Final answer:
Karst topography, characterized by sinkholes, is formed in areas with underlying limestone due to the dissolution of rock by acidic groundwater, resulting in features such as caves, sinkholes, and unique rock formations.
Step-by-step explanation:
In areas underlain by limestone, karst topography consisting of numerous depressions called sinkholes is a characteristic landscape feature. This landscape is shaped by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, which leads to the creation of unique geomorphological structures including sinkholes, caves, and sculpted rock formations. Karst landscapes like the Stone Forest in Yunnan Province, China, or the Viñales Valley in Cuba are stark examples of how limestone is chemically weathered by acidic groundwater.
The formation of caves and karst is a long-geological process where groundwater containing atmospheric CO₂ reacts with limestone, resulting in dissolution and the creation of subterranean voids. Over time, these voids can become caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites through precipitative processes. When the ground above these voids collapses, it can create a sinkhole, which are common in karst regions.