Karst topography

Karst topography is a type of geological landscape that features sinkholes, underground rivers and caverns.

The area around the Mintakan settlement on Mintaka III possessed Karst topography, as well as high concentrations of thallium compound in the rock strata. It was for this reason, the USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) was unable to pinpoint the missing Doctor Palmer with its sensor beams.