science question
2007-01-07 07:41:23 · 4 answers · asked by iluvkolton 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
1. technically that is not correct as caves can and do form in a variety of rocks;
2. Most caves do, however, form in limestone which is a type of rock predominantly composed of calcium carbonate. Limestone is more easily fractured than many rock types which thus allows water to flow though. The water flowing through can abrade the rock and further widen the crack or fracture. And since it is composed of calcium carbonate it is capable of being dissolved by water flowing through it even if the water is only slightly acidic.
The acid in the water can be derived from weak organic acids created in the "dirt" where plants are growing; from plants themselves (such as pine and oak trees); from acid rain, etc. As the water dissolves the calcium carbonate caves are formed.
Mammoth Cave in Western Kentucky is a great example of one of these limestone caves.
2007-01-07 09:03:23 · answer #1 · answered by idiot detector 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Caves can form in ANY kind of rock. If this is a question your teacher asked, they should be reprimanded for asking improper questions.
It happens more often in soft rocks, especially marble and limestones since groundwater dissolves them, however, if you get fault going through a hard rock, and sea action abrades this hard rock preferentially along this fault, a cave can develop in even "hard" rocks like basalt or granite.
2007-01-07 11:31:30 · answer #2 · answered by jazznsax 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Groundwater may dissolve limestone. For that reason many caves are to be found in limestone.
2007-01-07 08:58:56 · answer #3 · answered by curious curt 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
to put it simply:
some rocks are too hard, some rocks are too soft, and some rocks are just right.
2007-01-07 07:43:36 · answer #4 · answered by nermil 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