Perspective on karst hydrology

Karst hydrology has many aspects, all worthy of intensive and separate study. Variable sensitivities of carbonate rocks to natural processes on and in the hydrologic system have led to great ranges in conditions, many of which relate directly or indirectly to permeability. Individual studies have been diversified, but local descriptions of striking karst conditions and related hydrologic features have been common. Research on karst processes has made progress but has not been integrated for best application to national and world-wide karst settings. Practical problems commonly occurring in karst terranes are those resulting from: (1) poor predictability and uneven distribution of ground-water supplies; (2) insufficient soils; (3) scarcity of perennial streams; (4) instability of the ground; and (5) unreliable waste-disposal environment. All of these problems relate in some way to the variable permeabilities of karst terranes. Natural hydrological balances in karst terranes can be disturbed readily by human action, thereby adding to problems of environmental impact. Future studies might be productively directed to: (a) systematic descriptions of karst settings on a worldwide basis so that both the common and seemingly anomalous features can be identified and categorized; (b) greater research on processes, showing how the processes operate on various settings; and (c) application of scientific knowledge to land- and water-management schemes and philosophies for various karst terranes. The growing interest in karst terranes is justified, and the improved knowledge will enable the best development and use of these terranes for human use.