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Dissolution of the limestone by rain & snow-melt water slightly acidified by absorbed atmospheric carbon dioxide. It oozes through the rock's joints, bedding-planes & other discontinuities from surface to rising (spring). Eventually these initial micro-conduits start to coalescence and develop discrete passages.

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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.


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.


What are two features that are formed by underground weathering?

Two features formed by underground weathering are caves and sinkholes. Caves are formed by the dissolution of limestone or other soluble rocks, creating underground chambers and passages. Sinkholes are depressions in the ground that form when the roof of an underground cavern collapses.


What are the two features that are formed by underground weathering?

The two features formed by underground weathering are caves and caverns. Caves are natural underground chambers typically formed in limestone, while caverns are larger caves that often have unique formations such as stalactites and stalagmites.


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.

Related Questions

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 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.


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.


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.


How lime- stones caves formed?

Limestone caves are formed through a process called chemical weathering. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic, dissolves the limestone rock over time, creating small cracks. These cracks then widen as more water flows through, eventually forming caves. Additionally, some limestone caves are formed through the erosion of underground rivers.


What are two features that are formed by underground weathering?

Two features formed by underground weathering are caves and sinkholes. Caves are formed by the dissolution of limestone or other soluble rocks, creating underground chambers and passages. Sinkholes are depressions in the ground that form when the roof of an underground cavern collapses.


How does limestone caves are formed?

Limestone caves are formed through a process called karstification, where rainwater picks up carbon dioxide from the air and soil, creating a weak carbonic acid. This acidic water dissolves the limestone rock over time, creating underground cavities and passages. As the water drains away, it leaves behind caves and unique formations such as stalactites and stalagmites.


In geography what are stalagmites?

In areas where the rocks are made of limestone, water will dissolve the limestone and form underground caves. In these caves water containing dissolved limestone will drip from the roof. As the drips form some of the water evaporates and limestone is deposited out of solution. Thus, from where the drips are occurring and on the floor below, pilers start to form, the pilers on the floor are called 'stalagmites' and the pilers hanging from the roof are called 'stalactites'.


What chemical compounds form caves?

by limestone


What is Land underlain by limestone that is honeycombed with sinkholes underground streams and caves is called?

a karst


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.