Limestone-formations

Question 1

Limestone pavement

Answer 1

Limestone is pushed close to the surface by powerful crystal movements. As the limestone travels upwards vertical joints are formed, eventually the limestone is exposed by a glacier scraping away the soil on top. Rain ( a weak carbonic acid) begins to erode the limestone through the process of carbonation, this widens the joints making them grikes, the large pieces of rock are called clints

Question 2

Swallow hole

Answer 2

When a river flows over limestone it enlarges the joints(corasion/solution), eventuality when the joint has been widened enough the stream will disappear underground, this is a swallow hole.

Question 3

Caves

Answer 3

Caves are formed where joints and bedding planes are close together, here the process of carbonation is strongest, over time a small hole is formed, over thousands of years this will get bigger to form a cave. A stalagmite and stalactite will be formed as water carrying dissolved limestone drips from the roof, through a process called gas diffusion this dries and leave behind stone, eventually they may touch each other forming a limestone pillar.