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Caves in limestone are formed by water, collected by ground-water percolating into them &/or by swallowed streams. Even if the formative stream has long ceased to flow the cave will still collect percolating ground-water, which moves through joints and other discontinuities within the rock mass over the cave..

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How can water erosion by groundwater form a cave?

Chemical weathering. Ground water originates as rain acidified slightly by absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide, sometimes enhanced by organic acids from the soil. In flowing through the joints & other discontinuities in limestone, it dissolves the calcium carbonate that is the rock's primary constituent, to form conduits from sink to rising (spring).


Can ground water erosion result in the formation of stalactite and stalagmite?

Yes, ground water erosion can result in the formation of stalactites and stalagmites in caves. As water seeps through the limestone rock, it dissolves minerals and carries them downwards. When the water drips from the ceiling of a cave, it leaves behind mineral deposits that build up over time to form stalactites. Similarly, the dripping water deposits minerals on the cave floor, creating stalagmites that grow upwards.


Is a cave weathering or erosion?

A cave is typically formed through a combination of weathering and erosion. Weathering breaks down the rock material, while erosion removes it, creating a void in the rock that can develop into a cave over time.


How does erosion and weathering create the Kentucky cave systems?

Erosion and weathering of limestone rock over millions of years in Kentucky have created the cave systems. Water, containing carbonic acid from the atmosphere, gradually dissolves the limestone, creating cracks and passages that eventually form caves. Over time, these processes can lead to the formation of intricate cave networks that we see in Kentucky today.


What's the most significant type of erosion?

Water erosion, particularly from rivers and rainfall, is considered one of the most significant types of erosion as it has the ability to carve out landscapes, form valleys, and shape the Earth's surface over time.

Related Questions

What processes form a river valley?

Cave a hole and pour millions of gallons of water :)


What was ape cave formed by?

Ape cave was formed by a water erosion.


What is stone columns form inside a cave an example of?

Erosion


A natural underground cave created by water erosion used for the sport of spelunking?

Buckner's Cave


What creates a cave?

Caves can be formed by water erosion, chemical erosion or volcanic tubes made by volcanoes. Water erosion happens when water pressure forces the cave such as rivers or stream pushing on weaker rock. Chemical erosion is acids formed by acid rain or acids of decaying matter dissolving limestone.


How can caves form by erosion?

The water bashes against the rock and throws little rocks at the big rock eroding away the big rock causing a cave x


How can water erosion by groundwater form a cave?

Chemical weathering. Ground water originates as rain acidified slightly by absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide, sometimes enhanced by organic acids from the soil. In flowing through the joints & other discontinuities in limestone, it dissolves the calcium carbonate that is the rock's primary constituent, to form conduits from sink to rising (spring).


How can a limestone cave be formed?

From dissolution and erosion of limestone by acidic water over time.


Is the Mammoth Cave made by weathering?

It is made by water erosion as it passes through the limestone..


What is the difference between land erosion and underground erosion?

Land erosion is making pieces of rock to break of.Underground erosion is that water goes in the underground and takes all of the pieces of rocks that forms a cave.


How does moving water form earth?

erosion


Can ground water erosion result in the formation of stalactite and stalagmite?

Yes, ground water erosion can result in the formation of stalactites and stalagmites in caves. As water seeps through the limestone rock, it dissolves minerals and carries them downwards. When the water drips from the ceiling of a cave, it leaves behind mineral deposits that build up over time to form stalactites. Similarly, the dripping water deposits minerals on the cave floor, creating stalagmites that grow upwards.