Mammoth Cave, Wind Cave, Carlsbad Cavern is part of a video series called “Great Courses”. A National Geographic geologist explains the science behind the creation of the caves in a karst landscape. He shows examples of stalactites (ceiling), stalagmites (floor) and other cave formations.
Mammoth has over 400 miles of tunnels with more still being discovered. It ranges from Northern Kentucky to Southern Ohio. Wind Cave in South Dakota is believed to possibly connect with Jewel Cave and is much smaller. Due to pressure differentials, Wind Cave “breathes” and contains a rare formation called boxwork. In New Mexico, Carlsbad Cavern contains the largest single chamber (The Big Room) and is surrounded by over 100 more caves including Lechuguilla Cave.
So, learn more about spelunking by exploring:
Carlsbad Caverns National Park