Recent developments in surface and subsurface karst geomorphology: an introduction

Where dissolution processes of bedrock dominate peculiar morphologies develop and overrule all landforms controlled by other surface processes. Pure karst landscapes are present in many parts of the world, but most of the time landscapes are shaped by a multitude of processes. The comprehension of the dissolution processes, that act both at the surface and underground, has developed rapidly in the last half century, although major achievements had already been reached at the end of the XIXth century. This special issue give an overview of some of the most recent developments in surface and subsurface karst geomorphology and reviews where further studies should be fostered.