Limestone pavement

Limestone pavement

Limestone pavement above Malham Cove

Škraplje

Orton Scar Limestone Pavement

Limestone pavement is a natural landscape feature that consists of a flat, exposed surface of limestone that has been eroded to reveal distinctive fissures, runnels, and hollows. These features are formed through a complex process of chemical weathering, primarily by the action of slightly acidic rainwater, which dissolves the calcium carbonate in the limestone. This type of landscape is characteristic of regions that have significant limestone formations and is particularly associated with karst landscapes.

Formation

Limestone pavements are formed over thousands of years. The process begins with the fracturing of the limestone bedrock, which can occur due to various geological processes such as the action of ice during the last Ice Age. Once the limestone is fractured, rainwater, which is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, begins to widen these fractures by dissolving the limestone along the cracks. Over time, this process creates a distinctive pattern of blocks (known as clints) and fissures (known as grikes). The clints are the blocks of limestone that remain, while the grikes are the enlarged fissures that separate them.

Ecology

The unique microclimate within the grikes of limestone pavements can support a diverse range of plant life, including many species that are rare or specialized to this environment. The grikes provide a sheltered environment that can retain moisture and soil, allowing plants that would not normally thrive in the surrounding landscape to flourish. This includes a variety of ferns, mosses, and flowering plants. The ecological diversity of limestone pavements often makes them sites of scientific interest and conservation.

Distribution

Limestone pavements can be found in various parts of the world where large limestone formations are present. Notable locations include the Burren in Ireland, parts of the Yorkshire Dales in England, and the Great Plains region of North America. Each of these areas has its own unique ecology and species composition, influenced by the local climate and the specific characteristics of the limestone.

Conservation

Limestone pavements are considered valuable for their geological and ecological significance. However, they face threats from various human activities, including quarrying, which destroys the rock formation, and changes in land use that can alter the natural processes responsible for their formation and maintenance. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting these landscapes through the designation of protected areas, controlling damaging activities, and promoting awareness of their ecological and geological importance.

See Also

• Karst topography
• Calcium carbonate
• Chemical weathering
• Conservation biology