Exploring

Caves and

Caverns

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Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks

An interactive learning station created by Nate Moore for Ed. 265A

Self Check

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

There are four different types of caves:

1. Lava caves are formed by flowing lava. After the outside crust of lava cools and hardens, the inside remains free flowing. The result is a hollow tube.

2. Sea caves are formed from the breaking of waves against a steep cliff or rock wall. As the pressure against cliffs increases, the ground gives and a cave is created by massive waves

3. Ice caves result as water freezes inside the walls of sea caves.

4. Limestone caves are formed underground as rain passes through limestone after chemical reactions occur. Rock dissolves under the surface creating an open chamber or cavern

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Cave animals

The little brown bat is called a trogloxene, or an animal that sometimes chooses to live in caves.

The adult cave salamander prefers to live in caves but can survive outside of caves. They care called troglophiles.

Blind crayfish are called troglobites, or animals that live only in caves. They cannot survive anywhere else.

cave rock formations Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Stalagmite Flowstone

Column Stalactite

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Stalagmite*Formed by calcium carbonate deposites from the ground. Water dripping from above will often form stalagmites directly underneath on the floors of caves.

This is an example of a gypsum stalagmite

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Stalactite* Formed by calcium deposits hanging from the ceiling of caves as water drips

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Column*Formed when a stalagmite and a stalactite join

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Flowstone* Flowstone is formations of rock found in caves that appear to be water trickling over the walls. They appear to be smooth but remain solid rock.

Self Check

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Limestone caves are formed by:

A. Lava cooling in the center and creating a hollow tunnel.

B. Rain reacting with chemicals to form hollow caverns underground.

C. Waves from the sea crashing upon cliffs.

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Great!! Now answer the following:Animals such as the blind crayfish are a member of this family because they can not survive conditions outside of caves:

A. Troglobites

B. Troglophiles

C. Trogloxene

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

Good job!! Now this one…

True or false:

Stalagmites grow from the ceiling of caves

Excellent!!

To learn more about caves, check out these

references:Bevan, Finn. Beneath the Earth. Danbury: Children’s Press,

1998.

Bunnell, Dave. Good Earth Graphics. 9/26/02

www.goodearthgraphics.com

Coles, Rick. Caving Canada. Sept. 1995. 10/25/02. www.cancaver.ca

Erickson, Jon. Craters, Caverns and Canyons. New York: Facts on File, 1993.

USGS. “Exploring Caves.” 1/29/02. 10/23/02.

http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/explorecaves_animals.htm

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check

BibliographyBunnell, Dave. Good Earth Graphics. 9/26/02

www.goodearthgraphics.com

Erickson, Jon. Craters, Caverns and Canyons. New York: Facts on File, 1993.

USGS. “Exploring Caves.” 1/29/02. 10/23/02.

http://interactive2.usgs.gov/learningweb/teachers/explorecaves_animals.htm

Types of Caves Animals Types of Rocks Self Check