point the stream changed direction, eroding into the weaker limestone layer. Karsts such as this one are often part of an opening in the groundwater table and seep water allowing the Karst to continue. When the water level is low in the summer you may be able to see farther back into the exposed Karst opening.
Karsts are incredibly important as they retain water and often seep water out allowing a moist area to remain through the dry season. They are also an incredible habitat for salamanders, bats, and various types of fish.
Karst topography can be seen throughout the Runge Area, this being one of the more notable examples of its presence.
Logging requirements: 1, About how far back do you think the Karst goes into the hill? 2, Why do you think the Karst has formed where it is, not upstream or downstream? 3, What is the definition of a Karst? 4, Do you see any other evidence of Karst topography in the direct area around the posted coordinates? 5, although not required it would be great if you could post a picture of the Karst in your log.
Information obtained via NGS.
Permission granted from Becky Matney for placing of geocaches in the Runge Area.