Wonderland: Not Just for Alice Anymore

All is silent. That is, except for the sound of the water. Peering through the grass, the girl watches curiously as the water drips through cracks in the limestone. She sees it dribble into the openings in the rock and then it is gone. What she doesn't see is that the CO2 in the water slowly erodes the limestone and makes its way down to what is dubbed the "Water Table", a rock that is full of water. When the rock can take no more water, it is then that the new liquid rushes along the Water Table's path. Thus, an underground river is formed. However, when the Water Table's water level changes, the stream must forge a new route. The old ruts are filled with air and caves are born.

Despite what some people think, there are many types of caves. From lava tubes to caverns formed on glaciers. Some caves are even partly underwater. But most people can agree that the most diverse type of cave is Erosion. Erosion caves are formed by what they are named after: erosion. A team consisting of water and wind and other elements of nature form these wondrous marvels. First off, there are Soil Pipes. Made in clay or other soft rocks in an anhydrous climate, these caverns are sometimes inflicted with sinkholes. These are called pseudokarst, because they do not come from any solutional course. Pseudo meaning fake and karst meaning the appearance that caves gives an area. Then there are caves found near mountains and often times made by sand which is carried by water; Hard Rock Erosion caverns. Sometimes these caves are home to potholes. Lastly, there are Wind cavities. Found in sandstone and born by carbonate cement- the glue that keeps the rock together- being dissolved by water, these hollows may have many holes. Clearly, Erosion Caves are not only variant when compared with other caverns, but they are also unique.

"I can even swim into Father's caves." This is a quote from the book Goddess of Yesterday by Caroline B. Cooney. The cave in question is a sea cave. Due to their surpassing numbers,-they might be more populous than any other cave- many people know of them and authors have used them in their works of literature. Some of these include The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket and the before-mentioned work of Ms. Cooney. Why are these subterranes so popular? It is most likely due to their rich histories and graceful, majestic appearances. A weak point in a coastal cliff that is eroded by the sea (This could happen in a lake as well.) gives us this look. Long ago, when pirates pillaged the towns along the sea, they would hide their treasure in these caves. Abundant and not usually containing formations which could drop onto an unsuspecting person's head, these grottos made the perfect place to stash one's cache. Pair this with their soaring arches and timeless feel and you have something that will stay with a person a lifetime.

What do you get if acidic water dissolves into gypsum (this includes dolomite, limestone, and marble) or carbonate rock? A Solution caves of course! This process begins under the Water Table and ends when they are introduced to the air and drained. Then the speleothems, or the alternate mineral features, can begin to degrade. After that, you have a solution cave.

Despite what you may now think, not all caves are formed by erosion or something eating away at the rock. In fact, Lava Tube caves are an exception; they are concocted by super-hot lava spewing out of a volcano. The lava outside turns to rock, but the liquid inside stays a fluid and eventually abates leaving behind a smooth, hollow chute. Close to the surface, the ceilings are thin. There are many ways in which to enter a Lava Tube cave. With a novel formation coupled with the fact that they are easily entered, these caves are fascinating and fun to visit.

Some caverns are renowned for their beauty. For example: Glacier caves. Usually not big and formed in ice, these cavities are usually garnished with ice formations. Clearly, these caves are one of the many examples of nature's creativeness.

"Now, what kind of creatures can live in caves?" you might ask. Well the one that everyone probably knows is bats. These near blind mammals will you sound that bounces off the walls of the cavern and other objects to find their way. Another party that dwells in caves is Trogliphiles. Usually they are insects who may never acquire the true adaptations of cave occupant. Some do, but others never. However, the Troglobites are a completely different story. Their super long antennae, blindness, and pale pink, white, or sometimes lucid skin mark them as through-and-through cave dwellers.

Whether it's a Sea Cave or a Lava Tube you can always count on caves to be fascinating, incredible, and unlike anything you have ever seen before. Welcome to the Underground.

CITATIONS

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"Cave." World Book. 2010 ed. 22 Vol. Willard, Oh: World Book Inc. 2010. 319-321.

Wood, Jenny. Caves An underground Mineral. U.S.: Two-Can Publishing Ltd, 1991.

Nicholas, Geradus. "Caves." Academic American Encyclopedia.1990 ed. 21 Vol. Groiler Incorperated. 1990. 222-224.

"Cave Science." Web. National Cave Association. National Cave Association. 3/11/10. /cave-science/.

Bunnel, Dave. "The Virtual Cave." The Virtual Cave. 4/1/09. Web. 3/11/10. .com/virtcave/.

Goddess of Yesterday. Paw Prints, 2008. Print.

"Sea Caves - Google Search." Google Images. Web. 15 Mar. 2010. .com/images?hl=en&gbv=2&tbs=isch%3A1&sa=1&q=sea+caves&aq=f&aqi=g1g-m1&aql=&oq=&start=0.