Distinctive landforms that develop
on rock types which are easily
disolved by water
LIMESTONE
Sedimentary: Sea
shells & coral
compressed over time.
Cemented by calcium
carbonate.
Surface feature:
Limestone
Pavements
(Clints & Grikes)
and Swallow
Holes.
Exposed area of limestone = Limestone pavement. These are formed when rainwater falls onto the surface of the
limeston and moves through the cracks in the rock. the joins and cracks become widened because the calcium
carbonate dissolves them. The deep cracks are called GRIKES. The stronger, smoother areas are known as CLINTS.
Swallow Holes are formed when the carbonic acid in rainwater disolves the limestone. Over time, the
grikes become so enlarged that they turn into Swallow Holes, also known as sink holes or sluggas. Rivers
and surface water disappear underground through these swallow holes.