In Georgetown, Texas

Inner Space Cavern was discovered

by the Texas Highway Department in
1963 as they were preparing to build
this I35 overpass.
During the drilling process,

they found Inner Space Cavern.

 Inner Space
Cavern lies within
the recharge zone
of the Edwards
Aquifer.

Figure from Musgrove (2000) after Burchett et al. (1986) and Brown et al. (1992); precipitation
contours from Larkin and Bomar (1983).
This is the map view of Inner Space Cavern.

Map from Elliott and Veni (1994)

The dark gray areas indicate areas that were once

open to the surface. These filled-in sinkholes are
called bone sinks.
 The passage walls show rock layers within the
Edwards Aquifer.

Limestone

Dolomite
The distribution of formations hints at water
flow paths into the aquifer.
As the slightly acidic rain water passes through rock, it
dissolves away calcite and enlarges cave passages.

Cave formations grow as the calcite is deposited.

Evenly distributed soda straws indicate diffuse flow.
Lines of stalagmites and stalactites suggest fracture flow.
Flowstone indicates a steady source of
water over a long time period.
Science in Inner Space Cavern
University of Texas scientists have set up experiments
to study the relationships between water chemistry, drip
rates, and how fast formations grow.
Calcite formations preserve
records of the Earth’s history.

Scientists from UT analyze

samples in order to investigate
the relationship between
climatic conditions and how
quickly formations grow.

The oldest measurement of

this stalagmite was found to be
nearly 70 thousand years old.

Musgrove et al. (2001)

Caves are filled
with unanswered Lots of
questions . . . formations
No formations

Q: Why does one

fracture have
formations while
the other has
none?
How did this
happen?
 Review
Fracture Flow
Diffuse Flow

Soda Straw
Helectite

Column Flowstone

Stalagmite
How you can help protect the cave?
• Remember, Inner Space Cavern is a LIVING
cave. Touching formations or getting off trail will
cause irreparable damage.
• Keep the cave as clean as possible. Do not
bring food, candy, gum, drinks, water bottles,
backpacks, or strollers into the cave.
• Stay with the group and listen to the guide.
The tour is 1 ¼ hours long and several tours are in the
cave at the same time.
Enjoy your adventure into
Inner Space Cavern!