<![CDATA[Karst areas play an important role in the global carbon cycle through interactions among carbonate weathering, soil carbon dioxide, groundwater, vegetation, and atmospheric processes. This study reviews the role of karst areas in carbon dioxide sequestration by synthesizing evidence on natural carbon cycling and the potential for engineered geological storage. A systematic literature review was conducted on studies addressing carbon dioxide fluxes, carbonate dissolution and precipitation, dissolved inorganic carbon transport, vadose zone carbon storage, hydrogeological controls, and carbon dioxide storage in carbonate reservoirs. The reviewed literature indicates that karst systems function simultaneously as carbon sinks and sources. Carbon dioxide is consumed during carbonic acid driven carbonate dissolution, while subsequent degassing, carbonate reprecipitation, and vadose zone outgassing can return carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The magnitude and direction of carbon fluxes are controlled by soil carbon dioxide production, vegetation and microbial activity, hydrological flow paths, residence time, climate, and sea level changes. Karstified carbonate formations also show potential for engineered carbon dioxide storage, although heterogeneous conduit networks and complex fluid pathways present challenges for containment and monitoring. Overall, karst areas represent dynamic and spatially variable components of the global carbon cycle. Further long term and multi site monitoring is required to improve quantification of their net contribution to atmospheric carbon dioxide sequestration and to assess the feasibility and security of engineered storage.]]>
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