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Swallow holes, or sinkholes, in limestone areas of the Caribbean are formed through a process called chemical weathering. Rainwater, which is slightly acidic due to dissolved carbon dioxide, seeps into the ground and reacts with the limestone, gradually dissolving it. Over time, this dissolution creates underground voids and cavities. When the roof of these cavities collapses, it results in the formation of a swallow hole on the surface.

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Do limestone from areas where shelled sea creatures are highly abundant contain more carbonate or not?

Yes, limestone from areas where shelled sea creatures are highly abundant typically contains more carbonate. Shelled sea creatures like mollusks and corals have shells made primarily of calcium carbonate. Over time, as their shells accumulate and get compacted, they form limestone. As a result, limestone from these areas will have a higher carbonate content compared to limestone from areas without such abundant sea creatures.


Where is limestone found in nature?

Limestone is commonly found in nature in areas with ancient sea beds, such as marine environments and seabeds. It is formed from the accumulation of marine life remains like shells and coral that undergo compression over time. Limestone can also be found in caves and cliffs formed by the erosion of these marine deposits.


Which is missing in most areas that do that do not have karst topography?

Limestone


What is a Solution Hollows?

Solution hollows are small depressions or cavities formed in limestone or other soluble rock by the action of acidic water dissolving the rock over time. These hollows can form underground or on the surface. They are often found in areas with extensive limestone bedrock and are typically associated with karst topography.


What type of rock is found in Barbados?

Barbados primarily features limestone, which is a sedimentary rock formed from the accumulation of marine organisms' calcium carbonate. This limestone is a result of the island's geological history, which involves the uplift of coral reefs. Additionally, there are areas with clay and sandstone, but limestone is the dominant rock type found throughout the island.

Related Questions

Can caves be formed in areas of slate?

No. Most caves are formed out of limestone making that false.


How would a cave be formed on earth?

Caves are generally formed in areas rich in limestone, which erodes as water flows over it over time.


When is Limestone formed?

Limestone is formed mainly through the accumulation of marine shells and coral skeletons over millions of years. These deposits undergo compaction and cementation to form solid limestone rock. The process is typically associated with areas where there was once a shallow sea or ocean.


Where are solutional caves located?

Solutional caves are formed in areas with soluble rocks such as limestone, gypsum, and dolomite. These types of caves are found worldwide, but are particularly common in regions with limestone bedrock, such as parts of the United States (such as Kentucky and Florida), Mexico, the Caribbean, and parts of Europe and Asia.


Do limestone from areas where shelled sea creatures are highly abundant contain more carbonate or not?

Yes, limestone from areas where shelled sea creatures are highly abundant typically contains more carbonate. Shelled sea creatures like mollusks and corals have shells made primarily of calcium carbonate. Over time, as their shells accumulate and get compacted, they form limestone. As a result, limestone from these areas will have a higher carbonate content compared to limestone from areas without such abundant sea creatures.


Where is limestone found in nature?

Limestone is commonly found in nature in areas with ancient sea beds, such as marine environments and seabeds. It is formed from the accumulation of marine life remains like shells and coral that undergo compression over time. Limestone can also be found in caves and cliffs formed by the erosion of these marine deposits.


Which is missing in most areas that do that do not have karst topography?

Limestone


What type of lithology is expected in the shoal areas - sandstone or limestone?

Sandstone is more commonly found in shoal areas due to its ability to withstand wave energy and erosion better than limestone. Sandstone is a coarse-grained sedimentary rock formed from cemented sand grains, while limestone is a softer, carbonate rock that can be more easily dissolved by water.


If a limestone has a pure white colour where did it form?

Pure white limestone often forms in areas where the limestone has experienced very little exposure to impurities or contaminants during its formation process. This can happen in environments such as deep ocean basins, where the limestone can accumulate without being mixed with other sediments or minerals.


What is a Solution Hollows?

Solution hollows are small depressions or cavities formed in limestone or other soluble rock by the action of acidic water dissolving the rock over time. These hollows can form underground or on the surface. They are often found in areas with extensive limestone bedrock and are typically associated with karst topography.


Why is a resurgent stream only formed in a limestone area?

A resurgent stream is formed when an underground river is forced to reappear when it reaches a layer of impermeable bedrock. For a river to become an underground river in the first place it must flow over an area of limestone rock. The mildly acidified river water (it is acidified by dissolved carbon dioxide which is present in rainwater) reacts with the limestone (which is 80% calcium carbonate) and dissolves it. This forms a swallow hole into which the river flows. The river then continues to chemically weather the limestone underground thus forming an underground river. The river is forced to reappear (in the form of a resurgent stream) on the surface when there is a change of rock type from permeable limestone to impermeable bedrock. Hence resurgent streams are typically only found in limestone areas.


What is a limestone scar?

A limestone scar is a natural geological feature formed by the erosion of limestone rock, typically in upland areas. It often results in a steep cliff or slope that is characterized by rocky outcrops and ledges. Limestone scars form over long periods of time due to the dissolution of the rock by chemical weathering processes.