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
