Which terrain feature is most typical of karst landscapes?

• A. Sinkholes
• B. Sand dunes
• C. Ice cliffs
• D. Coral reefs

Answer: (A)

Karst landscapes form where acidic water dissolves soluble rocks like limestone, creating underground voids, caves, and drainage systems. A hallmark surface feature is sinkholes, depressions that form when dissolution weakens and collapses cave roofs or when the rock gradually subsides into underground voids. These sinkholes reflect the underground network of conduits typical of karst terrain and are widespread where soluble rock is present.

Sand dunes come from wind-blown sand and aren’t tied to dissolution of rock, ice cliffs arise from glaciation, and coral reefs are marine structures rather than landforms produced by karst processes.