Karst fenster

Karst fenster is a geomorphic feature formed from the dissolution of carbonate bedrock. In this feature, a spring emerges, then the discharge abruptly disappears into a sinkhole. The word fenster is German for 'window', as these features are windows into the karst landscape.

The term is used to denote an unroofed portion of a cavern which reveals part of a subterranean river[1]. A complex system of caves, known as karst topography, evolves from the effects of water erosion on carbonate rocks such as limestone, dolomite or gypsum. "A karst fenster is caused by a caving in of portions of the roof of a subterranean stream, thus making some of the underground stream visible from the surface"[2]. Theories in the creation of karst topography and karst fensters involve vadose water above the water table, and deep-circulating phreatic water (water in the zone of saturation) eroding away subsurface rock. Karst fensters may also form because of weathering from above.

An example of a karst fenster or window is Cedar Sink in Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky, USA.

Wm. von Osinski illustrated how karst windows develop by roof rock collapse. [3]

Illustration of development of karst window by roof rock collapse

See also
  • Karst – Topography formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks

References
    • Easterbrook, Don J. Surface Processes and Landforms. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc, 1999
    • Ritter, Michael E. The Physical Environment: an Introduction to Physical Geography. 2006. Dec 2009.
    • Von Osinski, Wm. "Karst windows." In Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, vol. 44, pp. 161-165. 1934.
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