An area of limestone in which the landforms are solutional in origin, and in which the drainage is underground in solutionally-enlarged fissures and conduits. Limestone is the dominant rock type in Ireland and is an important groundwater resource. 

In North Cork, groundwater provides over 30,000 m3/d of drinking water via public water supplies, the majority of which are karst springs.  Previous hydrogeological investigations have been conducted by Geological Survey Ireland and EPA in relation to these springs.  The Groundwater 3D work represents a continuation of work in these areas.  ​