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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!
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∙ 11y ago
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∙ 15y agoMostly limestone, because this type of rock will slowly be eaten away by acid. The acid in question is carbonic acid; this is found naturally in rain water because as the rain falls through the atmosphere carbon dioxide dissolves in it from the air. H2O + CO2 --> H2CO3 . This is how Stalagmites and Stalactites form in limestone caves; the dissolved rock is deposited by dripping water on the surface of cave floors and ceilings. When some of the water evaporates the dissolved solid is left to accrete.
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∙ 13y agoCaves usually and mostly forms in sedimentary rocks. Example, Limestone.
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∙ 11y agoCalcite - calcium-carbonate dissolved from the limestone above the cave then precipitated in the cave.
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∙ 13y agosandstone.
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∙ 13y agoLimestone.
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What causes the erosion that forms caves?
Caves are formed by rain water peculating through sedimentary rock such as limestone, chalk or sandstone. Over millions of years the water will dissolve away the rock, forming potholes, which can enlarge into caves and caverns.
Caves and caverns are formed in carbonate rocks by?
The reaction of carbonic acid in rain and groundwater with the carbonate rock.
What are caverns made of?
Air. A cavern is a void. :-) Most caves are in limestone and formed by the rock's calcium carbonate (its main constituent) being dissolved away by rainwater acidified by absorbed by atmospheric carbon-dioxide.
How does acid in groundwater form caves or caverns?
As it starts to break down all of the rock it starts to create space therefor a cave or cavern can be made.
What is groundwater that forms caves like?
Acidic ground water (rain-water that has absorbed atmospheric carbon dioxide to form carbonic acid) forms caves by dissolving the limestone as it flows through the joints & other discontinuities in the rock mass.
How did the caves in US form?
Almost all caves were formed by the actions of water. It dissolves the rock and and forms the caverns and spectacular views.
What causes the erosion that forms caves?
Caves are formed by rain water peculating through sedimentary rock such as limestone, chalk or sandstone. Over millions of years the water will dissolve away the rock, forming potholes, which can enlarge into caves and caverns.
What cuvses caves caverns and sink holes?
Caves, caverns, and sinkholes are typically formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum by water. Over time, water erodes and dissolves the rock, creating underground cavities and passages. Eventually, these cavities can collapse or become exposed at the surface, forming caves, caverns, and sinkholes.
Caves and caverns are formed in carbonate rocks by?
The reaction of carbonic acid in rain and groundwater with the carbonate rock.
What type of rock is Carlsbad Caverns?
Limestone. The caves are located in a limestone mountain range called the Guadalupe Mountains.
What is the process that formed many of your large caves and caverns?
Most caves - of any size - are in limestone, and those are all formed primarily by dissoultion of the rock by weakly acidic ground-water penetrating the joints, bedding-planes, faults and other permeabl discontinuities within the rock mass.
What are facts about luray caverns?
Luray Caverns is a cave system in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley, known for its stunning rock formations like stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns feature the "Great Stalacpipe Organ," which uses rubber mallets to tap stalactites and create music. Luray Caverns is one of the most visited caves in the United States and offers guided tours year-round.
What are caverns made of?
Air. A cavern is a void. :-) Most caves are in limestone and formed by the rock's calcium carbonate (its main constituent) being dissolved away by rainwater acidified by absorbed by atmospheric carbon-dioxide.
How does acid in groundwater form caves or caverns?
As it starts to break down all of the rock it starts to create space therefor a cave or cavern can be made.
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.
Are there any caves in Hector NY?
Yes, there are caves in Hector, NY. One notable cave in the area is the Secret Caverns, which offers guided underground tours for visitors to explore the unique rock formations and underground waterfalls.
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.
