what is a cave?

Answer 1

Here is the answer I gave to the question a few months ago:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/;_ylt=Ak9YbtkKkwQVSmmWvD0YEM4jzKIX?qid=1006030707009

On a very general basis, it is a naturally formed hole or shelter within rock or even firmly lithified silt and clay that is generally big enough for a human to enter. In some instances large fractures in rock or even gaps within large piles of boulders are called caves. Generally man-made features are not considered caves.

To sum it up, most cave scientists exclude anything from the definition of a cave that is not naturally formed and does not extend far enough into the earth to have an area that has total darkness.

Most geographers will include into the definition caves those which are naturally formed and provide limited shelter, but may not be extensive enough to have an area of total darkness. These are commonly referred to as shelter caves. The problem that cartographers and geographers alike face is that the term is commonly put on maps based on local usage. In one region a natural overhang on a cliff may be called a 'cave', while in another geographic location it may only be used for caves formed by dissolution of rock. This variation of usage tends to reflect how common caves are in a certain area; in areas where caves are common the local usage will be much more restrictive than in areas where caves are rare.

It really depends on your purpose for defining a cave, and there is certainly enough variation of usage of the term that one needs to define it whenever it is being used to classify features.

Answer 2

A cave is a natural underground void large enough for an adult human to enter. Some scientists stipulate that it must be large enough that some portion of it will not receive daylight; however, in popular usage, the term includes smaller spaces like cliff cavities, rock shelters and sea caves. Speleology is the scientific exploration and study of all aspects of caves. The act of exploring a cave for recreation is called 'caving', 'potholing', or occasionally (only in the USA) 'spelunking'.

Answer 3

A cave is an opening in the land. This may help: http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/cave

Main Entry:1cave
Pronunciation:'kAv
Function:noun
Etymology:Middle English, from Old French, from Latin cava, from cavus hollow; akin to Greek koilos hollow, and probably to Greek kyein to be pregnant -- more at CYME
1 : a natural underground chamber or series of chambers open to the surface
2 : a usually underground chamber for storage ; also : the articles stored there

It has Stalactites and Stalagmites as well. Stalactites grow on the top as Stalagmites grow on the bottom.

Answer 4

A man made or naturally formed opening inside a rock or rocks in a mountain may be big or small wide or narrow deep or not much depth which can be the home for wild animals and even men.

Answer 5

An opening in a mountain or down in the ground.

Answer 6

hollow or natural passage under or into the earth, especially one with an opening to the surface.

Answer 7

A hole or passage in the earth or mountain.

Answer 8

a piece of land which, over a very long time, has been eroded to create an opening.

Answer 9

its like a small or large hole in a mountian or rock that people and or animals may live in

Answer 10

a hole in a mountain