Caves

A large underground chamber, typically of natural origin, in a hillside or cliff.

• stalactite

• stalagmite

• cave

• karst

The exploration of caves, especially as a hobby. 

• stalactite

• spelunking

• drapery

• karst

A rock structure hanging like an icicle from the roof of a cave that forms a point.  It is formed of calcium carbonate deposited by dripping water.

• stalactite

• stalagmite

• helictite

• karst

A mound or tapering (it comes to a point) column rising from the floor of a cave, formed of calcium carbonate deposited by dripping water.

• stalactite

• stalagmite

• helictite

• karst

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Cave deposit that has a branching, curved, or spiralled shape and may grow in any direction in seeming defiance of gravity.

• stalactite

• stalagmite

• helictite

• karst

Among the most beautiful of cave formations, these structures cling to a surface as they stream slowly downward.  They are deposited in thin sheets.  Ripples and folds in the structures often remind people of cloth that hangs from windows.

• stalactite

• karst

• helictite

• drapery

A small animal that normally lives entirely in the dark parts of caves, often with no functioning eyes or no pigmentation.  Some of these types of animals include spiders, fish, and salamanders.

• stalactite

• troglobite

• helictite

• drapery

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS3-1

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

A type of landscape where the dissolving of the bedrock has created sinkholes, sinking streams, caves, springs, and other characteristic features. It is associated with soluble (dissolvable) rock types such as limestone, marble, and gypsum.

• stalactite

• karst

• helictite

• drapery

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

When water (e.g. rainwater) mixes with carbon dioxide gas in the air or in air pockets in soil, it produces a weak acid solution.  When this acid flows through the cracks of some rocks, it chemically reacts with the rock causing some of it to dissolve.

• stalactite

• karst

• helictite

• carbonic acid

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-2