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What is Karst Topography?
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It indicates dissolution of underlying soluble rock, generally limestone. Limestone dissolves because rainwater is mildly acidic and this creates topographic features including sinkholes, solution valleys, & disappearing streams.
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Sinkhole
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Surface depressions formed by the collapse of caves or other large underground void spaces.
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Solution Valleys
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Valley-like depressions formed by a linear series of sinkholes or collapse of the roof of a linear cave.
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Springs
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Places where water flows naturally from the ground (from spaces in the bedrock)
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Disappearing Streams
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Streams that terminate abruptly by seeping into the ground.
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Eolian Processes
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Created by wind
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A "true" Desert
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A dryland that has biological productivity too poor to support any type of agriculture.
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Desertification
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Degradation caused by soil erosion, farming without crop rotation or fertilization, overgrazing, or dramatic decrease in soil moisture.
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Fluvian Processes
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Caused by erosion from streams, flood, rain
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Blowout
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A shallow depression developed where wind has eroded and blown ou the soil & fragmented rock usually in a sandy area.
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Barchan Dune
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Crescent shaped dunes occuring where sand supply is limited & wind direction fairly constant. Generally form around shurbs or large rocks. Horns or tips point downward.
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Transverse Dunes
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Occur where sand supply is greater. Form as ridges perpendicular to prevailing winds. Crests generally sinuous.
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Parabolic Dunes
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Somewhat resemble Barchans but horns point in opposite direction-upwind. Always form adjacent to blowouts, the oval depressions from which come the sandy sediments that form the parabolic dunes.
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Longitudinal or Linear Dunes
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Occur in some modern deserts where sand is abundant and cross winds merge to form high, elongated dunes. Can by quite large. Crests are generally straight to slightly sinuous.
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Arroyo
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Dryland landform- steep-walled canyon often floored with gravel formed by fluvial erosion.
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