karst

[ kahrst ]

/ kɑrst /

an area of limestone terrane characterized by sinks, ravines, and underground streams.

Origin of karst

1900–05; < German, generic use of Karst, name of limestone plateau north of Trieste

karst·ic, adjective

The most prominent features of the Karst region are imperfect valleys which have no outlet.

The Land of the Black Mountain |Reginald Wyon
Their houses are built of timber and thatch, or clay tiles, except in the Karst region, where stone is more plentiful than wood.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 3 |Various
Many Istrians fled into the Karst region, and for a long time the land was unsafe.

The Shores of the Adriatic |F. Hamilton Jackson
There should also be mentioned the periodical lakes situated in the Karst region, the largest of them being the Lake of Zirknitz.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 8 |Various

The winter rains of the Karst region show that it belongs to the sub-tropical climatic zone.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 3 |Various

karst

/ (kɑːst) /

(modifier) denoting the characteristic scenery of a limestone region, including underground streams, gorges, etc

karstic, adjective

C19: German, from Karst, limestone plateau near Trieste