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Letter SGeology glossary

Subterranean River

A subterranean river is an underground watercourse, often formed through the dissolution of soluble rocks, leading to the development of caves and karst landscapes. These rivers are significant in hydrogeology for understanding groundwater flow, aquifer systems, and the evolution of cave systems.

Explorers standing inside a large underground cave (subterranean river)
Fig. 1 Explorers standing inside a large underground cave (subterranean river)

Source Ford, D. C., & Williams, P. W. (2007). “Karst Hydrogeology and Geomorphology.” John Wiley & Sons.

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