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Acidic groundwater dissolves limestone formations in caves by chemically reacting with the calcium carbonate in the rock, forming calcium bicarbonate which is soluble in water. Over time, this process creates features such as stalactites and stalagmites.

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What are some features formed by underground erosion and deposition?

Some features formed by underground erosion and deposition include caves, sinkholes, underground rivers, karst landscapes, and stalactites/stalagmites. These formations are typically found in areas with soluble rock formations such as limestone, where water can dissolve the rock over time and create unique underground features.


What is the force that carves out underground caves from limestone?

Not really a "force", more a process. Chemical weathering primarily. Some mechanical weathering and erosion in active stream passages once these have been enlarged enough to carry large volumes of water. Rainwater acidified by absorbed atmospheric carbon dioxide sinks through the joints and other discontinuities in the limestone upland's mass, dissolving the calcium carbonate that is the rock's main constituent. BTW you don't need the adjective. Caves are always underground!


What rock forms most caves and caverns?

The cave itself of course, as a geological entity.In limestone:The rock's internal structures such as its bedding-planes, joints, folds, faults and any fossils (since most caves are in limestone).Precipitated calcium-carbonate 'speleothems' (stalactites, stalagmites and related formations)Sediment banks - laboratory analysis which can give a lot of information on the cave's own development, palaeoclimate, etc (ditto with speleothems).In lava caves:The rock itself, and stalactite-like formations from lava dripping before it solidified.By the way, why has Answers logged this as being in "Geology, Labour and Birth, Speleology"? I never realised human reproductive biology is a topic within karst geology!


What are two types of limestone?

Two types of limestone are chalk, which is a soft, white sedimentary rock composed of the skeletal remains of marine organisms, and travertine, which is a form of limestone deposited by mineral springs, often found in caves and near hot springs.


Why do many caverns form in limestone?

Because limestone is soluble and is comparatively easily dissolved by water which contains weak acids. Due to limestone's different features: it is pearmeable, it can be dissolved by slightly acidic water and yet it is very strong. Water can seep into the limestone then erode it, eventually forming a cave or cavern.

Related Questions

How is carbonic acid responsible for the for the formation of some caves?

Over time it dissolves limestone or gypsum, so most caves are in those rocks, of which limestone is by far the more widespread.


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 is the definition of carbonate?

A salt or carbonic acid, as in limestone, some forms of lead ore, etc.


What do the Jenolan caves look like?

Jenolan Caves in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales are considered one of Australia's most outstanding cave systems. They comprise enormous chambers filled with amazing formations of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and more. Some, such as Lucas Cave and the River, Imperial and Pool of Cerberus Caves, have views of the underground rivers. In some of the caves, such as the Jubilee and Orient Caves, you can see an assortment of beautiful delicate limestone crystal. See the related link below.


What chemicl reaction is involed in the formation of limestone caves?

Limestone is calcium carbonate, CaCO3. Water with some carbon dioxide dissolved in it is carbonic acid, H2CO3. Here's the formula: H2CO3 + CaCO3 --> CaO + H2O + 2CO2 This reaction yields water, carbon dioxide, and the mineral calcite, which is primarily what rock formations in caves are made of.


What are some features formed by underground erosion and deposition?

Some features formed by underground erosion and deposition include caves, sinkholes, underground rivers, karst landscapes, and stalactites/stalagmites. These formations are typically found in areas with soluble rock formations such as limestone, where water can dissolve the rock over time and create unique underground features.


The name of a famous landform in the Netherlands antilles?

One famous landform in the Netherlands Antilles is the Hato Caves. Located on the island of Curaçao, these limestone caves are renowned for their beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations. The caves also hold historical significance, as they were once used as hiding places by escaped slaves.


Where would you find caves?

Caves can be found in various geological formations such as mountains, cliffs, and underground. They can be found all over the world, both on land and underwater. Some famous cave systems include Mammoth Cave in the United States, Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, and the Caves of Drach in Spain.


What causes the formation of caves chemical or mechanical weathering?

Weak acids seep into the ground until they reach a zone soaked with water. As the ground water become more acidic, it dissolves calcite and other minerals in the rock. Over time, the action of the acidic water produces holes in the rock. The holes grow, creating passages, chambers, and pits, and eventually become caves.


Why would it be more likely to find a cave with limestone bedrock than granite?

Limestone bedrock is more likely to contain caves because it is easily eroded by acidic water, creating openings and cavities. Granite, on the other hand, is a harder and less soluble rock, making it less prone to forming caves through erosion.


How are sink holes formed in a limestone region?

As water flows through a limestone, some of the rock dissolves. This process can lead to the formation of cavities and caves. If a cave becomes too large and unstable to support the overbearing rock, it will collapse, leaving a sink hole at the surface.


Where caves can be found?

Caves can be found in really any place with chemical or mechanical weathering. ++ They can but by far the vast majority of the world's caves are formed in limestone by it being dissolved by percolating water.