Dissolution of the rock's primary ingredient, calcium carbonate, by water slightly acidified by absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide and percolating through the rock bulk's joints and other discontinuities. Eventually the network of initial tiny conduits will start to coalesce and capture, leading to discrete passages forming.
limestone
Carbonic Acid
no
limestone
caverns
limestone
The limestone caverns themselves are formed by groundwater gradually dissolving the limestone rock. In this process, some of the limestone is taken into solution, and under favourable conditions, it will form a drip on the roof of a cavern. This may eventually build to form a stalactite above, and perhaps also a stalagmite below it.
Carbonic Acid
The Linville Caverns are a network of limestone caves located in North Carolina, USA. They are open to the public for guided tours, offering a chance to see unique geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns are known for their underground streams and spectacular rock formations.
no
The caverns themselves forming and becoming enlarged!
caverns, sinkholes, etc.
limestone
Most caverns form through a process called speleogenesis, which occurs when groundwater dissolves limestone or other soluble rocks over millions of years. These dissolved materials create openings and passages underground, eventually forming caverns. The most common locations for cavern formation are in areas with thick limestone deposits, such as karst regions.
The limestone caverns themselves are formed by groundwater gradually dissolving the limestone rock. In this process, some of the limestone is taken into solution, and under favourable conditions, it will form a drip on the roof of a cavern. This may eventually build to form a stalactite above, and perhaps also a stalagmite below it.
Limestone and places like limestone caverns.
Limestone and water are usually involved.