Part A - Formations within Caves Caves are erosional features, although depositi
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Question
Part A - Formations within Caves
Caves are erosional features, although depositional features form within them. Flowing and dripping water leave behind calcium carbonate, which is the precipitate of limestone dissolution. This precipitate in turn creates a form of limestone called travertine that is often white or cream-colored. Where and how these precipitates are deposited depends on how the water is dripping or flowing at a given location within the cave. Geologists have identified common formations within caverns, which are:
Crystal formations that grow from the ceiling of a cave are called stalactites. These features have a cylindrical or conical shape and are formed as water leaves behind calcium carbonate when it is dripping off the ceiling and conical structures.
Conversely, formations that grow from the floor of a cave are called stalagmites and are formed as water leaves behind calcium carbonate when it drips onto the floor or conical structure.
Columns are stalagmites and stalactites that have joined.
A flowstone forms where water flows on the walls or floor of a cave. The result is a sheet-like feature that is typically whitish or semi-translucent
Identify the above formations in the image below.
Which of the following is true about karst landscapes?
n Activity: Caves and Karst Topography Flowstone Stalagmite Stalactite ColumnExplanation / Answer
Intial stages of cave development Later stages of cave development
1.Cracks and crevices develop in limestone in the 1.Formation such as stactites and
subsurface. stalagmites form
2.Water infilterates the ground and flows thruogh 2. A cave florms now that much limestone
cracks and crevices. has dissolved and a large airspace has
been created 3.Limestone that exposed to water dissolves, 3. Caves developed vertically due to water table
which widens the airspace elevation changes
Karst landscapes
1. True
2. True
3.True
4. True
5. True