A small chamber of speleothems, otherwise known as cave formations. The ones that descend vertically are known as stalactites, whereas the ones that extend horizontally or diagonally are known as helictites.
Alex Demas (Former Employee)
Science and Products
A small chamber of speleothems, otherwise known as cave formations. The ones that descend vertically are known as stalactites, whereas the ones that extend horizontally or diagonally are known as helictites.
Cave formations depend on water flowing through the limestone that makes up the cave walls. As the water passes through, it dissolves the limestone. Then, the calcium recombines with carbon dioxide in the water to create calcium carbonate.
Cave formations depend on water flowing through the limestone that makes up the cave walls. As the water passes through, it dissolves the limestone. Then, the calcium recombines with carbon dioxide in the water to create calcium carbonate.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. A prior waterline can be seen in the formations where the color changes from primarily white (formations formed in the air) to more beige (formations formed underwater). In addition, the previously submerged formations are larger than the ones that formed above the waterline.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. A prior waterline can be seen in the formations where the color changes from primarily white (formations formed in the air) to more beige (formations formed underwater). In addition, the previously submerged formations are larger than the ones that formed above the waterline.
A panorama of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A panorama of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A cave wall showing several cave formations, or speleothems. The larger formations at the bottom formed submerged in water, whereas the smaller formations at the top were exposed to air when they formed.
A cave wall showing several cave formations, or speleothems. The larger formations at the bottom formed submerged in water, whereas the smaller formations at the top were exposed to air when they formed.
A detail image of "cave popcorn," a bulbous cave formation.
A detail image of "cave popcorn," a bulbous cave formation.
A unique speleothem, or cave, formation can be seen here: helictites. Helictites are undulating dripstone formations that, due to differential pressures in the water, grow in unusual directions. These helictites are in the Caverns of Sonora.
A unique speleothem, or cave, formation can be seen here: helictites. Helictites are undulating dripstone formations that, due to differential pressures in the water, grow in unusual directions. These helictites are in the Caverns of Sonora.
A vertical shaft within the cave that shows how faulting and fractures in the rock create openings for air and water to weather and ultimately create a cave.
A vertical shaft within the cave that shows how faulting and fractures in the rock create openings for air and water to weather and ultimately create a cave.
A series of stalagmites, a form of dripstone that grows from the floor of a cave, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of stalagmites, a form of dripstone that grows from the floor of a cave, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. Dripstone formations like stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing from the floor) can be seen. In addition, bulbous speleothems known as "cave popcorn" grow on the walls.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. Dripstone formations like stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing from the floor) can be seen. In addition, bulbous speleothems known as "cave popcorn" grow on the walls.
A series of bulbous cave formations known as "cave popcorn." The geode-like formation in the center developed, because, at one point, this portion was submerged in water. Water was moving on the surface, creating the smooth appearance, while the opening allowed water to pool.
A series of bulbous cave formations known as "cave popcorn." The geode-like formation in the center developed, because, at one point, this portion was submerged in water. Water was moving on the surface, creating the smooth appearance, while the opening allowed water to pool.
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A detail image of the bulbous cave formation known as "cave popcorn" in the Caverns of Sonora.
A detail image of the bulbous cave formation known as "cave popcorn" in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of cave columns in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. These columns then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A series of cave columns in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. These columns then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn." The central focus of the image are several columns, which occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse.
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn." The central focus of the image are several columns, which occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse.
An image of walls in the Caverns of Sonora. At the top of the image can be seen a form of flowstone known as draperies. At the base of the walls is a formation known as "cave popcorn."
An image of walls in the Caverns of Sonora. At the top of the image can be seen a form of flowstone known as draperies. At the base of the walls is a formation known as "cave popcorn."
Sheets of cave popcorn in the Caverns of Sonora.
Sheets of cave popcorn in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of flowstone draperies in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of flowstone draperies in the Caverns of Sonora.
Science and Products
A small chamber of speleothems, otherwise known as cave formations. The ones that descend vertically are known as stalactites, whereas the ones that extend horizontally or diagonally are known as helictites.
