Caves Formation I Formation of caves is called

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Caves

Caves

Formation I. Formation of caves is called speleogenesis A. chemical processes B. physical erosion

Formation I. Formation of caves is called speleogenesis A. chemical processes B. physical erosion C. tectonic forces D. microorganisms E. pressure

Types of Caves I. Solutional Caves A. Often adorned with calcium formations B. Made

Types of Caves I. Solutional Caves A. Often adorned with calcium formations B. Made from soluble rock such as limestone, chalk, dolomite, marble, salt, and gypsum C. Dissolved by natural acid D. Solutional caves under the water table become flooded

II. Primary Caves A. Formed at the same time as the rock surrounding them

II. Primary Caves A. Formed at the same time as the rock surrounding them B. most often created by lava tubes C. longest is Kazmura cave, Hawaii, at 40. 8 mi long

III. Sea Caves/Littoral Caves A. Formed by wave action against cliffs B. Most follow

III. Sea Caves/Littoral Caves A. Formed by wave action against cliffs B. Most follow fault lines C. Some are above or below sea level due to shifting. D. Usually only 5 -50 meters long

IV. Erosional Caves A. Formed entirely by the erosion of moving particles borne by

IV. Erosional Caves A. Formed entirely by the erosion of moving particles borne by water or air B. Aeolian caves are formed by sand particles in the air. C. Can form in any type of rock, even granite

V. Glacier Cave A. Formed by flowing water within or under a glacier B.

V. Glacier Cave A. Formed by flowing water within or under a glacier B. Eventually collapse due to slow moving ice-flow

VI. Fracture Caves A. Formed when a more soluble mineral dissolves between harder rocks,

VI. Fracture Caves A. Formed when a more soluble mineral dissolves between harder rocks, creating rifts, cracks, and caves. VII. Talus Caves B. Formed by the openings among boulders that have fallen in a heap. C. These boulders are called scree

Cave Features I. Created as water carries calcium chloride through a cave system. II.

Cave Features I. Created as water carries calcium chloride through a cave system. II. Calcite crystallizes as water drips III. Over time these make impressive, and varied cave features. IV. These could never form aboveground

V. 6 Features: A. Stalactites i. Hang “tite” to the ceiling ii. Begin as

V. 6 Features: A. Stalactites i. Hang “tite” to the ceiling ii. Begin as thin, hollow “soda straws” iii. the thin straws get thicker as water begins to flow along the outer surface

B. Stalagmites i. Upward growing massive calcite mounds ii. formed by dripping water iii.

B. Stalagmites i. Upward growing massive calcite mounds ii. formed by dripping water iii. form depends on drip rate, ceiling height, and strength of the carbonate solution. iv. tiers are caused by drip splash

C. Columns i. formed when a stalactite and a stalagmite meet. ii. include the

C. Columns i. formed when a stalactite and a stalagmite meet. ii. include the tallest speleothems in the world iii. can be up to 61 meters in height

D. Speleogens i. Formed in erosional caves ii. Sculpted bedrock, not mineral deposits iii.

D. Speleogens i. Formed in erosional caves ii. Sculpted bedrock, not mineral deposits iii. Only occur on the ceiling, before rivulets join to form the rest of the cave.

E. Moonmilk i. a white deposit formed by fine crystals ii. consistency of cream

E. Moonmilk i. a white deposit formed by fine crystals ii. consistency of cream cheese when wet, delicate and powdery when dry. iii. can support the life of microorganisms

F. Popcorn i. can develop in the air, or underwater ii. formed by evaporation

F. Popcorn i. can develop in the air, or underwater ii. formed by evaporation iii. can be found on the “windy side” of columns