Cavern and Mineral Deposits: How Caverns Form Limestone dissolves more easily than other types of rock Limestone is dissolved by groundwater because it always contains some carbonic acid. Dissolving the calcite in limestone creates/increases porosity Limestone formations are also split by fissures After 1000's of years, cracks become so large that they form networks of underground tunnels These tunnels are caverns, or caves
Cavern and Mineral Deposits: How Caverns Form. Limestone dissolves more easily than other types of rock Limestone is dissolved by groundwater because it always contains some carbonic acid. Dissolving the calcite in limestone creates/increases porosity - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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Cavern and Mineral Deposits:How Caverns Form
Limestone dissolves more easily than other types of rock
Limestone is dissolved by groundwater because it always contains some carbonic acid.
Dissolving the calcite in limestone creates/increases porosity
Limestone formations are also split by fissures
After 1000's of years, cracks become so large that they form networks of underground tunnels
These tunnels are caverns, or caves
Sinkholes form when parts of a cave roof collapses. Ponds or lakes form when the sinkhole meets the water table
Karst Topography In regions of caverns, most
rainwater enters the ground through sinkholes and fissures, and there are very few surface rivers
Regions characterized by sinks, sinkhole ponds, lost rivers, and underground drainage are said to have Karst Topography
The bedrock is calcite, dolomite, or other minerals that dissolve easily