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Discover the fascinating world of caves! From solution caves to lava caves, sea caves, and glacier caves, explore their unique formations and the intriguing animal life within. Learn about stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites, and encounter troglobites like the Grotto Salamander and Blindfish. Join us for an adventure underground!
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What is a Cave? • Natural opening in the ground • Large enough to permit the entry of man • Range from small rooms to passages miles long
Types of Caves: Solution Caves • Formed by the movement of ground water • Slowly dissolves away rock to form tunnels • Most common type Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
Types of Caves: Lava Caves • Tube forms in lava • Outer surface cools and hardens • Molten lava within drains out Lava River Cave, Oregon
Types of Caves: Sea Caves • Formed by the constant action of waves • Attack the shores of oceans and lakes Sea Lion Cave, Oregon
Types of Caves: Glacier Caves • Melted water excavates drainage tunnels Eisriesenwelt, Werfen, Austria
Unique Features • Stalactites-hang downward from the ceiling • Stalagmites-grow upward from the floor • Helictites-oddly shaped formations, enigmatic
Animal Life • Troglobites-organism that lives entirely in a cave • Usually blind • Keen sense of smell and touch • Carnivorous Grotto Salamander Blindfish Bat