Groundwater (Part 4)
Karst Topography (continued)
Disappearing Streams
• Disappearing streams are surface streams that flow underground into solution cavities.
Sinking Creek, Giles County (Photograph by E.H. Kastning)
(Photographs by E.H. Kastning)
Sinking Creek, in Giles County, is a disappearing or "sinking" stream. Along its course it drops from a flowing stream to a trickle, and finally to a dry bed. The photographs above show the creek at various flood levels at the same location.
Natural Bridges and Tunnels
• Natural bridges and tunnels are parts of a cave roof left after the collapse of other sections of the cave.
Natural Tunnel in Scott County (Photograph by Robert Whisonant)
Natural Tunnel State Park, in Scott County, is a very large karst feature. This tunnel is so large that a railroad goes through it.