Karst Landscapes and Features
A Karst landscape is one where water has over time dissolved the bedrock (usually limestone). When rain falls through the atmosphere, the rain drops can pick up carbon dioxide. When the rain water soaks into the ground, the water + carbon dioxide combination creates a weak acid (similar to in soda beverages). This acid solution soaks into cracks in the rock and slowly dissolves away bedrock. The cracks slowly get larger and larger, creating caves over thousands of years. .
The Joplin area is rich with Karst topography. The area has many disappearing streams, sinkholes, cave systems, underground streams, springs and cold streams. A disappearing stream is when a stream disappears into the surface of the earth through cracks in the bedrock. The stream can then continue to flow underground in some cases. A sinkhole is when a cave collapses. A sinkhole can create an opening to allow water to directly enter the underground system. A disappearing stream can resurface in a spring. The water will be cold because it has been cooled down as it travelled through the earth.
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And to demonstrate the educational value of this site, please email the answers to the following questions to WCSexton.
1. What Type of feature have you discovered here?
2. What are the dimensions of the little pool? It is entirely natural or man made?
3. Why is the water's temperature constant?