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Page 1: Losing Streams

Losing Streams• Streams in karst areas sometimes lose large volumes of

surface water through gradual loss into underground caverns.

Page 2: Losing Streams

Environmental Concerns with Karst

Page 3: Losing Streams

More Concerns• Cow manure in streams can lead directly to underground

cavern systems.• Sinkholes were often used as garbage dumps that

contaminate well water.• Septic tanks can fall into a sinkhole and cause major

pollution damage.

Page 4: Losing Streams

Speleothems: Organisms that are specially adapted to live in caves.• Often do not have fully developed eyes. Why bother?• Can’t photosynthesize food (no sunlight). No

photosynthetic organisms in caves.

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Importance of Karst