- In Michigan, there are numerous layers of carbonate-rich rocks (limestones and dolostones), which can easily be dissolved by water (which naturally contains carbon dioxide from the atmosphere).
- These solution-widened joints can extend for large distances. Eventually, small cavities and larger caves and caverns may form.
- As the dissolution continues, some features can collapse, causing a collapse of the formation. A landscape exhibiting these features is called karst terrain.
- These solution-widened fractures are difficult to predict, and may interconnect in ways that we cannot quantify. Groundwater flow in these systems can be as fast as that of some surface streams.
- Hazardous materials that move into the groundwater in karst areas can travel rapidly to wells located great distances from the contamination site.
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- The areas of concern are shown in dark brown on the map. In these areas, the fractured carbonate rocks are found at or near the surface, making the groundwater in these areas very susceptible to surface contamination.
- Everyone who lives, works or recreates in these areas needs to be especially careful to prevent groundwater contamination.
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