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Formations that occur in caves include stalactites (hanging formations), stalagmites (rising formations), flowstones (sheet-like deposits), columns (stalactites and stalagmites joining), and helictites (twisted, branching formations). These formations are created by the slow deposition of minerals from dripping water over thousands of years.
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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 is formed by the erosion of soft rock formations by flowing groundwater?
Caves and sinkholes are formed by the erosion of soft rock formations by flowing groundwater. Over time, the water dissolves and carries away the rock, creating these underground or surface features.
Do crystals grow in caves?
Yes, crystals can grow in caves. Caves provide the ideal conditions for crystals to form, such as stable temperatures and mineral-rich solutions seeping through the rock formations. This process can lead to the gradual growth of beautiful crystal formations within the cave over time.
What is the stuff that grows on rocks in caves called?
The stuff that grows on rocks in caves is typically referred to as cave formations or speleothems. These formations can include stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, and flowstones, which are created by minerals precipitating out of water dripping or flowing in the cave.
What is a dripstone deposit?
A dripstone deposit is a mineral deposit formed by dripping water in caves, resulting in the gradual buildup of mineral deposits such as stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations. These formations are commonly found in limestone caves and are created by the precipitation of minerals from the dripping water.
These formations hang from the ceiling of a cavern like icicles?
Stalactites are stony formations that hang from the ceilings of caves.
What is the difference of growth between stalactite and seaweed?
Seaweeds are living organisms, members of the Algae family. Stalactites (and Stalagmites) are formations of limestone which occur in caves, they are not living organisms.
In what sort of caves would you find stalactites and stalagmites?
Caves formed in limestone, as the vast majority are - but there are many caves that contain few or no "speleothems" as the formations are know collectively. The distribution and scale of the formations is subject to many, complex factors.
What are three formations that can be found in caves?
StalagmitesFlow stoneandTiered stalagmites.
What is format by the erosion of soft rock formations by flowing groundwater?
caves
What are caves made of?
Caves are typically formed in rock formations such as limestone, marble, or volcanic rock. The creation of caves is primarily influenced by water erosion, chemical weathering, and geological processes over millions of years. Inside caves, various mineral deposits and formations such as stalactites and stalagmites can be found.
What are stone formations that usually hang from the rooofs of limestone caves?
Stalactites - comprised of the mineral calcite, and although not all limestone caves contain stalactites, these formations always hang from the roofs otherwise they would not be stalactites!
What is the scientific name for the study of caves?
The scientific study of caves is referred to as speleology. It involves the exploration, mapping, and study of caves, including their geological formations, ecosystems, and history.
What term refers to formations that grow downward from the top of mammoth caves national park?
Stalactites refers to the formations that grow downward from the top of the cave.
What are some ways people damage caves?
People can damage caves by touching or removing formations, littering, defacing walls with graffiti, introducing pollutants, and introducing non-native species. These actions can harm the delicate ecosystem inside caves and degrade natural formations that have taken thousands of years to form.
What are columns in caves?
Columns in caves are tall, cylindrical formations that are created when stalactites from the ceiling and stalagmites from the floor meet and fuse together. They can grow over thousands of years as mineral deposits accumulate in caves. Columns are common features in caves with significant limestone formations.
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.
