Cave Hydrology

Groundwater is the primary source of water in caves, as it seeps through cracks and fissures in the rock and emerges as springs or drips.

Dissolution is the process by which water dissolves limestone and forms caves. Water containing carbonic acid, formed when carbon dioxide from the atmosphere dissolves in water, reacts with limestone to form calcium bicarbonate, which is then carried away by water.

A sump is a cave passage that is completely filled with water, making it impassable without diving equipment.

A pit is a vertical shaft or drop in a cave, typically with a narrow opening at the top and a wider chamber at the bottom.

A stalactite is a cave formation that is formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from dripping water. It hangs from the ceiling of a cave and grows downward.

Flowstone is a cave formation that is formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from flowing water. It typically forms on cave walls and floors.

A soda straw is a cave formation that is formed by the deposition of calcium carbonate from capillary action. It is a thin, hollow tube that typically grows from the ceiling of a cave.

A breakdown is a cave passage that is formed by the collapse of a cave roof. It is typically characterized by large blocks of rock and rubble.

A meander is a cave passage that is formed by the erosion of a stream. It is typically characterized by a sinuous course and a series of pools and riffles.

A fault is a cave passage that is formed by the movement of tectonic plates. It is typically characterized by a sharp break in the rock and a displacement of the rock on either side of the fault.

A blowhole is a cave passage that is formed by the erosion of wind. It is typically characterized by a narrow opening at the surface and a wider chamber at the bottom.

An ice cave is a cave passage that is formed by the erosion of ice. It is typically characterized by the presence of ice formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone.

A sea cave is a cave passage that is formed by the erosion of waves. It is typically characterized by a narrow opening at the surface and a wider chamber at the bottom.

A lava tube is a cave passage that is formed by the erosion of volcanic activity. It is typically characterized by a long, narrow tunnel that was formed by the flow of lava.

A mine is a cave passage that is formed by the erosion of human activity. It is typically characterized by a series of tunnels and chambers that were excavated to extract minerals or other resources.