Caverns and sinkholes are both formed in limestone bedrock by the process of dissolution, where groundwater dissolves the rock. Sinkholes are formed when the roof of a cavern collapses, resulting in a depression on the surface. So, caverns can be an intermediate stage in the formation of sinkholes.
A sea arch is formed primarily by erosion. As waves erode the coastline, they create a hole or cave in a headland. Over time, this continual erosion causes the cave to expand from both sides until it forms an arch.
A stack is formed when the roof of a sea cave collapses, leaving a pillar of rock separate from the mainland. Stumps are the remnants of a stack that has eroded further causing it to collapse. Caves are formed by the erosion of coastal rock by the action of waves, often in softer rock types that are easily worn away.
The limestone formation that is dripped from the ceiling of a cave and forms a peak or column is called a stalactite. Stalactites are typically formed from the slow deposition of mineral-rich water, such as calcium carbonate, which drips down from the cave ceiling over time.
A cave entrance is commonly referred to as a cave mouth or cave opening.
When rock above a cave collapses, a sinkhole is formed.
It is called weathering.
A sinkhole forms.
Shakehole or Sinkhole - when the collapse extends to the surface. (Not all cave roof collapses disturb the surface above.)
A sinkhole is formed when the roof of a cave collapses.
It is called weathering.
It is called weathering.
When the rock above a cave collapses, it can form a sinkhole if the collapse creates a depression in the ground. This can sometimes lead to the formation of a sinkhole cave system underground.
It is called weathering.
A large hole formed when a roof of a cave collapses.
A large hole formed when a roof of a cave collapses.
A sinkhole.