Karst process is an unusual geological phenomenon where a layer of bedrock is dissolved by water underground, creating funnels, canals, cracks, and suchlike. As they grow larger, the upper layers of the earth finally cave in, creating a sinkhole.
Although karst processes are active in large territories all over the world, there are few places where sinkholes and karst lakes can be actually seen. In this regard, Skaistkalne area is one of the most unique places in Latvia, as it displays a number of changes in nature caused by the karst process.Karst process is an unusual geological phenomenon where a layer of bedrock is dissolved by water underground, creating funnels, canals, cracks, and suchlike. As they grow larger, the upper layers of the earth finally cave in, creating a sinkhole.
Although karst processes are active in large territories all over the world, there are few places where sinkholes and karst lakes can be actually seen. In this regard, Skaistkalne area is one of the most unique places in Latvia, as it displays a number of changes in nature caused by the karst process.
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Researchers explain and the location of this phenomenon in Skaistkalne district by a unique characteristic of underground process, typical only for this area. In particular, water current from Iecava river overflow to Memele river. The distance between the two rivers is just few kilometers in this area. Moreover, the level Memele river at this stage is at least about 5 meters lower than Iecava river. This difference in water levels gives space for some water overflow through the underground layers. Unusual water movement is probably the reason why this area is formed in Karst lakes and the deeper Karst Sinkholes in Latvia.
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