Exploring Caves and Caverns Back to theme page main Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of Rocks An interactive learning station created by Nate Moore for Ed. 265A Self Check

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check There are four different types of caves: 1. Lava caves are formed by flowing lava. After the outside crust of lava cools and hardens, the inside remains free flowing. The result is a hollow tube. 2. Sea caves are formed from the breaking of waves against a steep cliff or rock wall. As the pressure against cliffs increases, the ground gives and a cave is created by massive waves 3. Ice caves result as water freezes inside the walls of sea caves. 4. Limestone caves are formed underground as rain passes through limestone after chemical reactions occur. Rock dissolves under the surface creating an open chamber or cavern

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Cave animals The little brown bat is called a trogloxene, or an animal that sometimes chooses to live in caves. The adult cave salamander prefers to live in caves but can survive outside of caves. They care called troglophiles. Blind crayfish are called troglobites, or animals that live only in caves. They cannot survive anywhere else.

cave rock formations Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check StalagmiteFlowstone ColumnStalactite

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Stalagmite *Formed by calcium carbonate deposites from the ground. Water dripping from above will often form stalagmites directly underneath on the floors of caves. This is an example of a gypsum stalagmite

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Stalactite * Formed by calcium deposits hanging from the ceiling of caves as water drips

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Column *Formed when a stalagmite and a stalactite join

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Flowstone * Flowstone is formations of rock found in caves that appear to be water trickling over the walls. They appear to be smooth but remain solid rock.

Self Check Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Limestone caves are formed by: A. Lava cooling in the center and creating a hollow tunnel.Lava cooling in the center and creating a hollow tunnel. B. Rain reacting with chemicals to form hollow caverns underground.Rain reacting with chemicals to form hollow caverns underground. C. Waves from the sea crashing upon cliffs.Waves from the sea crashing upon cliffs.

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Great!! Now answer the following: Animals such as the blind crayfish are a member of this family because they can not survive conditions outside of caves: A. Troglobites B. Troglophiles C. Trogloxene

Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check Good job!! Now this one… TrueTrue or false:false Stalagmites grow from the ceiling of caves

Excellent!! To learn more about caves, check out these references: Bevan, Finn. Beneath the Earth. Danbury: Children’s Press, Bunnell, Dave. Good Earth Graphics. 9/26/02 Coles, Rick. Caving Canada. Sept /25/ Erickson, Jon. Craters, Caverns and Canyons. New York: Facts on File, USGS. “Exploring Caves.” 1/29/02. 10/23/02. nimals.htm Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check

Bibliography Bunnell, Dave. Good Earth Graphics. 9/26/02 Erickson, Jon. Craters, Caverns and Canyons. New York: Facts on File, USGS. “Exploring Caves.” 1/29/02. 10/23/02. chers/explorecaves_animals.htm Types of CavesAnimalsTypes of RocksSelf Check