CAVERN –A large underground opening in rock (usually limestone) which occurred when some of the rock was dissolved by water. In some igneous (formed by volcanic action) rocks, caverns can be formed by large gas bubbles.

CAVITATION–(1) A process of erosion in a stream channel caused by sudden collapse of vapor bubbles against the channel wall. (2) The formation of cavities filled with air and water vapor due to internal pressure reduced below atmosphere. (3) The formation and collapse of gas pockets or bubbles on the blade of an impeller or the gate of a valve; collapse of these pockets or bubbles drives water with such force that it can cause pitting of the gate or valve surface.

On October 28, 1999, Albuq. Journal reporter John Fleck writes
that “One of the great mysteries of Carlsbad — ‘How old is this cave?’ — was solved last year.
Victor Polyak, a geologist now based at the University of New Mexico, found the answer in little nodules of soft rock found in pockets on the cave walls.
The acid ate out 83 known caves in what is now Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Polyak found that the caves at higher elevation were older — a clue to the role of uplift in the caves’ formation.
Polyak’s work finally gives park rangers something to say when tourists ask how old the cave is.
The Big Room is 4 million years old, Polyak found.
In the years since, dripping water went to work, depositing minerals one grain at time to create spectacular cave formations. …”

Cheers, Dave Thomas aka Dr. Who

On October 28, 1999, Albuq. Journal reporter John Fleck writes
that “One of the great mysteries of Carlsbad — ‘How old is this cave?’ — was solved last year.
Victor Polyak, a geologist now based at the University of New Mexico, found the answer in little nodules of soft rock found in pockets on the cave walls.
The acid ate out 83 known caves in what is now Carlsbad Caverns National Park, and Polyak found that the caves at higher elevation were older — a clue to the role of uplift in the caves’ formation.
Polyak’s work finally gives park rangers something to say when tourists ask how old the cave is.
The Big Room is 4 million years old, Polyak found.
In the years since, dripping water went to work, depositing minerals one grain at time to create spectacular cave formations. …”

Cheers, Dave Thomas aka Dr. Who

As it turns out, I just visited the caverns this last Tuesday morning and afternoon.   And after the first hour of continual descent into the depths of this system of caves, the next two were entirely exhilarating.  Just fyi, Carlsbad Caverns is a sanctuary for about 1 million Mexican Freetail bats.