Caves found within limestone are primarily formed by which process?

Caves in limestone are primarily formed through the process of chemical weathering, specifically by the action of slowly circulating groundwater below the water table. As rainwater percolates through soil and limestone, it absorbs carbon dioxide, forming a weak acid known as carbonic acid. This acidic water can dissolve the limestone, gradually creating voids and passages that develop into caves over time.

The circulation of water is crucial because it continuously engages with the limestone, allowing for ongoing dissolution and cavity formation. As the water persists in these areas, it further enlarges the passages, leading to the development of larger and more complex cave systems. This dynamic process results in the characteristic formations found in limestone caves, such as stalactites and stalagmites, which subsequently develop as mineral deposits within the cave environment.

In contrast, groundwater that remains stationary would not effectively erode and shape the limestone formations. Also, water moving off of speleothems pertains to the deposits already within a cave, which doesn’t contribute to the initial formation of the cavities. Artesian conditions involve confined aquifers, which can influence groundwater flow, but they are not directly responsible for the formation of caves in limestone.