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Caribbean Examination Council

Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate
CSEC
Geography
School Based Assessment (SBA)

Name of Candidate: Joshua Clarke, Sahle James, Demarco Mcintyre

Teacher: Ms Dickens
Centre: Herbert Morrison Technical High School
Centre Numbers:1000470560, 1000471311, 1000471648
Candidate Number:1000470560
Territory: Jamaica
Year: 2024

Acknowledgements
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I extend my sincere gratitude to my peers who contributed to the success of this study
on Green Grotto Cave. I express my appreciation to the local guides and experts who
generously shared their knowledge and insights, enriching my understanding of the cave's
geological and cultural significance. I also acknowledge the invaluable assistance of my
teachers who offered guidance and feedback throughout the research process.

Table of Content
Page #
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Acknowledgements 2
Introduction 4
Title of Study 5
Map of Jamaica 6
Area of Study 7
Methodology 8
Data Analysis and Presentation 9-12
Conclusion 13
References 14

Introduction
Green Grotto Cave, nestled in the picturesque landscape of St. Ann, stands as a
captivating natural wonder, rich in history and geological significance. This study aims to
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delve into the features associated with Green Grotto Cave, unravelling the mysteries of its
formation. As we embark on this exploration, we seek to understand the intricate processes
that have sculpted the cave's unique features over time.

Title of Study
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An investigation of the characteristics of limestone rock and the processes which have led to
the information of surface and underground features at the Green Grotto Caves and
attractions in Run Away Bay (St Ann).

Map of Jamaica
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Area of Study
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Methodology
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On the day, November 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM, our comprehensive data collection
methodology for unravelling the mysteries of Green Grotto Cave unfolded. Commencing
with detailed first-hand observations from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM we explored the cave's
depths as we looked at the variety of different formations, utilizing photography, note-taking,
and geological survey tools we wrote our information on our field guides. These on-site visits
provided firsthand insights into the unique characteristics of the cave. Subsequently, on
November 1, 2023, at 12:00 PM, we engaged with local tour guides, who shared valuable
second-hand information on the historical and cultural significance of Green Grotto Cave,
offering narratives on how these formations were shaped over time. Through structured
interviews, we cross-referenced this information with existing literature, ensuring accuracy
and coherence. This integrated approach, blending first-hand exploration with the narratives
provided by local experts, resulted in a comprehensive dataset that unveils not only the
physical features of the cave but also the geological processes responsible for their formation.

Data Analysis And Presentation

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Limestone Characteristics Analysis

Plate 1

Limestone

The limestone found in Green Grotto Cave

exhibits several characteristic features. It is notably permeable, allowing water to seep
through and contribute to the formation of stalactites and stalagmites within the cave system.
The limestone is light-coloured as seen in Plate 1, contributing to the overall brightness of the
cave interior. Joints and cracks are evident, indicating the natural fracturing of the rock, while
layering of bedding planes suggests the stratified nature of the limestone formation.
Moreover, the limestone is porous, facilitating the absorption and transmission of water over
time. Despite its porous nature, the limestone is hard and durable, as it is predominantly
composed of calcium carbonate, contributing to the stability of the cave structure. These
characteristics collectively contribute to the unique geological and aesthetic qualities of
Green Grotto Cave.

Surface Feature Formation Processes

Green Grotto Cave exhibits several surface feature formation processes typical of limestone
caves in karst landscapes. Here are examples of these processes at Green Grotto Cave:
 Chemical Weathering: The limestone bedrock of Green Grotto Cave undergoes
chemical weathering primarily through the dissolution of calcium carbonate by acidic
groundwater. This process enlarges existing fractures and creates new passages within
the cave system.
 Biological Weathering: Biological activity, such as the growth of plant roots and the
activity of microorganisms, contributes to the weathering of rock surfaces within and
around Green Grotto Cave. Plant roots can penetrate cracks in the limestone,
accelerating the breakdown of rock over time.
 Erosion and Deposition: Water erosion plays a significant role in shaping the cave
passages and formations within Green Grotto Cave. The flow of water through the
cave system carries sediment, which can erode passages and deposit sediment in low-
lying areas, contributing to the formation of cave formations such as stalactites and
stalagmites.
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Underground Feature Formation Processes (Stalactites and Stalagmites)

