doline karst

geology

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June 25, 2026

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Doline karst is a type of karst topography characterized by rolling plains with few surface streams and often no valleys. Instead, the landscape is dotted with numerous sinkholes, which are depressions formed when underlying limestone bedrock is dissolved by groundwater. These sinkholes can vary greatly in size, from shallow swales to large depressions hundreds of meters deep. As sinkholes enlarge, they can merge to form larger features. Some sinkholes are created by the collapse of cave roofs, while others form within the soil. These soil-formed sinkholes, known as cover collapse or cover subsidence sinks, can cause significant property damage when they develop beneath structures. The term "doline" itself originates from a Russian word meaning "valley".123

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Doline karst
Such karsts are usually rolling plains that have few surface streams and often no surface valleys. Instead, the landscape is pocked with sinkholes, often tens or hundreds of sinkholes per square kilometre. These sinkholes range from barely discernible shallow swales one to two…
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Such karsts are usually rolling plains that have few surface streams and often no surface valleys. Instead, the landscape is pocked with sinkholes, often tens or hundreds of sinkholes per square kilometre. These sinkholes range from barely discernible shallow swales one to two…
Read More