South China Karst Presentation by: Fa’amanuia Fa’alava’au

South China Karst : A Unique Landform Continent: Asia Country: China Category: Natural Date of Inscription: 2007 South China Karst: A landscape formed from the dissolution of limestone that is composed of seven karst clusters, scattered throughout four provinces.

About Guilin Located in NE Guangxi Province Subtropical climate Long and hot summers 17-23°C Avg annual temp mm Avg annual precipitation

Contains significant types of karst landforms i.e. tower karst, pinnacle karst & cone karst formations Special characteristics include natural bridges, gorges & large cave systems South China Karst is developed due to tectonic uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It’s evolved into an integrated tropical & subtropical karst ecosystem

Karst is a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks including limestone, dolomite and gypsum. It is characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems Karst Tower: a spectacular variety of karst landscape, dominated by steep or vertical sided limestone towers (karst towers) or cones. Karst Topography

Formation of Karst Towers Acidic rain water seep into fissures in the limestone, dissolving the limestone. Cracks widen allowing more water to enter, increasing the rate in which the limestone is being dissolved Formation of dolines which then develop into cockpits -> Formation of conical hills The cones are undercut by rivers in surrounding plains. This steepens the cones and creates the iconic towers Tectonic uplift further raises the towers

What Makes Southern China so Special? Three Main Conditions: 1.Large areas of thick pure limestone 2.A hot and wet climate for most of the year 3.Proximity to Himalayan uplift

South China Karst : A Unique Landform Major developments in the stone forests of Shilin occurred over some 270 million years Wulong has suffered the least human impact because of its remoteness In Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, you can find cenotes, which are karst sinkholes that have filled with water

Protection & Management A UNESCO World Heritage Site since June 2007  The South China Karst is recognized as being of special cultural and or physical significance Traditional relationship between karst & to the cultural identity & traditions of minority groups Properly well managed with strong international networks in place to support continued research & management

Sources arst.htm arst.htm