caveforming

Caveforming is the process by which caves are formed, through natural geological processes or through human activity that creates hollow rock spaces. In geology, cave formation is commonly referred to as speleogenesis and results from interactions among rock type, water, chemistry, and time.

Natural caveforming occurs through several mechanisms. Karst cave formation results when slightly acidic water dissolves soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, or gypsum, gradually enlarging joints and conduits into caves. Other natural pathways include lava tubes formed when flowing lava creates hollow channels as the surface crust solidifies and the interior drains; sea caves carved by wave action at coastlines; and glacier caves formed by meltwater flowing through or beneath ice and rock.

Artificial caveforming includes human-made excavations such as mining tunnels, caverns created during construction, and openings made for storage, burial, or tourism. Engineering caveforming must address rock stability, groundwater management, ventilation, and drainage, often employing supports, grouting, sealing, or controlled drainage to prevent collapse or flooding.

Cave morphology varies with rock type, climate, hydrology, and age, ranging from narrow fissures to large chambers. Inside many caves, mineral-rich water depositions form speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites over long timescales. The study of caveforming informs geology, hydrology, archaeology, and engineering, and cave environments often hold ecological and cultural significance.