ABSTRACT
This chapter considers spatial variation of surface karst within the context of macroscopic randomness of geomorphic process. Much of the literature of geomorphology indicates that the application of principles of statistical mechanics is a viable approach to understanding the development of landforms. The status of karst geomorphology is one of minimal sophistication when compared with modern studies in fluvial geomorphology. A conceptual framework of karst development has been introduced by R. J. Curl and P. D. LaValle. The paper by LaValle appears to contain several conceptual and methodological shortcomings. Classic karst development is limited to the Blue River formations. The Ste Genevieve formation consists of thin- to thick-bedded limestones of a lithographic to crystalline texture and is locally oolitic. The St Louis formation consists of granular to lithographic limestone which is thin-bedded, hard, compact, and locally argillaceous, both in the limestone and in basal shale layers.
