Cave Formations, Ozarks

by Dante Fenolio

Title

Cave Formations, Ozarks

Artist

Dante Fenolio

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

Cave formations are formed as slightly acidic rainwater runs through blocks of karst rock. Karstic rock includes rock such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. The rainwater picks up minerals as it dissolves the rock. When the water hits the ceiling of a cavity, such as a cave, it deposits the minerals on the cave ceiling and on the ground as the water reacts with the air. Over time, these deposits build up and form cave formations. Formations hanging from a ceiling are stalactites. Formations built from the ground up are stalactites. When a stalactite and a stalagmite meet and form one solid unit, it is called a column. There are many other specialized formation types such as 'cave pearls,' 'curtains,' and rimstone dams. These structures take much time to develop and should not be touched in a cave as they are sensitive to the disturbance and the oils on human skin can inhibit their development. Photographed in a cave in the Ozarks of Oklahoma, 2018.

Uploaded

December 1st, 2019

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