Yes, many of the cave formations, also known as speleothems, within Jewel Cave are still actively forming today.
The Dynamic Nature of Jewel Cave
While the vast subterranean passages of Jewel Cave were carved out over millions of years by the movement of water, the cave's decorative elements are a continuously evolving spectacle. These secondary mineral deposits began to form after the initial water that filled and shaped the cave drained away.
What's Still Forming?
The ongoing process in Jewel Cave involves the slow accumulation of various speleothems. These formations grow as mineral-rich water seeps through cracks and fissures in the surrounding rock, depositing microscopic layers of calcite, aragonite, or other minerals when exposed to the cave's atmosphere. Many of these formations are still forming today, showcasing the enduring geological activity within the cave system.
Examples of these formations include:
- Flowstone: Sheet-like deposits that form on cave floors and walls.
- Stalactites and Stalagmites: Though less common than in some other caves, these classic formations can still be observed.
- Unique Formations: Jewel Cave is particularly renowned for its rare and delicate formations, such as:
- Hydromagnesite Balloons: Hollow spheres formed from a magnesium carbonate mineral.
- Frostwork: Delicate, needle-like crystals that resemble frost.
- Dogtooth Spar: Large, sharp calcite crystals.
Why Formation Continues
The continuation of speleothem growth is dependent on several factors:
- Water Infiltration: Precipitation on the surface percolates through the limestone bedrock.
- Mineral Dissolution: As water moves through the rock, it dissolves minerals, becoming supersaturated.
- Precipitation in the Cave: When this mineral-rich water reaches the cave environment, changes in temperature, pressure, and carbon dioxide levels cause the minerals to precipitate out, forming new layers of speleothems.
This perpetual cycle ensures that Jewel Cave remains a living, albeit slowly changing, geological wonder. For more detailed information on Jewel Cave's geology and formations, you can visit the official National Park Service website for Jewel Cave.
