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Correct, in limestone including its meta-form marble, and gypsum; respectively calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate. The acidity comes from absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide.
NB though: Limestone is a rock anyway, but only these two calcium compound rocks are soluble to any real extent. Dolomite (magnesium carbonate based) will dissolve but the physical nature of its deposits tends to prevent cave formation.
Rainwater will also attack the felspar in granite but the process, hydrolysis, is extremely slow and does not lead to dissolutional caves in granite.
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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.
What kind of weathering created most limestone caves?
Most limestone caves are created through a process called chemical weathering, specifically carbonation. This occurs when rainwater combined with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere creates a weak acid that dissolves the calcium carbonate in the limestone bedrock, gradually forming caves over time.
What dissolves limestone formations in some caves?
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.
What type of rock is usually present in area with a lot of caves?
Limestone is the most common type of rock present in areas with a lot of caves. This is because limestone is easily dissolved by acidic groundwater, forming caves through a process known as karstification.
What is an acid normally involved in the formation of caves?
Carbonic acid, formed when carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves in rainwater, is a key player in the formation of caves. As this acidic water flows through limestone, it dissolves the rock and creates caverns and passageways underground. Over time, these natural processes can result in the creation of elaborate cave systems.
Is rainwater a weak acid that dissolves limestone to form caves?
yes
What type of rock is usually present in areas with a lot of caves?
Limestone is the type of rock that is commonly found in areas with a lot of caves. Limestone is made of calcium carbonate, which is soluble in water. Over time, as rainwater seeps into the ground, it dissolves the limestone and creates openings and caves in the rock.
What reactions with water lead to the formation of caves with limestone?
The reaction of carbon dioxide in rainwater creates a weak carbonic acid, which dissolves limestone over time. This process, known as carbonation, leads to the formation of caves in limestone formations. Over thousands of years, the acidic water dissolves the limestone, creating underground tunnels and chambers.
What kind of weathering has created most limestone caves?
chemical weathering called karsting and it createskarst topography. ... Dissolution of soluble limestone creates limestone cavessource yahoo answers
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.
What process hollows out limestone in caves?
The process that hollows out limestone in caves is called chemical weathering. This occurs when rainwater combines with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere to create a weak carbonic acid, which gradually dissolves the limestone over time, resulting in the formation of caves and caverns.
What are limestone caves?
Limestone caves are formed by the dissolution of limestone rocks over thousands of years due to the chemical reaction of rainwater and carbon dioxide. This process creates underground caverns and passages with unique formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. Limestone caves are often popular tourist attractions due to their natural beauty and geological significance.
What kind of weathering created most limestone caves?
Most limestone caves are created through a process called chemical weathering, specifically carbonation. This occurs when rainwater combined with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere creates a weak acid that dissolves the calcium carbonate in the limestone bedrock, gradually forming caves over time.
What dissolves limestone formations in some caves?
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.
What type of rock is usually present in area with a lot of caves?
Limestone is the most common type of rock present in areas with a lot of caves. This is because limestone is easily dissolved by acidic groundwater, forming caves through a process known as karstification.
What is an acid normally involved in the formation of caves?
Carbonic acid, formed when carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dissolves in rainwater, is a key player in the formation of caves. As this acidic water flows through limestone, it dissolves the rock and creates caverns and passageways underground. Over time, these natural processes can result in the creation of elaborate cave systems.
What type of weathering creates caves or caverns?
Chemical weathering, particularly when acidic water dissolves and erodes the rock, can create caves or caverns over time. This process is common in limestone regions where the rock is easily dissolved by carbonic acid found in rainwater.
