collapse of caves

collapse of caves
   Collapse and breakdown of cave walls and ceilings are continuing aspects of cave development and modification. Massive unfractured limestone can easily span a void of over 100m, but thinly bedded, closely jointed, faulted or poorly lithified limestone may collapse into very small passages. Collapse is a significant component of cave erosion. As well as simple falls of unsupported rock forming connections between passages, the collapse process exposes more rock surface area for potential dissolution. As rates of collapse are measured on a geological time scale collapse in natural caves offers a negligible threat to explorers, in comparison to the dangers of roof collapse in mines [9].

A Lexicon of Cave and Karst Terminology with Special Reference to Environmental Karst Hydrology. . 2002.

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