Knowra Cave passage Cave passage A cave passage is an elongated underground opening through which people, air, or water can move. Its shape and origin reflect the processes that formed and modified the cave.
Cave : A naturally formed underground void large enough for a person to enter. A cave passage is one of the connected openings that make up a cave.
Karst : Terrain shaped by the dissolution of soluble rock, often containing caves and underground drainage. Karst processes produce many passages in limestone and other soluble rocks.
Speleology : The scientific study of caves, including their formation, environments, and life. Speleologists map and interpret cave passages as part of cave systems.
Mammoth Cave : A cave system in Kentucky, United States, known for its extensive mapped passages. Its long, interconnected routes illustrate how passages form a large network.
Cave chamber : A broad underground room whose dimensions exceed those of a typical passage. Chambers are enlarged spaces that interrupt narrower cave passages.
Carbonic acid : A weak acid formed when carbon dioxide dissolves in water. It dissolves carbonate rock and can enlarge water-filled passages.
Cave surveying : The measurement and mapping of cave dimensions, directions, and elevations. Survey data turn passage measurements into maps of underground routes.
Carlsbad Caverns : A cave system in New Mexico, United States, notable for large chambers and speleothems. Its passages connect conspicuous rooms and mineral formations.
Speleothem : A mineral deposit formed in a cave, commonly by precipitation from dripping or flowing water. Speleothems grow on passage floors, walls, and ceilings.
Phreatic zone : The saturated underground zone where pores and openings remain filled with water. Passages formed below the water table often have rounded, water-filled profiles.
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