This is important environmentally because this can allow surface sewage, animal waste, pesticides, and other pollutants into the underground water supply that travels through an underground labyrinth of cave systems. Stream A stream that flows in a valley that terminates in a headwall beneath which the stream plunges underground into an underground water system. Soda Straw A hollow stalactite that resembles the shape and dimensions of a soda straw. They can sometimes reach lengths as long as eighteen inches. Solutional Caves Caves that are formed in rock that can be dissolved by acidic groundwater.
Most solutional caves form in limestone, dolomite, gypsum, and marble.
Solution Pockets Solution pockets are short holes located along joints in the walls or ceilings. Speleothems are mineral deposits formed by the deposition of dissolved minerals in a cave. Speoleologist People who study the formations, geology, and hydrology of caves and their environment. Stalactite Stalactites are formations formed from the cave ceiling downward. They are comprised of mineral deposits formed by water interacting with bedrock.