INTRODUCTION TO VIRGINIA’S KARST Caves, Sinkholes, and Carbonates, Oh My!

Karst-Develops in Carbonate Rocks

Carbonic Acid= CO2 + H2O

Caves and Caverns• Formed from the chemical weathering of limestone and

dolomite through carbonic acid. Cracks open and eventually widen to make a cave.

• Dripstone: Calcium carbonate deposited from solution as water enters a cave. Stalactites, Stalagmites, and Columns are all dripstones.

• Stalactites: Hang “tight” to the ceiling.• Stalagmites: Push (mightily) hard through the ground.• Column: Formed when stalactites and stalagmites meet.

Stalactites and Stalagmites

Columns

Sinkholes• Caused by the collapse of cave or cavern roof. Usually

from pumping more groundwater than can be recharged.•

Sinking Streams• Where a river or stream enters a cave system and

appears to “sink” into the ground.