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Open caves have been known since time immemorial, obviously - Palaeolithic people used suitable local caves for shelter.
Serious exploration of caves started in the 19th Century, although a few hardy souls ventured into caves long before that and wrote what to us are rather lurid accounts of bottomless abysses and endless winding passages.
For some decades the early explorers concentrated on caves naturally already open but now, most "new" caves in the UK, Europe and the more accessible US caving areas are only discovered by "digging" - clearing natural chokes of glacial till or collapses that hide likely entrances. It's necessary to understand caves and karst processes, and basic geology generally, to be reasonably sure of finding a cave in this way.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Limestone caves have formed naturally over millions of years through a process involving water and carbonic acid dissolving the limestone rock. There is not a specific individual who can be credited with "discovering" limestone caves as they have likely been known and explored by humans for centuries.
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Are all caves made of limestone?
No, not all caves are made of limestone. Caves can be formed in various types of rocks, including granite, sandstone, and volcanic lava flows. Limestone caves are common because limestone is soluble and can be eroded by water to create cave systems, but caves can also form in other types of rocks through different geological processes.
Why are there so many caves in limestone rock?
Limestone is a type of rock that is easily eroded by water, which can create caves over time. Water dissolves the limestone rock to form caves through a process known as chemical weathering. Additionally, limestone can also be carved out by underground rivers or other natural forces, resulting in the formation of caves.
What type of rock is usually present in areas with a lot of caves?
Limestone is the type of rock that is commonly found in areas with a lot of caves. Limestone is made of calcium carbonate, which is soluble in water. Over time, as rainwater seeps into the ground, it dissolves the limestone and creates openings and caves in the rock.
How lime- stones caves formed?
Limestone caves are formed through a process called chemical weathering. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, dissolves the limestone rock over time, creating small cracks. These cracks then widen as more water flows through, eventually forming caves. Additionally, some limestone caves are formed through the erosion of underground rivers.
Why are limestone caves so common?
Limestone caves are common because limestone is a soluble rock that dissolves easily in water. Over time, groundwater flowing through cracks in the limestone gradually enlarges these passages to form caves. Additionally, limestone is often found in areas with karst topography, characterized by sinkholes, underground rivers, and other features that promote the formation of caves.
How and where do you get limestone from?
Limestone Caves e.g The Marble Arch Caves in Northern Ireland(Fermanagh)
How are limestone caves and sea caves alike?
They are both caves
Are limestone in caves?
Other way round! Water and/or air are in caves.:-) Most of the world's caves have formed / are forming in limestone.
How does a acid cave form?
Limestone is the rock that is in Caves. When carbonate acid is reacted to the limestone in the caves, it will corrode forming strange caves landforms.
Where can limestone caves befound?
generally, in limestone uplands, where the limestone is sufficiently massive to hold caves, and particularly but not exclusively where the local surface drainage can concentrate rainwater into discreet streams than can then form sink caves when they flow onto the limestone.
Is there limestone in Missouri?
Yes Missouri is famous for its limestone caves.
Are all caves made of limestone?
No, not all caves are made of limestone. Caves can be formed in various types of rocks, including granite, sandstone, and volcanic lava flows. Limestone caves are common because limestone is soluble and can be eroded by water to create cave systems, but caves can also form in other types of rocks through different geological processes.
Why are there so many caves in limestone rock?
Limestone is a type of rock that is easily eroded by water, which can create caves over time. Water dissolves the limestone rock to form caves through a process known as chemical weathering. Additionally, limestone can also be carved out by underground rivers or other natural forces, resulting in the formation of caves.
What are most caves made out of?
The vast majority of the world's caves are in limestone.
What are the caves made of in swanage?
limestone
Can limestone be found in caves?
It's found around them! The vast majority of the world's caves are formed in limestone (soluble in ground-water).
What are limestone caves made out of?
Air! They are voids IN limestone formed by dissolution by water.
