Sinkhole-A rounded depression in the landscape formed by solution of bedrock or collapse of an underlying cavity. Example: Devils Well |
Losing Stream-A surface stream that is diverted to the underground via a sinkhole or cave within the stream's valley. Example: Sinking Creek |
Water-filled Conduit-The vertical cracks and spaces between sedimentary layers convey water. Joints - natural cracks of fractures in rock that do not show displacement. |
Natural Bridge-The roof remnant of a collapsed cave system. A good example is visible at Grand Gulf State Park, about 30 mile south of the Ozark Riverways. |
Cave-A natural cavity beneath the earth's surface. Example: Round Spring Cave |
Karst topography - a landscape characterized by the presence of sinkholes, caves, springs, and losing streams created by groundwater solution of sedimentary rock such as limestone. |
Spring-A natural discharge of water from rock or soil to the surface. Examples: Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring, Pulltite Spring, Blue Spring, etc |
Seep-A slow, oozing natural discharge of water from rock or soil to the surface. |
Aquifer - A layer of rock or sediment containing groundwater that can be drawn for use above ground. | Calcite - the crystalized form of calcium carbonate. This is the major material in stalactites and other cave formations. | Carbonic Acid - A weak acid formed by rain or other water in contact with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in soils and vegetation. |
Groundwater - The naturally occurring water found beneath the earth's surface in layers of rock or sediment. |
Speleology - The study of caves. Biospeleology - The study of cave life. |
Speleothem - Cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, dripstone, rimstone, soda straws, helictites, columns, etc. |
Troglobites - Animals that spend their entire lives in caves. Often with special adaptations to the cave environment, such as long sensitive limbs. Example: Southern Cave Fish |
Troglophiles - Animals that can and do live in caves, but are capable of surving outside. May be found in similar outside environments such as under rocks or in soil. Example: Cave Salamander |
Trogloxenes - Animals that visit caves but return to the surface regularly. Caves may be used as shelter, denning sites, etc. Examples: Bats, bears, crickets, people. |