Limestone Massifs

Description

The provided text offers a comprehensive overview of limestone massifs, starting with their geological formation from ancient marine sediments and their subsequent tectonic uplift into prominent landforms. It details the karstification process, a unique form of chemical weathering that sculpts distinctive surface features like sinkholes and poljes, as well as complex subterranean cave systems adorned with speleothems. The sources then explore the global diversity of these massifs through various case studies, illustrating their unique ecosystems and biodiversity, including specialized calcicole flora and troglofauna. Finally, the text addresses the multifaceted human interactions with limestone massifs, highlighting their economic importance, the challenges of aquifer management, and the critical need for sustainable conservation strategies to protect these fragile environments.

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Created on: August 31, 2025