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What is lime stone caves?
Caves formed in limestone by its dissolution by ground-water weakly acidified vbyy absorbed atmospheric CO2.. This covers thevast majority of the world's caves, including huge systems like Mammoth / Flint Ridge (the world's longest)
What is the process of formation of caves?
Caves are formed through a process called speleogenesis, which involves the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone, dolomite, or gypsum by groundwater. Over time, the water creates underground passages and caverns as it erodes and dissolves the rock, creating the intricate formations seen in caves. Other processes like tectonic activity, erosion, and lava flows can also contribute to cave formation.
What are the different types of caves?
The main types of caves are solution caves, lava caves, sea caves, glacier caves, and talus caves. Solution caves form from the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone; lava caves are created by flowing lava; sea caves are carved by the action of waves on coastal cliffs; glacier caves form within glaciers due to melting and refreezing processes; and talus caves are formed by fallen rocks creating cave-like structures.
Why are limestone caves so common?
Because limestone uplands with appropriate internal geology and surface drainage in areas of long-term, suitable climatic conditions are so widespread. Not all limestone areas support caves though.
What causes sinkholes and caves?
Sinkholes are typically caused by the erosion of underground rocks such as limestone, leading to the collapse of the surface layer. Caves are formed through a similar process, where water dissolves and erodes the rock over time, creating underground voids. These geological features can also be affected by human activities like mining and construction.
What is the relatinship between groundwater and caves?
Groundwater plays a significant role in the formation of caves through the process of dissolution, where water dissolves minerals in the rock over time, creating underground passages and caverns. Caves are often found in areas with high levels of groundwater that can carve out intricate networks of underground chambers and tunnels. So, caves are closely linked to the movement and presence of groundwater.
What is formed by the erosion of soft rock by flowing groundwater?
caves
What the relationship between groundwater and precipitation?
In limestone and sandstone areas, especially, ground water filtering through the rock and dissolving the limestone or sandstone, creates potholes, caverns and caves.
What is formed by the erosion of soft rock formations by flowing groundwater?
Caves and sinkholes are formed by the erosion of soft rock formations by flowing groundwater. Over time, the water dissolves and carries away the rock, creating these underground or surface features.
What dissolves limestone formations in some caves?
Acidic groundwater dissolves limestone formations in caves by chemically reacting with the calcium carbonate in the rock, forming calcium bicarbonate which is soluble in water. Over time, this process creates features such as stalactites and stalagmites.
What are the relationship between groundwaters and caves?
Groundwater is weakly acid: it starts as rainwater that absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, and this carbonic acid may be enhanced by acids from the soil. Most caves are in limestone, which is broken by joints, bedding-planes and faults that allow water to seep through from catchment to spring. The weakly acid water dissolves the limestone walls of the joints etc; in time creating tiny conduits that in suitable conditions eventually co-alesce and develop distinct cave passages.
Can sandstone dissolve?
Yes, sandstone can dissolve over time when exposed to acidic groundwater or rainfall. The minerals in the sandstone can react with the acidic water, leading to dissolution and erosion of the rock. This process usually occurs slowly and can result in the formation of unique landforms like caves and sinkholes.
When limestone dissolves what happenns to the dissolved material?
When limestone dissolves, the dissolved material forms ions, primarily calcium and bicarbonate ions, in the water. These ions can then be carried away by the water through rivers or groundwater. Over time, this process can lead to the formation of caves and sinkholes.
What are the different types are caves?
granite caves sea caves sandstone caves . stay in school
What type of sedimentary rock made up many caves in the eastern US?
Limestone is the type of sedimentary rock that makes up many caves in the eastern US. These caves form when groundwater dissolves the limestone, creating underground voids and caverns.
How can groundwater create a cave?
Groundwater creates caves through a process called chemical weathering, which dissolves rock over time. As water seeps through the ground, it reacts with minerals in the rock, slowly eroding it and creating cavities. Over thousands of years, these cavities can grow larger and eventually form caves.
What is groundwater erosion?
Groundwater erosion is the process in which water flowing underground dissolves and carries away rock and sediment, creating channels, caves, and sinkholes. This type of erosion is primarily caused by the chemical reactions that occur as water interacts with the minerals in the earth.
