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In the photo at the left the
ceiling of the cave looks rather flat and even, like it must be the
work of humans but it is really a natural feature. Some areas that will
be shown in later photos provide an even flatter surface. The flat
surface is the result of different layers of limestone. These layers
form naturally tabular type formations that are often used in building
stone. When the lower layer collapses from erosion the next supporting
layer that is even and flat results in a new ceiling.
The photo at the right shows one of the most common rock formations in
the cave called flowstone. When water that is saturated with calcite is
exposed to the air some of the carbon dioxide dissolved in the water
escapes. This means that not as much calcite can be dissolved in the
water so it precipitates out on the surface in very thin layers as
water flows over the previous formation. Because the rock is formed
from the flowing of water it is called flowstone.
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