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Dissolution of the rock's primary ingredient, calcium carbonate, by water slightly acidified by absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide and percolating through the rock bulk's joints and other discontinuities. Eventually the network of initial tiny conduits will start to coalesce and capture, leading to discrete passages forming.

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How do stalactites in limestone caverns most likely form?

The limestone caverns themselves are formed by groundwater gradually dissolving the limestone rock. In this process, some of the limestone is taken into solution, and under favourable conditions, it will form a drip on the roof of a cavern. This may eventually build to form a stalactite above, and perhaps also a stalagmite below it.


Caverns most commonly form in what type of bedrock?

Caverns most commonly form in limestone bedrock, which is made of calcite minerals that can be dissolved by slightly acidic groundwater over time. This process creates underground cavities and passageways that can grow into large cavern systems.


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.


Caverns are usually found in this type of rock.?

limestone


What is the result of acid dissolving limestone in caverns?

The caverns themselves forming and becoming enlarged!


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.


What are the Linville caverns?

The Linville Caverns are a network of limestone caves located in North Carolina, USA. They are open to the public for guided tours, offering a chance to see unique geological formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns are known for their underground streams and spectacular rock formations.


What is formed by the dissolution of limestone?

caverns, sinkholes, etc.


Which agent of erosion forms caverns in limestone deposit?

acidic groundwater


How and where do most caverns form?

Most caverns form through a process called speleogenesis, which occurs when groundwater dissolves limestone or other soluble rocks over millions of years. These dissolved materials create openings and passages underground, eventually forming caverns. The most common locations for cavern formation are in areas with thick limestone deposits, such as karst regions.


How do stalactites limestone cavern most likely form?

The limestone caverns themselves are formed by groundwater gradually dissolving the limestone rock. In this process, some of the limestone is taken into solution, and under favourable conditions, it will form a drip on the roof of a cavern. This may eventually build to form a stalactite above, and perhaps also a stalagmite below it.


What dissolves limestone and forms caves or caverns?

Carbonic acid, which forms when rainwater combines with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, dissolves limestone over time to form caves and caverns. This process, known as chemical weathering, gradually dissolves the calcium carbonate in limestone to create underground voids and unique geological formations.