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Gradually the layers of limestone emerged from the sea due
to a relative fall in sea level.
As a consequence the layers of limestone were exposed to
acidic solutions present in rainwater and groundwater.
Limestone is easily dissolved by even just weakly acidic
solutions Rainwater becomes slightly acidic by dissolving
some carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Groundwater becomes
acidic through the decay of organic compounds from plants
and soils.
Continued exposure to acidic solutions subjected the layers
of limestone to karstification.
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Karstification is the process of landform development in
limestone or soluble rock areas whose formation is dependent
upon underground solutions and the diversion of surface water
to underground routes.
As karstification proceeded, the limestone deposits were
preferentially eroded and dissolved by the action of rainwater
and groundwater along joints and bedding planes.
Stands of uneroded or partially eroded limestone were left
behind forming ridges between valleys where the limestone
had been thoroughly dissolved and eroded away.
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