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Why do so many questioners add the adjective "underground"?
If they are "active" passages, i.e. still carrying their formative streams, they slowly enlarge.
"Fossil", or "abandoned" passages (left after the stream has found another course or disappeared altogether) can accumulate large deposits of calcite formations (stalactites etc) but in time start to decay as percolating water weakens the rock above the roof.
In time, sub-aeriel weathering removes the surrounding hill-side and the cave itself is destroyed with it.
What else can I help you with?
How do underground limestone caves for?
Underground limestone caves form through the chemical weathering of limestone rock by water that is slightly acidic. Over time, this process dissolves the rock and creates caverns and passageways underground. Factors such as the presence of cracks and fissures in the limestone, as well as the flow of water, contribute to the formation of these caves.
What are the caves formed underground?
Caves are typically formed from a combination of natural processes such as erosion by water, chemical weathering, and the dissolving of rock formations like limestone and dolomite. Over time, these processes create underground cavities and passages that can develop into complex cave systems.
Is a cave formed when carbonic acid dissolves underground limestone?
Yes, caves are formed when carbonic acid, which is created by the reaction of water with carbon dioxide, dissolves underground limestone. Over time, the dissolved limestone is carried away by water, creating large openings and chambers that we call caves.
What cuvses caves caverns and sink holes?
Caves, caverns, and sinkholes are typically formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum by water. Over time, water erodes and dissolves the rock, creating underground cavities and passages. Eventually, these cavities can collapse or become exposed at the surface, forming caves, caverns, and sinkholes.
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.
How do underground limestone caves for?
Underground limestone caves form through the chemical weathering of limestone rock by water that is slightly acidic. Over time, this process dissolves the rock and creates caverns and passageways underground. Factors such as the presence of cracks and fissures in the limestone, as well as the flow of water, contribute to the formation of these caves.
As weathering eats away pockets of limestone underground what are likely to form?
As weathering erodes limestone underground, it can form caves, sinkholes, and underground rivers. Over time, the chemical reactions between water and limestone can result in the dissolution and reshaping of the rock into unique structures and landscapes.
What are the caves formed underground?
Caves are typically formed from a combination of natural processes such as erosion by water, chemical weathering, and the dissolving of rock formations like limestone and dolomite. Over time, these processes create underground cavities and passages that can develop into complex cave systems.
How does groundwater create cave?
Groundwater can dissolve rock, typically limestone or dolomite, over time as it flows through cracks and fractures underground. This process forms caves through a combination of chemical weathering and erosion, creating underground voids and passages that we see as caves.
Name a feature that is formed by underground erosion?
Name a feature that is formed by underground erosion
How can water from earth's surface create caves?
Water can create caves through a process called erosion. Over time, water can dissolve and erode soft rock formations like limestone, creating openings and caverns underground. As water flows through cracks and fissures, it can widen them to form caves. Additionally, underground rivers can carve out caves as they flow through the rock layers.
How can groundwater cause caves to form?
Groundwater can dissolve minerals in the rock over time, creating underground cavities as the water flows through the rock. The dissolved minerals are carried away by the water, leaving void spaces that eventually form into caves. Over long periods of time, erosion and deposition can also help shape these formations into the caves we see today.
Why most caves form by limestone?
Limestone is susceptible to dissolution by acidic water, which is common in most natural environments. Over time, this dissolution process carves out cavities underground, leading to the formation of caves. Additionally, limestone is a common and widespread rock type, which contributes to the prevalence of limestone caves.
Underground erosion causes a circular depression what is it called?
A circular depression caused by underground erosion is typically called a sinkhole. Sinkholes can form gradually over time as underground voids or caves collapse, often leading to sudden and unexpected ground subsidence.
How are Erosional caves formed?
Erosional caves are formed when water dissolves and carves through soluble rock formations like limestone, creating passageways and chambers underground. Over time, the continuous flow of water erodes the rock and forms distinctive cave structures. As the water table changes and the rock continues to weather, erosional caves can further evolve and change shape.
What is the force that carves out underground caves?
Underground caves are primarily formed by the dissolution of limestone and other soluble rocks by groundwater. This process, known as karstification, is influenced by chemical reactions between the water and the rock, as well as physical erosion caused by the flowing water. Over time, these processes create the intricate cave systems that we see underground.
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.
