karren

geology

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June 30, 2026

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The term "karren" in geology refers to a ribbed and fluted rock surface that forms due to differential solution, meaning some parts of the rock dissolve more readily than others. These formations are a component of karst topography, which is terrain shaped by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone by underground water.12

Karst landscapes are characterized by features such as caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers, often with an absence of surface streams. This terrain develops when rainwater, slightly acidic, percolates through limestone, widening cracks and forming cave systems. Pavement karst, a specific type, occurs where bare carbonate rocks are exposed to weathering, often after glaciation, and is decorated with various karren forms created by differential solution.23

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cave
Pavement karst
These are collectively known as karren. Karren include solutionally widened joints (kluftkarren, or cleftkarren), small runnels (rinnenkarren, or runnelkarren), small residual pinnacles (spitzkarren, or pinnacle karren), and many other forms.
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These are collectively known as karren. Karren include solutionally widened joints (kluftkarren, or cleftkarren), small runnels (rinnenkarren, or runnelkarren), small residual pinnacles (spitzkarren, or pinnacle karren), and many other forms.
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