Krabi — Karst Landscape
Trip: 22–12–2019 to 05–01–2020
As an inquisitive climber, I naturally wonder how those beautiful limestone cliffs in Krabi were crafted. I can’t help but to look up the geology of Krabi.
Tectonics
425M years ago (Ma), Thailand is a coral reef, a submerged island in a shallow sea.
90Ma, sea level is 200–300 meters higher than today, and the ‘Tower Karst’ of Krabi likely begin to take shape.
60Ma, the Indian subcontinent collided with mainland Asia. The limestone along Thailand was thrust up above sea level.
Chemical and Weather process
Rain water + atmospheric CO2 →mildly acidic water (carbonic acid H2CO3)
Water seeps through soil → picking up more CO2 (released by roots of plants can be x15 of atmosphere!)
Warm humid climate favours vegetation, e.g. mangrove forests, thus, acidic soil water dissolves limestone aggressively. As water seeps through cracks and dissolve limestone, underground drainage systems develop.
When the roof of a huge cave chamber collapses, a ‘Hong’ (Thai for “room”) is created. One of the top must-visit in Krabi, Koh Hong, is named after the room-like lagoon at the center of the island.
Krabi is worth going for the spectacular view, the amazing food, the beautiful beaches, a dip is a must during a hot sunny day, and of course lots of fun climbing routes — the rock climber’s paradise (if you don’t mind the heat)!