Caves are typically formed in rock formations such as limestone, marble, or volcanic rock. The creation of caves is primarily influenced by water erosion, chemical weathering, and geological processes over millions of years. Inside caves, various mineral deposits and formations such as stalactites and stalagmites can be found.
Natural caves and rock shelters can be found in various landscapes and geological formations. They can be found in mountains, hills, canyons, coastal cliffs, and even underground. Additionally, they are often found in areas with sedimentary rock formations that are susceptible to erosion processes such as caves formed from limestone, sandstone, granite, and volcanic rock.
A dripstone deposit is a mineral deposit formed by dripping water in caves, resulting in the gradual buildup of mineral deposits such as stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. These formations are commonly found in limestone caves and are created by the precipitation of minerals from the dripping water.
Formations that occur in caves include stalactites (hanging formations), stalagmites (rising formations), flowstones (sheet-like deposits), columns (stalactites and stalagmites joining), and helictites (twisted, branching formations). These formations are created by the slow deposition of minerals from dripping water over thousands of years.
Caves can be found all over the world, typically in areas with limestone or volcanic rock formations. They can be found in deserts, mountains, coastlines, and even in urban areas. Many caves are popular tourist destinations for their unique geological features.
Stalactites are stony formations that hang from the ceilings of caves.
Caves formed in limestone, as the vast majority are - but there are many caves that contain few or no "speleothems" as the formations are know collectively. The distribution and scale of the formations is subject to many, complex factors.
Calcite can be found in cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. These formations are created when calcium-rich water drips or flows through the cave, leaving deposits of calcite behind as it evaporates.
caves
Sea caves and sea stacks are typically found along coastlines where the erosive power of the ocean has carved out rock formations. The constant pounding of waves against the rocks wears away softer layers, creating caves and stacks. These unique geological formations contribute to the rugged and diverse landscapes found in coastal areas, showcasing the dynamic forces of nature at work over time.
Caves can be found in various geological formations such as mountains, cliffs, and underground. They can be found all over the world, both on land and underwater. Some famous cave systems include Mammoth Cave in the United States, Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, and the Caves of Drach in Spain.
Calcite, selenite, and that's normally about it apart from perhaps some other metallic minerals if the cave is an area affected by mineralisation. They are not for collection though, except in serious scientific study, but to be left undisturbed for other cavers to enjoy seeing.