The landform characterized by caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage is known as

• A. Plateau
• B. Basin
• C. Desert
• D. Karst Topography

Answer: (D)

Karst topography develops where soluble rocks, especially limestone, are dissolved away by slightly acidic groundwater, creating a landscape of caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage. Rainwater percolates through the soil and picks up carbon dioxide, forming a weak carbonic acid that dissolves calcium carbonate in the rock. Over long periods, this dissolves extensive networks of voids and caverns. Water can then flow through these underground passages, often disappearing from the surface and reemerging at springs or continuing as underground rivers. When cave ceilings collapse or dissolution widens openings, surface depressions called sinkholes form, producing the characteristic pitted terrain of karst. This is distinct from a plateau (a flat-topped elevated area), a basin (a low-lying area with drainage patterns), or a desert (an arid region with little surface water and limited cave development).