Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Cavern is one of over 300 limestone caves in a fossil reef laid down by an inland sea 250 to 280 million years ago. The magnificent speleothems (cave formations) that continue to grow and decorate Carlsbad Cavern are due to rain and snowmelt soaking through limestone rock, then eventually dripping into and evaporating in a cave below. Those water drops have absorbed gasses and dissolved minerals from the soil and limestone above. Wherever that water drop evaporates and releases carbon dioxide in an air-filled cave, a small amount of mineral-mostly calcite, is left behind. This image, from the archives, is one of the formations in the Big Room, also known as the Hall of Giants.
Thanks for stopping by -- I appreciate all of your support. Have a great weekend! I'm in Albuquerque for a few days, will catch up as time permits; the schedule is unpredictable.
Please respect my copyright and do not copy, modify or download this image to blogs or other websites without obtaining my explicit written permission.
Carlsbad Caverns
Carlsbad Cavern is one of over 300 limestone caves in a fossil reef laid down by an inland sea 250 to 280 million years ago. The magnificent speleothems (cave formations) that continue to grow and decorate Carlsbad Cavern are due to rain and snowmelt soaking through limestone rock, then eventually dripping into and evaporating in a cave below. Those water drops have absorbed gasses and dissolved minerals from the soil and limestone above. Wherever that water drop evaporates and releases carbon dioxide in an air-filled cave, a small amount of mineral-mostly calcite, is left behind. This image, from the archives, is one of the formations in the Big Room, also known as the Hall of Giants.
Thanks for stopping by -- I appreciate all of your support. Have a great weekend! I'm in Albuquerque for a few days, will catch up as time permits; the schedule is unpredictable.
Please respect my copyright and do not copy, modify or download this image to blogs or other websites without obtaining my explicit written permission.