Limestone

Limestone is a sedimentary rock composed

primarily of calcium carbonate (CaCO3). It
sometimes contains significant quantities of
magnesium carbonate. Minor compounds
such as clay, iron carbonate, feldspar, pyrite,
and quartz are also typical. The grains are
often tiny pieces of ancient organism
skeletons.
How are limestone caves formed?
Limestone caverns develop as a result of naturally occurring
acidification in groundwater and rainfall causing chemical
weathering of limestone substrate. The majority of caverns
develop in karst, a terrain of limestone, gypsum, and dolomite
rocks that dissolve gradually in slightly
acidic water. Rainwater dissolves carbon
dioxide in the air as it descends to the
earth, forming an acid called carbonic
acid. This acidity triggers the chemical
weathering to the limestone base,
resulting in the formation of a limestone
cave little by little throughout the ages.
There is also carbon dioxide in the earth,
which is dissolved by groundwater to
produce weak carbonic acid. The weak
carbonic acid solution must percolate by
means of levels of the ground along fractures and other
vulnerable areas to reach the limestone bedrock.
As per sciencestruck.com, the chemical reaction is “CaCO3 +
H2O + CO2 → Ca(HCO3)2” which is calcium carbonate or
limestone with water and carbon dioxide to give calcium
bicarbonate.

Which locations are limestone caves likely to be found?

As per wikepedia.org,
”Limestone caves are
likely to be found in
Karst regions, such as
the Rock of Gibraltar,
the Burren in County
Clare, Ireland; Malham
Cove in North Yorkshire
and the Isle of Wight,
England; the Great
Orme in Wales; on Fårö near the Swedish island of Gotland” and
many more places. The only requirement is to have a huge
reserve of limestone and acid rain in the atmosphere.
Stalagmites and stalactites.
These rock and mineral deposits are often found in limestone
caves much after one has been made.

Stalactites emerge from the cavern bottom while stalagmites

develop from the cavern roof.

They develop due to the continuous dripping of mineral-infused

water. The water evaporates on the spike leaving trace minerals
behind. continuous dripping leads to increasing of the size.
How Are Limestone Caves Formed? (Images + Interesting
Facts) | Casual Geographical
Limestone | Characteristics, Formation, Texture, Uses, &
Facts | Britannica
An Explanation of How Limestone Caves are Formed at
Every Stage - Science Struck
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone#Limestone_landsc
ape
What is the difference between a stalactite and a
stalagmite?: Ocean Exploration Facts