The Formation of Caves
A cave is a natural opening, usually, in mountains, that is large enough for human entry. I will write about three different types of caves: volcanic, glacier, and solution.
Solution caves form in limestone and gypsum and are the most common type of caves in Texas. These are formed by water that eroded large areas in limestone.
![](https://www.homeschooler.info/content/images/2021/12/image-7.png)
Lava tubes are a form of a volcanic cave. As the lava is emitted from the vent area, it spreads in the path of least resistance shaping a round tunnel.
![](https://www.homeschooler.info/content/images/2021/12/image-8.png)
Most glacier caves are started by water running through or under the glacier. Heat transferred from the water can cause sufficient melting to create an air-filled cavity.
![](https://www.homeschooler.info/content/images/2021/12/image-9.png)
There are other types of caves like erosion caves and crevice caves. Caves are important because they let us observe subterranean processes up close.