The Burren

What is the Burren?

A famous and rare karst area in County Clare

Each drop of water leaves what when forming stalactites?

A tiny speck of calcite attached to the roof

What attracts tourists to the Burren?

Admire the unusual scenery

How does rainwater turn into a weak carbonic acid?

As it passes through the atmosphere it takes in carbon dioxide and then becomes the acid

How is limestone weathered by rainwater?

Carbonation and limestone is permeable

What causes limestone to dissolve?

Carbonic acid reacting with calcium carbonate

How are stalactites formed?

Drops of water containing dissolved limestone may form slowly and evaporate on the roof of a cave

What attracts botanists to the Burren?

Examine rare plants

What attracts cavers to the Burren?

Explore underground cave systems

What are 3 surface features in the Burren?

Limestone pavement, swallow holes and terraces

What are 5 underground features of the Burren?

Passages, caves, stalactites, stalagmites and pillars

What attracts geographers to the Burren?

Study the limestone features

In the Burren, what is an example of a land use conflict?

The building of a large visitor centre in Mullaghmore

What is carbonation?

When rainwater dissolves soluble limestone