| Karsts of Vipingo | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| March 10, 2008 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The Karsts of Vipingo
A Karst is a distinctive topography in which the landscape is largely shaped by the dissolving action of water on carbonate bedrock in our case limestone.This geological process, occurred over many thousands of years, resulting in unusual subsurface features of complex underground drainage systems and caves.
Staff at the limestone caves in Vipingo (can you spot Sabine) How a Karst is Formed The process of karst formation involves what is referred to as "the carbon dioxide cascade." As sea water picks up CO2 in the atmosphere, it which dissolves into the water. As it hits the ground, through wave action it percolates through the soil and picks up more CO2 to form a weak solution of carbonic acid. The infiltrating water naturally exploits any cracks or crevices in the rock. Over time these fractures enlarge as the bedrock continues to dissolve. Openings in the rock increase in size, and an underground drainage system begins to develop, allowing more water to pass through and accelerating the formation of underground karst features.
Traditional Healer at Vipingo Caves In Vipingo the Karst have a rich cultural background to the surrounding villages as the villagers regard them as a holy places.
Swallow Tail Butterfly at Forest Trail Photo taken by Huig Bouter
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Limestone Karst in Vipingo
