Limestone, which is susceptible to karst development, lies under about ____% of Kentucky.

• A. 10
• B. 38
• C. 75
• D. 100

Answer: (B)

Limestone readily dissolves in slightly acidic groundwater, creating karst features like caves, sinkholes, and underground streams. In Kentucky, substantial bedrock is limestone, especially in central and eastern areas, so a large part of the state is underlain by carbonate rocks capable of karst development. Geologic mapping shows about 38% of Kentucky sits on limestone bedrock, which is why the figure around 38% is used. This area includes famous karst regions and features, such as Mammoth Cave, illustrating how extensive karst can be where limestone is near the surface. The other percentage options don’t align with the mapped distribution of carbonate rocks in the state.