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How Are Caves Decorated?
Draperies and Stalagtites hanging from the ceiling in Lower Cave, Carlsbad Cavern.
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How Does Water Help Form Cave Decorations?

One of the most incredible and beautiful things about caves are their decorations.
Draperies and Stalagtites hanging from the ceiling in Lower Cave, Carlsbad Cavern.
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This picture shows'draperies' and 'stalagtites' pretty IMPRESSIVE, huh?

After surface water enters the cave it releases the carbon dioxide it has picked up from its passage through the soil. This release of carbon dioxide leads to the precipitation of calcium carbonate dissolved in the water and the growth of carbonate speleothems.

The shape of carbonate speleothems is controlled by water in several ways, including: dripping, flowing, seeping and pooling. Click on the words below to see how each one controls how a speleothem is shaped.

Click here to go to the Limestone and acid Activity

Dripping

Flowing

Seeping

Pooling

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Cave Decorations
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What Caves Are
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Where Caves Are
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How Caves Form

Further Bat Activities