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Introduction to Virginia’s Karst

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.

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Introduction to Virginia’s Karst

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  1. Introduction to Virginia’s Karst Caves, Sinkholes, and Carbonates, Oh My!

  2. Karst-Develops in Carbonate Rocks

  3. Carbonic Acid= CO2 + H2O

  4. 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.

  5. Stalactites and Stalagmites

  6. Columns

  7. Sinkholes • Caused by the collapse of cave or cavern roof. Usually from pumping more groundwater than can be recharged.

  8. Sinking Streams • Where a river or stream enters a cave system and appears to “sink” into the ground.

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