Cave Notes provides information on various types of caves and cave formations. It discusses speleology, the scientific study of caves, which involves geology, biology, cartography, and meteorology. It also describes solutional caves formed by water or hydrogen sulfide dissolving rock, lava caves formed in volcanic flows, sea caves carved by ocean waves, and unstable glacier caves. Common cave formations discussed include stalactites that hang from the ceiling, stalagmites that rise from the floor, and flowstone, draperies, and rimstone dams formed by slowly moving water.

1. Cave Notes!

2. Speleology The science of the study and exploration of caves. It involves many areas of science: Geology (earth) Biology (living things) Cartography (maps) Meteorology (weather)

3. Speleology Cave science is unique because most of it is done by non-scientists. Spelunkers are people who explore caves simply for fun and adventure. They contribute most of the scientific knowledge about caves!

5. Solutional Caves The name refers to the term Solution. A Solution is any solids suspended in a liquid. The rock was formed first, then dissolved by a liquid later. The most common example is a Limestone Cave. Water dissolves and carries limestone!

6. Solutional Caves There are 2 ways Solutional Caves form: Water dissolves rock. (Ohio Caverns!) Hydrogen Sulfide dissolves rock. (Lechuguilla!) Solutional caves always have formations because the water eventually drops the minerals it is carrying.

8. Lava Caves Lava Caves form at the same time the lava is flowing. Volcanic gas leaves “bubbles” in lava. Fresh lava flows can tunnel through old lava flows and drain leaving “tubes” These caves do not always have enough water to support life.

10. Sea Caves Sea Caves are always formed by the waves. They can be dry, tidal, or flooded. The amount of water in the cave determines the organisms living there.

12. Glacier Caves Glacier Caves are formed from ice, not rock! They are carved by melt water or geothermal heat below the glacier. They are extremely dangerous and unstable. Glacier Caves constantly shift and collapse. Organisms can live in the cave if they can survive it’s changes!

14. Cave Ecology Cave Ecology is weird. Each cave can have a unique ecology that evolved just in that cave. The result is organisms and food chains that look nothing like what you are used to. The Sun is not always the source of energy. Sometimes, Cave Ecology is used to predict what alien life might be like!

16. Troglobytes Troglobytes are organisms that never leave the cave. They are so specialized and highly evolved that they would die out side of their cave. Troglobytes have: No pigment or eyes! Heightened sense of smell. Ability to detect vibrations or chemical changes.

18. Trogloxenes Trogloxenes are cave users! These are the animals that can leave the cave. They use the cave for protection or reproduction. They must leave to find food. Bats are an example of Trogloxenes.

20. Cave Formations We are going to study formations in Solutional Caves. All Cave Formations are made when a liquid deposits the minerals it was carrying. In limestone caves, this mineral is Calcite. Most of the names were created by the first caver who saw the formation!

23. Stalactites Grow from the cave roof when water starts dripping down. Types of Stalactites: Soda Straws: long, thin, hollow Helicites: Twisted, branching, defy gravity! You can remember Stalactites grow on the roof because they must hold on tight!

25. Stalagmites Stalagmites grow on the cave floor when water lands there. Stalagmites can be thin or fat. Sometimes, they just look like lumps! They are usually found under a Stalactite. When a Stalagmite and a Stalactite meet, they form a Column.

27. Flow Stone Flow Stone is formed when water is moving slowly over a surface. It can take many forms! Draperies: thin, wavy sheets hanging on the wall. Rimstone Dam: a series of “stair steps” that formed in a moving stream. Cascade: a stone waterfall that formed under a real waterfall.

29. Other Types Cave Popcorn looks like it’s name! It was formed by water seeping up through the floor. Frostwork is a coating of crystals on any surface. The crystals are delicate threads that can be any color. Cave Pearls are highly polished spheres. They can only be formed in running streams with the help of specialized bacteria!