Karst

Karst, type of terrain characterised by soluble carbonate or sulfate bedrock, with mainly underground drainage, and characteristic landforms created by the dissolution of bedrock limestone, such as dolines, karren, Caves, and large karst springs. The name originates from the Karst region in Carnolia, the geological analysis of which - carried out by researchers from all parts of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy - led to the recognition and definition of this special type of landscape, so that the term came into international usage.

Over one sixth of the area of Austria consists of soluble rock suited to karst drainage; in addition, large areas comprise gravel plains and rubble-covered zones with the same types of soluble rock. Because karst regions often have "giant karst springs" of majestic size with high quality water, they are important catchment areas for the water supplies of large cities (Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Villach, etc.). The conservation and environmental protection of the karst regions are therefore of particular significance.

Many karst regions, such as the Styrian and Lower Austrian Alps, are covered with forest ("Grün-Karst"). The deforestation of these regions, to create ski slopes, for example, increases the danger of ground erosion and result in non-vegetated areas ("Kahl-Karst"), which are extremely difficult to reforest (Kalvarienberg near Baden, Alpenostrand).

Karst regions with important plateau areas are the Tote Gebirge mountains and the Warscheneck mountains (Upper Austria, Styria); the Dachstein massif (Upper Austria, Styria, Salzburg); the Salzburg Limestone Alps with the Steinernes Meer Mountains, Hagengebirge Mountains, Tennengebirge Mountains, Untersberg Mountain, and others; Rax Mountain and Schneeberg Mountain (Lower Austria); Hochschwab Mountain (Styria); and Dobratsch Mountain (Carinthia), as well as the Rätikon Mountains, the Ifen region (Vorarlberg) and others.

Literature: J. G. Zötl, Karsthydrogeologie, 1974.