What is a doline?

A doline, also known as a sinkhole or bowl-shaped depression, is indeed a feature formed when a cave system collapses. This geological phenomenon occurs primarily in limestone regions where the rock is soluble in water. Over time, rainwater, often slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide, seeps into cracks in the limestone, gradually enlarging them through a process known as chemical weathering. Eventually, when the roof of an underground cavity becomes too thin, it may collapse, resulting in a doline on the surface.

These formations are significant in karst landscapes and can vary in size, from small depressions to large cavities that can pose hazards to infrastructure. Understanding the formation of a doline is crucial in geographic studies related to land use and environmental management in karst regions.