KARSTIC AND QUASIKARSTIC LANDSCAPES

Karstic landscapes are distinct associations of landforms in which karstic features dominate a single view. The most awesome examples are world-class scenic resources. Yet inherent problems hamper scientific consideration of karst as landscape: subjectivity, scale, and limited visibility of both karstic and non-karstic elements in the landscape. A wide spectrum exists between the most spectacular karsts and those with little or no surface expression; in some mountain, canyon and littoral terranes, important karstification exists as small, isolated occurrences. Few karstic landscapes are wholly lacking in non-karstic landforms, and the concept of quasikarstic landscapes may have merit where karstification is important but not dominant. Overemphasis on karst as landscape (in contrast to karst as process) may distort regional or global symtheses.