A small chamber of speleothems, otherwise known as cave formations. The ones that descend vertically are known as stalactites, whereas the ones that extend horizontally or diagonally are known as helictites.
Cave formations depend on water flowing through the limestone that makes up the cave walls. As the water passes through, it dissolves the limestone. Then, the calcium recombines with carbon dioxide in the water to create calcium carbonate.
Cave formations depend on water flowing through the limestone that makes up the cave walls. As the water passes through, it dissolves the limestone. Then, the calcium recombines with carbon dioxide in the water to create calcium carbonate.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. A prior waterline can be seen in the formations where the color changes from primarily white (formations formed in the air) to more beige (formations formed underwater). In addition, the previously submerged formations are larger than the ones that formed above the waterline.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. A prior waterline can be seen in the formations where the color changes from primarily white (formations formed in the air) to more beige (formations formed underwater). In addition, the previously submerged formations are larger than the ones that formed above the waterline.
A panorama of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A panorama of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A cave wall showing several cave formations, or speleothems. The larger formations at the bottom formed submerged in water, whereas the smaller formations at the top were exposed to air when they formed.
A cave wall showing several cave formations, or speleothems. The larger formations at the bottom formed submerged in water, whereas the smaller formations at the top were exposed to air when they formed.
A detail image of "cave popcorn," a bulbous cave formation.
A detail image of "cave popcorn," a bulbous cave formation.
A unique speleothem, or cave, formation can be seen here: helictites. Helictites are undulating dripstone formations that, due to differential pressures in the water, grow in unusual directions. These helictites are in the Caverns of Sonora.
A unique speleothem, or cave, formation can be seen here: helictites. Helictites are undulating dripstone formations that, due to differential pressures in the water, grow in unusual directions. These helictites are in the Caverns of Sonora.
A vertical shaft within the cave that shows how faulting and fractures in the rock create openings for air and water to weather and ultimately create a cave.
A vertical shaft within the cave that shows how faulting and fractures in the rock create openings for air and water to weather and ultimately create a cave.
A series of stalagmites, a form of dripstone that grows from the floor of a cave, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of stalagmites, a form of dripstone that grows from the floor of a cave, in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. Dripstone formations like stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing from the floor) can be seen. In addition, bulbous speleothems known as "cave popcorn" grow on the walls.
A series of speleothems, or cave formations, in the Caverns of Sonora. Dripstone formations like stalactites (hanging from the ceiling) and stalagmites (growing from the floor) can be seen. In addition, bulbous speleothems known as "cave popcorn" grow on the walls.
A series of bulbous cave formations known as "cave popcorn." The geode-like formation in the center developed, because, at one point, this portion was submerged in water. Water was moving on the surface, creating the smooth appearance, while the opening allowed water to pool.
A series of bulbous cave formations known as "cave popcorn." The geode-like formation in the center developed, because, at one point, this portion was submerged in water. Water was moving on the surface, creating the smooth appearance, while the opening allowed water to pool.
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A prominent cave column in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. This column then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A detail image of the bulbous cave formation known as "cave popcorn" in the Caverns of Sonora.
A detail image of the bulbous cave formation known as "cave popcorn" in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of cave columns in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. These columns then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
A series of cave columns in the Caverns of Sonora. Cave columns occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse together. These columns then grew a series of cave formations, or speleothems, known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn."
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn." The central focus of the image are several columns, which occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse.
The Caverns of Sonora have numerous types of speleothems, or cave formations. In this image, stalactites can be seen hanging from the ceiling; stalagmites can be seen rising from the floor; and all along the walls are small formations known as "cave popcorn." The central focus of the image are several columns, which occur when stalactites and stalagmites fuse.
An image of walls in the Caverns of Sonora. At the top of the image can be seen a form of flowstone known as draperies. At the base of the walls is a formation known as "cave popcorn."
An image of walls in the Caverns of Sonora. At the top of the image can be seen a form of flowstone known as draperies. At the base of the walls is a formation known as "cave popcorn."
Sheets of cave popcorn in the Caverns of Sonora.
Sheets of cave popcorn in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of flowstone draperies in the Caverns of Sonora.
A series of flowstone draperies in the Caverns of Sonora.