Gypsum karst of France

Abstract

Many small and scattered areas of gypsum karst are present in France. They occur in the plains and plateaux (Paris, Lorraine, Provence) as well as in the mountains, especially the Alps. Typical gypsum karst landforms are well developed and widespread, but underground cavities are scarce, despite much exploration and the apparent existence of subsurface waterflow. The Alps and Provence contain the largest karstic areas.