GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Caves are formed by the dissolution of limestone. Rainwater picks up carbon dioxide from the air and as it percolates through the soil, which turns into a weak acid. This slowly dissolves out the limestone along the joints, bedding planes and fractures, some of which become enlarged enough to form caves.

Detailed explanation-2: -When the carbonic acid comes in contact with calcite, it dissolves small amounts of the calcite and carries it away in a solution through cracks and pores in the rock, leaving behind a bigger opening. Over a very long time, these holes can create caves. One of the samples is limestone.

Detailed explanation-3: -There, due to high pressures that can form within the soil, a lot of CO2 ends up dissolved in water to make carbonic acid. The acidified water will keep percolating downward until it reaches the limestone. Solution caves form when this acidified water has a way into the rock.

Detailed explanation-4: -When carbonic acid contacts limestone, it dissolves minerals in the rock. If enough water to saturate the rock is present over a long time period, cavities and entire underground cave networks can form.

Detailed explanation-5: -Most limestone caves are dissolved into existence by carbonic acid, a mixture of carbon dioxide and water. Some, however, are created by a more corrosive acid-one that results from bacteria deep within the Earth, feeding off oil deposits.