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Caves

column

These natural holes in the Earth form over thousands or even millions of years!There are lots of different types of caves, such as ice, sea, limestone, chalk, salt, and even lava caves.2

In many limestone caves, stalactites grow slowly from the ceiling as calcite from dripping water hardens.These are unique species of fish, spiders, millipedes, crabs, scorpions, and other creatures that live their whole lives in caves.4

Caving is an adventure sport that involves walking, crawling, climbing, abseiling, and even swimming and rafting through caves!For example, limestone caves form as acidic rain dissolves rock.1

Different caves form in different ways.

Caves

column

These natural holes in the Earth form over thousands or even millions of years! There are lots of different types of caves, such as ice, sea, limestone, chalk, salt, and even lava caves.

1

Different caves form in different ways. For example, limestone caves form as acidic rain dissolves rock. Sea caves form as ocean waves and heavy rain erode cliffs. Ice caves form as melting water runs under glaciers or through cracks in the ice.

2

In many limestone caves, stalactites grow slowly from the ceiling as calcite from dripping water hardens. As water drips from them, similar formations called stalagmites grow up from the floor. When stalactites and stalagmites meet in the middle, they form columns.

3

Scientists have discovered over 7,700 'troglobites' so far. These are unique species of fish, spiders, millipedes, crabs, scorpions, and other creatures that live their whole lives in caves. They have often adapted to the dark conditions. Some are blind but have a great sense of smell. Others survive for a long time, such as the cave crayfish, which can live for 175 years!

4

Caving is an adventure sport that involves walking, crawling, climbing, abseiling, and even swimming and rafting through caves! It's popular and a lot of fun!

5

THINK!

Imagine you are in