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How are CAVES formed.?

Updated: 7/20/2022
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9y ago

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Caves can form in a variety of ways, but most caves are dissolutional and are initially formed by chemical weathering of surface rock, usually limestone, by carbonic acid contained in rainwater. As chemical weathering continues, mechanical weathering joins in the fun to further attack and widen joints and fissures in what is usually soluble sedimentary rock. Some other types of caves are formed by percolating sulfuric acid, flowing lava, flowing water in glaciers, wave action, and particle abrasion.

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Jaunita Hand

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1y ago
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Devin Kling

Lvl 10
2y ago

it is when a stalactite and a stalagmite are joined as one.

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Correct, but I do love that wording - sounds as if they've married!

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11y ago

rain water waves winds

Most of the world's caves are in limestone, including its metamorphosis, marble) by the dissolution of the rock's primary constituent, calcium carbonate, by rain / snow-melt water acidified by carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere percolating through the rock's joints and other fissures from surface to spring.

Once the conduits are sufficiently large to carry sediments, their walls can also be attacked by abrasion from transported sand.

Gypsum is similarly soluble and very extensive caves are known in this rock.

A few caves are the result of acid attack from highly-mineralised water, e.g. I believe Lechuguilla Cave, regarded as the world's most beautifully decorated and so pristine and fragile visits are limited and under strict "dress codes".

Caves can also form in basalt lava flows by the still-molten rock flowing out from beneath the solidified surface.

Another class of cave is the Mass-movement Fissure - slab movement in valley sides or coastal cliffs widening existing joints to enterable sizes.

"Waves" - yes, sea-caves result from erosion of cliffs by wave action.

"Wind" - well, yes in bringing water-laden air over the hills to fall as rain or snow! A few rock shelters in deserts are formed by mechanical weathering by wind-blown sand.

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Related questions

How are Erosional caves formed?

Erosional caves are formed by the action of water or wind.


How lime- stones caves formed?

they are formed when animals in the caves are trying to get to shelter and the limestone in the caves melt and eventually form lime-stones caves


Can caves be formed in areas of slate?

No. Most caves are formed out of limestone making that false.


How were the wooky caves formed?

Wookies live in trees, not caves.


How was caves formed?

The Maquoketa caves in Iowa were formed through years of natural non-glacial erosion.


How is limestone formed in caves?

It isn't! Caves do not form rock at all! Caves in limestoneare formed by the removal by dissolution of the rock by acidic ground-water.


How was maquoketa caves formed?

The Maquoketa caves in Iowa were formed through years of natural non-glacial erosion.


How are primary caves formed?

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How are Erosional formed?

Erosional caves are formed by the action of water or wind.


How caves were formed?

They - or it? - are normal karst caves, formed in limestone by its dissolution by water. I believe they still carry a stream: if so they are still forming.


Are limestone in caves?

Other way round! Water and/or air are in caves.:-) Most of the world's caves have formed / are forming in limestone.


What do you call caves made by water?

Karst caves, and it is the majority of caves; formed by acidic ground-water dissolving the limestone.