Author Question: How do stalactites and stalagmites form in caves? ... (Read 39 times)

tfester

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 534
How do stalactites and stalagmites form in caves?

Question 2

What factors are necessary in order for a karst landscape to form?



jharrington11

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 365
Answer to Question 1

Much of the water that percolates into the cave from above first acquires carbon dioxide from the soil and then uses it to dissolve calcium carbonate (by carbonation) from the rocks and sediment it encounters on its way to the cave. Cave air, in contrast, contains a comparatively low amount of carbon dioxide. When the dripping water contacts the cave air, it therefore releases carbon dioxide gas to the air. This degassing of carbon dioxide from the water essentially reverses the carbonation process, causing the water to precipitate calcium carbonate. Eventually, enough calcium carbonate is deposited in this way to form a stalactite, stalagmite, or other depositional cave feature.

Answer to Question 2

The most important factor is soluble bedrock, such as limestone. Climate also plays a rolea warm, humid climate with ample precipitation is most conducive to karst development. In arid climates, karst features are typically absent or are not well developed, although some arid regions have karst features that originated during previous periods of geologic time when the climate was much wetter. Compared with colder humid climates, warmer humid climates have greater amounts of vegetation, which supplies carbon dioxide to subsurface water. Carbon dioxide is necessary for carbonation of limestone and it increases the acidity of water, which encourages solution in general.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Hip fractures are the most serious consequences of osteoporosis. The incidence of hip fractures increases with each decade among patients in their 60s to patients in their 90s for both women and men of all populations. Men and women older than 80 years of age show the highest incidence of hip fractures.

Did you know?

The most common childhood diseases include croup, chickenpox, ear infections, flu, pneumonia, ringworm, respiratory syncytial virus, scabies, head lice, and asthma.

Did you know?

After 5 years of being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, one every three patients will no longer be able to work.

Did you know?

During the twentieth century, a variant of the metric system was used in Russia and France in which the base unit of mass was the tonne. Instead of kilograms, this system used millitonnes (mt).

Did you know?

Famous people who died from poisoning or drug overdose include, Adolf Hitler, Socrates, Juan Ponce de Leon, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, and John Belushi.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library