Stalactites and stalagmites, prominent underground features in caves like Green Grotto
Cave, form primarily through the process of mineral deposition.
Stalactites (Hanging from the Ceiling):
Plate 2

Stalactite
`

 Stalactites (as seen in Plate 2) form as water containing dissolved minerals, usually
calcium carbonate, drips from the cave ceiling. The water absorbs carbon dioxide
from the air, forming a weak carbonic acid solution.
 As the water droplet hangs from the ceiling, it loses carbon dioxide, causing the
calcium carbonate to precipitate out of the solution. This forms a small ring of calcite
around the droplet.
 Over time, as the water continues to drip, more calcite is deposited, gradually building
up the stalactite from the top down. Stalactites can take various shapes and sizes
depending on factors such as the mineral content of the water and the rate of drip.

Stalagmites (Rising from the Floor): Plate 3

Stalagmite
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 Stalagmites form on the cave floor directly beneath stalactites (as seen in Plate 3). As
the water drips from the tip of a stalactite and hits the cave floor, it deposits calcite in
the form of tiny mineral crystals.
 Over time, these mineral deposits accumulate, gradually building up the stalagmite
from the bottom up. Stalagmites often have a conical shape, but their growth can be
influenced by factors such as the direction of airflow and the composition of the cave
environment.
Both stalactites and stalagmites grow relatively slowly, often taking hundreds or even
thousands of years to reach significant sizes. Their formation is dependent on the continual
drip of mineral-rich water and the presence of suitable conditions for mineral deposition
within the cave environment. As a result, they serve as valuable indicators of the geological
processes and environmental conditions that have shaped the cave

Underground Feature Formation Processes (Sinkholes and Pillars)

Sinkholes and pillars are significant underground features that form due to various
geological processes, particularly in limestone-rich regions like those where Green Grotto
Cave is located:
Sinkholes:

Plate 4

Sinkhole

 Sinkholes are depressions or cavities in the ground that form when limestone bedrock
dissolves, leading to the collapse of surface material into underground voids (as seen
in Plate 4)
 Limestone, being composed primarily of calcium carbonate, is highly susceptible to
dissolution by acidic groundwater. Over time, this dissolution creates voids and
caverns beneath the surface.
 As the voids expand and intersect, the overlying surface layers become unstable and
may collapse suddenly, creating a sinkhole. Factors such as heavy rainfall, changes in
groundwater levels, and human activities can accelerate sinkhole formation.
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 Pillars:
Plate 5

Pillar

 Pillars, also known as stalactite-stalagmite pillars or cave columns, form when

stalactites hanging from the cave ceiling meet stalagmites growing from the cave floor
and merge together.
 The formation of pillars requires a balance between the rate of stalactite growth from
the ceiling and stalagmite growth from the floor. As mineral-rich water drips from the
stalactite and deposits calcite on the stalagmite, the two formations gradually grow
toward each other.
 When they meet and fuse, a pillar is formed. These pillars provide structural support
to the cave roof and are often found in areas where the ceiling and floor are relatively
close together.
The formation of sinkholes and pillars in limestone environments is a dynamic process
influenced by geological, hydrological, and environmental factors. Understanding these
processes is crucial for assessing the stability of cave systems and the surrounding landscape,
as well as for mitigating potential hazards associated with sinkhole collapse.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the exploration of Green Grotto Cave unveiled invaluable insights into its
geological and cultural significance. Through meticulous first-hand observations,
documentation, and engagement with tour guides, a comprehensive dataset was constructed
that delineates the cave's physical features and clarifies the intricate geological processes
responsible for its formation.
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References
https://theplanetd.com/green-grotto-caves-jamaica/
https://letstravelcaribbean.com/blog/discover/history-beauty-green-grotto-caves/
https://www.astoldbynella.com/blog/green-grotto-caves-jamaica
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