Why is karst topography common on the western slopes of the Ural Mountains?

Karst topography is common on the western slopes of the Ural Mountains primarily due to the region's geological composition. The western slope is characterized by middle Paleozoic sedimentary rocks, specifically limestone and gypsum, which are approximately 350 million years old.1

Karst develops in these areas because limestone, composed of calcium carbonate, is highly soluble and dissolves when exposed to slightly acidic water, such as rainwater percolating through cracks and joints. Over time, this process excavates the rock, creating characteristic features such as large caverns, sinkholes, and subterranean stream channels. While the eastern slopes are dominated by volcanic layers and granite outcrops, the western slopes provide the necessary soluble sedimentary strata to support this extensive karst development.213