So You Found the Solution

(That's Right It's a Solution Cave)

The Geology of Solution Caves

We've just entered through a sinkhole.

A cave is a natural opening in the ground. It is usually big enough to let a person in, and extends beyond the zone of light. It can range in size from a small room to passages many miles long.

Speleology is the study of caves and comes from the Greek words spelaion for cave and logos for the word study (Davies and Margens). It is a science that includes geology (study of rocks and earth), hydrology (study of water and water resources), and archaeology (the study of man's past culture). Gee, what natural connections for the Caminos Reales.

How the Caminos Solution Caves were Formed

Solution caves can be thought of as huge plumbing systems. They are formed by the flow of water through limestone in limestone and similar rocks. Water seeps into the pores and cracks of rocks and soil and bubbles beneath the earth above. Sometime later, some of the water reaches an area where all the cracks and pores are already filled with water. The upper area is called the water table. A chemical process occurs when calcite(calciumcarbonate), the main mineral of limestone, mixes with rainwater. The rainwater picks up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and combines with the calcium carbonate to form a weak carbonic acid. This acid over time dissolves the calcite to form solution chambers and excavation passages. The left over calcium bicarbonate solution runs off into the underground drainage system.

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After the water table lowers (this happens as rivers deepen), a second stage of cave development occurs. During this stage,the solution caves are maintained in the unsaturated zone where air is allowed entry. At this time calcite is deposited, which forms different types of dripstone. Since there is ventilation in the cave area, the carbon dioxide gas escapes from the water into the air instead of becoming a concentrated carbonic acid. The calcite is then deposited as dripstone.

Springs Springs that helped to form the caves are a very important part of the Caminos' history. In the early writings of Texas, springs were found everywhere along the Caminos Reales. These springs were important to the survival of the travelers. The trails and routes that were traveled, naturally followed the presence of water. The trails were also influenced by the difficulties of crossing large bodies of water or streams. It was no wonder that the most highly populated areas of the Caminos Reales were established around the areas that had the most water. The springs would help provide water for the deeping of the rivers over time. When these springs would dry up and the water table would sink lower, caves would then be established. Perhaps even a place for travelers to find refuge during their travels. Around these caves many mysteries evolved. You may choose to explore the mystery of Enchanted Rock ,and why the many springs disappeared, or continue on to find the gold and silver rumored to have been left by the defenders of the Alamo.

Click here to enter the game and go down into the cave to find the gold and silver.

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