Answer :
Final answer:
Most caves and caverns form by the dissolution of limestone due to the acidic water, which over time carves out underground spaces, later decorated with stalactites and stalagmites formed from precipitated minerals.
Explanation:
The formation of most caves and caverns originates through the dissolution of limestone. Limestone, which is composed primarily of the mineral calcite, is a water-soluble sedimentary rock rich in calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) from the remains of marine organisms such as clams and corals. This rock dissolves in water that contains dissolved carbon dioxide, forming a weak carbonic acid. Over time, this acidic solution erodes the limestone, creating underground cavities that eventually become caves. Groundwater then deposits minerals in these caves, forming various speleothems such as stalactites and stalagmites, where the CaCO₃ precipitates back out of the solution. This geological activity is most commonly associated with karst topography, a landscape characterized by sinkholes, underground rivers, and caverns.
