In the ground, me, in the ground? Claustrophobia intact. Well, one of the Caverns had you going down an elevator.. no! The ratings were really high on the Luray Caverns and you could walk in. That's the one for me.
Stalagmites or Stalactites? Ground by the same process - Top down drippings that remain attached to the ceiling and walls are Stalactites, the ones that grow from the bottom up from the drippings of the Stalactites and moisture on the cave ceilings are Stalagmites. The areas are protected but if you could walk anywhere in the cave, you would be stepping on the Stalagmites and hitting your head on the Stalactites. There are mineral deposits and different mineral compositions determine the color and shape of the Stalagmites and Stalactites. Each of them are formed over millions of years taking (a soon to be found ) number of years to grow by a cubic inch. The caves are from 450 million years ago and continue to grow today. I received a "Cave Kiss" (minerals dripping on me) more than once during our underground tour.
 |
| Referred to as the "Ghost" by early explorers, they thought it was following them when actually there were several similar formations. |
 |
| There are the moments when there is no question that you are in touch with the beginning of time. |
 |
| Often the images mirrored in the shallow lake were sharper that the actual Stalactites. The lake was 12-18 inches deep. |
 |
| When you feel like you are beginning to understand how everything forms, you encounter new shapes with differing mineral contents creating the greys and whites. |
 |
| Sometimes you come around a corner and feel like there is an assembly waiting to tell you a story. |
 |
| This one is referred to as "Fish Market." |
 |
| The same minerals take on various forms. |
No comments:
Post a Comment