10 Caves

Caves written by John Lockyer

Caves are found high up in the mountains, under the sea, and deep under the earth. Some caves are only big enough for one person. underwater cave Other caves have long, twisting tunnels, and huge hollows. Rocks, lakes, waterfalls, streams, and tiny plants and animals are found inside caves.

Some caves are made by volcanoes. When lava flows out of a volcano, the surface cools down and turns into rock. lava cave The rock makes a tube around the hot lava inside. When the lava stops flowing, a big tunnel called a lava cave is left behind.

Sea caves are made when waves crash against a cliff on the seashore. The waves break away any weak rocks, and they can make a hollow at the bottom of the cliff. sea cave As more rocks are broken away, the hollow becomes a cave. Crabs, starfish, octopuses, seals, and sea lions make their homes in sea caves.

Ice caves are made by water that has frozen. In summer, some of the ice melts, and the cave opens up. ice cave In winter, the water freezes again, and the cave closes up. It is very, very cold inside an ice cave.

Most caves are found in limestone rock. Rainwater runs down through cracks in the rock, and it flows into underwater streams. limestone cave The rainwater slowly washes away the soft rock in any cracks, and it cuts out tunnels and caves. It takes thousands of years to make a limestone cave.