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That indeed is how caves develop in limestone. The solvent is rain-water weakly acidified by having absorbed atmospheric carbon-dioxide. This may be augmented by organic acids from the soil, but the Carbonic Acid is the primary reagent.

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โˆ™ 11y ago
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โˆ™ 1mo ago

Carbon dioxide in rainwater forms a weak carbonic acid, which then dissolves the limestone rock in cave formations. This process is known as carbonation. Over time, this chemical reaction leads to the formation of underground caves and caverns.

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โˆ™ 11y ago

The water is slightly acid by atmospheric carbon dioxide dissolved into it when it fell as rain, and although this carbonic acid is very weak, it is sufficient to dissolve the calcium carbonate that makes up limestone and marble.

To get at the rock it seeps through the joints and other breaks in the rock mass.

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โˆ™ 11y ago

Yes, indeed. Carbonic acid is a solution of atmospheric carbon-dioxide in rain-water, and it dissolved the calcium carbonate that is limestone's main constituent.

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โˆ™ 7y ago

Thiss groundwater absorb carbon dioxide - carbonic acid is formed which dissolve lime.

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โˆ™ 11y ago

Dissolution of the rock by water.

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Q: What ground water dissolves the limestone rock in a cave formation?
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There are underground caverns in the Yucatรกn Peninsula because?

the peninsula is primarily made of limestone, a type of rock that easily dissolves in water. Over time, rainwater seeped through the limestone, creating underground channels and caverns through a process called karstification. This geological process is responsible for the formation of the caverns in the Yucatรกn Peninsula.


Why does limewater disslove in rainwater?

Limewater IS dissolved in water. Limestone dissolves in water because the mineral calcite it comprises of is soluble. This is why limestone dissolves in water.


How are sink holes formed in a limestone region?

Sink holes are formed in limestone regions due to the erosion of soluble rock by water. Over time, water dissolves the limestone, creating underground cavities. Eventually, the ground above the cavities may collapse, forming a sinkhole.


When limestone dissolves what happenns to the dissolved material?

When limestone dissolves, the dissolved material forms ions, primarily calcium and bicarbonate ions, in the water. These ions can then be carried away by the water through rivers or groundwater. Over time, this process can lead to the formation of caves and sinkholes.


Do grikes in limestone form mainly by wind or water?

Grikes in limestone primarily form due to water erosion rather than wind erosion. Water seeping into the limestone gradually dissolves and widens vertical joints and fractures, creating the grikes. Wind can contribute to weathering and desiccation of the limestone, but it is not the primary agent responsible for the formation of grikes.

Related questions

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.


There are underground caverns in the Yucatรกn Peninsula because?

the peninsula is primarily made of limestone, a type of rock that easily dissolves in water. Over time, rainwater seeped through the limestone, creating underground channels and caverns through a process called karstification. This geological process is responsible for the formation of the caverns in the Yucatรกn Peninsula.


Why does limewater disslove in rainwater?

Limewater IS dissolved in water. Limestone dissolves in water because the mineral calcite it comprises of is soluble. This is why limestone dissolves in water.


How are sink holes formed in a limestone region?

Sink holes are formed in limestone regions due to the erosion of soluble rock by water. Over time, water dissolves the limestone, creating underground cavities. Eventually, the ground above the cavities may collapse, forming a sinkhole.


When limestone dissolves what happenns to the dissolved material?

When limestone dissolves, the dissolved material forms ions, primarily calcium and bicarbonate ions, in the water. These ions can then be carried away by the water through rivers or groundwater. Over time, this process can lead to the formation of caves and sinkholes.


How was lime sinks created?

they collapse because chemical rain sinks in the ground and dissolves the lime stone foundation and the land sinks in, and creates a lime sink/sink hole


Do grikes in limestone form mainly by wind or water?

Grikes in limestone primarily form due to water erosion rather than wind erosion. Water seeping into the limestone gradually dissolves and widens vertical joints and fractures, creating the grikes. Wind can contribute to weathering and desiccation of the limestone, but it is not the primary agent responsible for the formation of grikes.


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.


Can ground water erosion result in the formation of stalactite and stalagmite?

Yes, ground water erosion can result in the formation of stalactites and stalagmites in caves. As water seeps through the limestone rock, it dissolves minerals and carries them downwards. When the water drips from the ceiling of a cave, it leaves behind mineral deposits that build up over time to form stalactites. Similarly, the dripping water deposits minerals on the cave floor, creating stalagmites that grow upwards.


Is a cave formed when carbonic acid dissolves underground limestone?

Yes, caves are formed when carbonic acid, which is created by the reaction of water with carbon dioxide, dissolves underground limestone. Over time, the dissolved limestone is carried away by water, creating large openings and chambers that we call caves.


Does erosion have a bigger impact in sinkhole formation?

Yes, erosion can have a significant impact on sinkhole formation. Sinkholes are often formed when water erodes and dissolves soluble rocks like limestone, causing the ground above to collapse. Over time, erosion can weaken the rock layers below the surface, leading to the development of sinkholes.


Where did the water in the caves at laurel caverns come from?

The water in the caves at Laurel Caverns comes from rainfall and surface water that seeps into the ground through cracks and fractures in the limestone bedrock. Over time, this water dissolves the limestone, creating the cave passages and formations that we see today.