Caves are formed by geologic processes. These may involve a combination of chemical
processes, tectonic forces and atmospheric influences.
Solutional caves may form anywhere with rock which is soluble, and are most prevalent in
limestone, but can also form in other material, including chalk, dolomite,
marble, loess, ice, granite, salt, lava, sandstone, and gypsum. The most common process of cave formation is
karstification, which is the solution of rocks by rain water.
Cave formation in limestone occurs because limestone dissolves under the action of rainwater and groundwater charged with CO2
(carbonic acid) and naturally occurring organic acids. The dissolution process produces a distinctive landform known as karst and characterized by
sinkholes, sinking streams, and underground drainage. Limestone solution is the single most important process forming caves and the origin of the great majority of all caves on Earth. The reason for this abundance is the facts that limestone is so common and the slowness of the solution
process. If it was faster, the lifespan of limestone caves would be much shorter and their number much
lower.
Limestone caves are often adorned with calcium carbonate formations produced through slow
precipitation, including the most common and well-known stalactites and
stalagmites. |
