Rock Types and Landforms - Definitions

Question 1

Bedding plane

Answer 1

The surface that separates each layer in a sedimentary rock

Question 2

Calcite

Answer 2

A white rock forming mineral made of pure calcium carbonate. It is a common cementing agent in limestone rock

Question 3

Calcium bicarbonate

Answer 3

The substance formed when calcium carbonate dissolves in water. It exists only in water, not as a dry solid.

Question 4

Calcium carbonate

Answer 4

A white insoluble solid occuring naturally as chalk, limestone and calcite. It also forms mollusc shells and coral.

Question 5

Caverns

Answer 5

Large caves

Question 6

Caves

Answer 6

Hollows and tunnels that from underground in karst regions

Question 7

Clints

Answer 7

The flat blocks of limestone rock in a limestone pavement that are separated from each other by grooves called grikes

Question 8

Column

Answer 8

The structure formed when a stalactite and stalagmite grow to meet each other

Question 9

Dolines/sinkholes

Answer 9

The conical hollows formed on the earth’s surface when cave roofs collapse

Question 10

Flowstone

Answer 10

Sheetlike deposits of calcite formed where water flows down the walls or along the floors of a cave

Question 11

Grikes

Answer 11

Grooves in the surface of a limestone pavement caused when vertical joints are deepened and widened by carbonation

Question 12

Joints

Answer 12

Vertical cracks in a rock

Question 13

Karren

Answer 13

Small hollows and pits on the surface of a clint in limestone pavement

Question 14

Karst

Answer 14

A region of bare limestone rock containing clints and grikes

Question 15

Permeable

Answer 15

A rock that allows water to pass through its joints and pores

Question 16

Pervious

Answer 16

A non porous rock that allows water to pass through its joint

Question 17

Pillar

Answer 17

Another name for a column, formed when a stalactite and stalagmite grow and meet each other

Question 18

Resurgent stream

Answer 18

An underground stream that reappears to the surface

Question 19

Stalactite

Answer 19

A carrot shaped formation of calcite that hangs from the roof of a cave

Question 20

Stalagmite

Answer 20

A mound of calcite that forms on the floor of a cave

Question 21

Solution

Answer 21

The process of erosion where dissolved limestone is carried away in rainwater

Question 22

Swallow hole/disappearing stream

Answer 22

The point/hole in the ground where a surface stream or river disappears underground

Question 23

Turlough/seasonal lake

Answer 23

Temporary winter lakes that disappear in summer. They form on low-lying areas of limestone, which become flooded in wet weather through the welling up of groundwater from the rock. The temporary lakes dry up or disappear in summer as the water table drops.

Question 24

Water table

Answer 24

The level below which the ground is saturated with water