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Natural extensions

The slow drainage of carbonic acid water can cause the formation of dramatic cave features created after the underground chamber is formed. These features come in many shapes and several different colors. Two types of attributes common in limestone caves are icicle-like extensions that sprout up from the floor or hang down from its ceiling. StalactitesCylindrical or icicle-shaped mineral deposit projecting downward from the roof of a cave. (Pronounced sta-LACK-tite.) are cave features that hang from the ceiling; stalagmitesCylindrical or icicle-shaped mineral deposit projecting upward from the floor of a cave. (Pronounced sta-LAG-mite.) grow upward from the floor.

The formation of these two types of features begins with water droplets. After most of the water has drained from a cave,...

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1. Introduction
2. Forming the holes
3. Natural extensions
4. Life in the dark lane
5. Some like it dark
6. Experiment 1 - Cave Formation: How does the acidity of a substance affect the formation of a cave?
7. Experiment 2 - Cave Icicles: How does the mineral content of water affect the formation of stalactites and stalagmites?
8. Design Your Own Experiment