1. Caves

2. A. Groundwater Erosion & Deposition
Most groundwater contains some acid (carbonic acid)
Leaves groundwater slightly acidic and can dissolve some types of rocks
Mainly limestone

3. B. Cave Formation
I. Limestone dissolves but precipitates (reforms) elsewhere

4. Some are dry, others flooded
II. Cave – natural underground opening with a connection to Earth’s surface
Some are dry, others flooded
Practically all big caves are formed when groundwater dissolves limestone
Most develop in Zone of Saturation
Cracks become larger, water table drops

5. III. Cave Deposits a. stalactites – hang from the ceiling (c = ceiling) b. stalagmites – build from the bottom up (g=ground) c. dripstone column – forms when stalactites and stalagmites meet

6. Stalactites
Dripstone column
Stalagmites

7. C. Karst Topography
Limestone regions with sinkholes (collapsed ground) and sinking streams (run from surface into cave systems)
Ex. Kentucky