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Difficulty: MediumLandform Evolution by Running Water and Underground Water

In a limestone region characterized by well-jointed rock strata, rain water containing dissolved carbon dioxide percolates along vertical joints, expanding them into deep fissures separated by raised, flat-topped limestone blocks. Which landform corresponds to these remaining flat-topped blocks?

  1. ClintsAnswer
  2. B
    Grikkes
  3. C
    Stalagmites
  4. D
    Uvalas

Answer

The correct answer is Clints, which are the flat-topped limestone blocks that remain standing between solutional fissures on a limestone pavement.
When rainwater containing dissolved carbon dioxide penetrates jointed limestone rocks, carbonation dissolves the calcium carbonate along vertical joints. The widened fissures are called grikkes, while the rectangular, flat-topped blocks left standing between them are known as clints.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the process and rock type described in the stem.
Chemical weathering via carbonation occurs on jointed limestone rock.
Carbonic acid in rainwater reacts with calcium carbonate along natural lines of weakness.
2
Distinguish between the positive (raised) and negative (depressed) landform components of a limestone pavement.
The vertical fissures widened by carbonation are grikkes, while the remaining exposed flat blocks are clints.
Solution selectively deepens joints, leaving the surrounding rock sections elevated relative to the grooves.

Key Concept

Limestone Pavement Features (Clints and Grikkes)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Landform Evolution by Running Water and Underground Water

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