Jennifer Herrington
Dr. Phillip Murry
Earth Science 210
Lab Demonstration
Karst Topography
Description: To build a model mountain and observe the effects of rain on Karst Topography
Goals: To understand the formation of caves, underground springs, and sink holes in the areas
with Karst Topography like the Ozark Plateau in Arkansas
Materials:
 Sugar cubes
 Royal icing
 Eye dropper
 Small cups
 Foil pie pan
Procedure:
1. The day before make royal icing. In a large bowl with electric mixer, beat whites of 3
large eggs and ½ teaspoon cream of tarter until frothy. With mixer on low speed,
gradually beat in 1 pound of confectioner’s sugar until blended. Increase speed to high
and beat 5-7 minutes until stiff glossy peaks form when beaters are lifted. Keep icing
tightly covered and refrigerated until ready to use.
2. Build a “mountain” (can just be a large cube) cementing the sugar together with the
icing and covering the outside with icing. Set aside until the next day to dry.
Day 2:
1. Get a cup of water with food coloring added ( blue looks best) and an eye dropper.
2. Slowly drip water on the mountain and observe what happens. It will soon have sink
holes and “springs.” The sugar will erode leaving the icing.
3. Before it is all eroded break the mountain in two and you will see caves in the mountain.
Reference:
AskERIC, 1994, Karst topography, <http://ericir.syr.edu/cgibin/printlessons.cgi/Virtual/Lessons/Science/Geology/GLG0001.html>, (2001, September 21).
Students use icing and sugar cubes to learn about karsts, sink holes, and cave formation.