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Explain Why caverns can form along joint planes?
Principally, as by far the majority of the world's caves are formed in limestone uplands, by dissolution of the rock's calcium carbonate by slightly acid rain-water seeping through the joints and bedding-planes. These, and other discontinuities such as faults and shale bands, provide a "leak path" for the initial penetration of water into the rock mass, though the water also has to find an outlet at a lower altitude from the inlet for flow to take place. . In time the water forms discrete conduits along the joints etc through the rock, and these coalesce to develop passages and chambers. The passages will continue to develop as long as they carry their streams. . This can happen only in soluble rocks: limestone and gypsum. Caves in other, insoluble, rocks are developed by other mechanisms.
What dominant form of breakage for sulfur?
The dominant form of breakage for sulfur is cleavage, where the sulfur atoms break along distinct planes due to its molecular structure.
Do most caverns form above the water table?
No, most caverns form below the water table. Caverns are typically formed by the dissolution of underground limestone or other soluble rocks by water, and this process usually occurs below the water table where the rocks are saturated with water.
Which is the dominant form of breakage for sulfur?
The dominant form of breakage for sulfur is cleavage, where the mineral breaks along its natural planes of weakness. This results in the formation of smooth and flat surfaces.
Caverns most commonly form in bedrock.?
Caverns typically form in bedrock through the process of chemical weathering, where acidic groundwater dissolves the minerals within the rock over a long period of time. As the rock erodes away, it creates larger cavities that eventually form caverns. Additionally, the presence of fractures and faults in the bedrock can also contribute to cavern formation.
Why did these caverns and sinkholes form?
Caverns and sinkholes typically form in areas with soluble rock such as limestone, where water dissolves the rock over time. Caverns are created by the slow dissolution of underground rock, while sinkholes form when the roof of a cavern collapses or the ground above a cavity caves in. Both processes are part of the natural geological phenomenon of karst topography.
What is the importance of jointing and bedding planes to the underground structure of caverns?
They act as conduits for the ground-waterso putting into contact with the limestone to initiatedissolution of the limestone. Consequently they also guide passage directions and morphologies. At a much later stage they control the nature of collapses in large voids.
How do limestone caverns form overtime?
Dissolution of the limestone's primary constituent (calcium carbonate) by ground-water passing through the rock's joints, bedding-planes and faults from catchment to rising. To achieve it the water is rendered slightly acid by absorbed atmospheric CO2 (carbonic acid).
How do oceans change the surface of the earth?
Oceans push rocks underground to form caverns.
What is a fracture in rock along which there has been no movement?
A fracture in rock along which there has been no movement is called a joint. Joints form when rocks are subjected to stress but do not move or shift along the fracture surface. Joints are common features in many rock formations and can affect the overall stability and behavior of the rock mass.
Why caverns form in the zone of saturation?
Caverns can form in the zone of saturation due to processes such as dissolution, where groundwater dissolves soluble rock (like limestone) to create underground voids. Over time, these voids can enlarge and form caverns as groundwater continues to flow through and erode the rock. Additional factors like the presence of fractures or fault lines can also contribute to cavern formation in the zone of saturation.
Why do caverns and sinkholes form?
Caverns form through the gradual dissolution of limestone by acidic groundwater, creating underground openings. Sinkholes occur when the roof of these caverns collapse, or when there is a sudden collapse of the surface layer due to erosion of underlying material like limestone or salt deposits. Both geological processes are commonly found in areas with soluble bedrock.
