Alimestone pavement is a naturalkarst landform consisting of a flat, incised surface of exposedlimestone that resembles an artificialpavement.^[1] The term is mainly used in the UK and Ireland, where many of these landforms have developed distinctive surface patterning resembling paving blocks.^[2] Similar landforms in other parts of the world are known asalvars.

Conditions for limestone pavements are created when an advancingglacier scrapes away overburden and exposes horizontallybedded limestone, with subsequentglacial retreat leaving behind a flat, bare surface. Limestone is slightlysoluble in water and especially in acid rain, so corrosive drainage along joints and cracks in the limestone can produce slabs calledclints isolated by deep fissures calledgrikes orgrykes^[2] (terms derived from anorthern English dialect). If the grykes are fairly straight and the clints are uniform in size, the resemblance to man-made paving stones is striking, but they are not necessarily so regular. Limestone pavements that develop beneath a mantle oftopsoil usually exhibit more rounded forms.

Limestone pavements can be found in many previously glaciated limestone environments around the world. Notable examples are found in theYorkshire Dales andCumbria in Northern England, such as those aboveMalham Cove, on the side ofIngleborough, and aboveGrange-over-Sands.^[3] They are also found in theStora Alvaret inÖland,Sweden; inthe Burren,County Clare,Ireland, theGreat Northern Peninsula onNewfoundland,^[4] and in theDésert de Platé,^[5] in theFrench Alps.

• Alvar – Limestone-based biological environment
• Calcareous glade – Type of ecological community found in the US
• Karst – Topography from dissolved soluble rocks

• BBC Bitesize geography resource