Volume/Issue :

Article type :

Case studies

Page No :

102-113

Abstract :

The Northern Lithuanian Karst Region is not only a geological curiosity. This territory, stretching across the Biržai and Pasvalys districts and encompassing the Panevėžys district and several separate areas within it, is famous for its unique natural forms formed by underground melting of gypsum rocks. Although karst processes are often associated with infrastructure hazards, they create an impressive landscape and help us understand the impact of natural forces. One of the most striking curiosities of the karst region is sinkholes. They form when gypsum melts underground, and the earth's surface loses stability. According to geologists, more than 11 thousand sinkholes of various sizes and ages have now been counted in the Northern Lithuanian Karst Region. The karst process in this part is still active, and new sinkholes appear every year. The most famous of them are Karvės ola (about 20 m deep and 10 m wide) and Geologu duobė (length 13.5 m, width 11.8 m, depth 4 m, area 166.5 m2, volume about 185 m3). In addition to sinkholes, the karst region is rich in other natural forms, such as small lakes formed in sinkholes, cracks, and depressions. One of the more interesting objects is Pelanis Lake, formed by karst processes and constantly changing in size with the groundwater level. Gypsum denudation studies in the karst region of Northern Lithuania are important for both scientists and local governments. This region is one of the most sensitive geological zones in our country. Thus, the studies provide an opportunity to better understand how changing climate conditions and human activities can affect the intensity of karst processes. The collected data will help develop more effective prevention and management measures to avoid potential hazards. In addition, it is important from an environmental point of view, because karst regions are unique ecosystems that we will better understand through research. Read more: https://www.delfi.lt/tvarilietuva/aplinka/vieta-kur-veriasi-zeme-sis-regionas-yra-vienas-jautriausiu-lietuvoje-120095995

Keywords :

The Northern Lithuanian Karst Region, sinkholes, Karvės ola, Geologu duobė, Gypsum denudation, informal science education, Vilnius University

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Cite as :

Rudnickaitė, E. (2026). Karstas kaip geologinis reiškinys: geologijos mokslo ir geologinio ugdymo svarba [Karst as a geological phenomenon: The importance of geological science and geological education]. Gamtamokslinis ugdymas bendrojo ugdymo mokykloje / Natural Science Education in a Comprehensive School, 32, 102–113. https://doi.org/10.48127/gu/26.32.102