The Story of Caves

Cave Development. Cave Formation. How are caves formed?
Caves are magical places, full of amazing sights. The mineral deposits that adorn cave ceilings and walls are intricate and incredibly varied consisting of stalactites, stalagmites, curtains, frozen waterfalls, rimstone dams and, the most remarkable all of cave formations - helictites and every one of them has been sculptured by nothing more than water.
Caves themselves are also created by water - The tunnels, chambers, shafts and finely sculptured walls have all been carved out by flowing water .
So how do caves and their decorations come into existence?
#caving #CaverKeith #DudleyCavingClub
Disclaimer
This short video is merely an overview of cave development and covers the subject in a highly simplified way. It does not include anything about the types of limestone laid down in different geological periods of time or how cave passage development can be modified by such things as infill, faults and fractures in the rock layers. It will inevitably contain some inaccuracies (I hope very few) and omissions.
Music:
A Walk Into Space by Topher Mohr and Alex Elena
Space Chatter by Doug Maxwell/Media Right Productions
Both tracks are available from the KZbin Audio Library
Take Off and Shoot a Zero by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: chriszabriskie.com/stuntisland/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/

[@forgottenheritage4895]

Brilliant Keith. This should be shown in geography classes around the UK. I feel very lucky to have seen many of the places in this video.

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks Matt. I cannot believe how well this video has been received. I was very undecided about uploading it, but I've had tremendous support and no negative comments. Looking forward to seeing videos on your channel. Keith

[@niklashall5969]

Boulder chokes just added a whole of dimension of fear to caving for me..... I love it!!!!!

[@LuigiCotocea]

To new cavers: Its a shame to destroy the stalagmite and the stalactites. Millions of years wasted by human destruction!

[@JameBlack]

12:50 I know the answer it's not a stalagmtites but a stalactites which formed in the previous eons when Earth was upside down.

[@CaverKeith]

I wish I'd thought of this. 🙂

[@sailingneil]

Another great and very informative video, thanks Keith

[@CaverKeith]

Hi Neil. Pleased you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@0723Wren]

This was a great film! Thank you so much for walking us through the caves.

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you enjoyed it! It was a fun film to make.

[@jackalopewright5343]

This is the best cave formation video on KZbin

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you.

[@mulucaver2]

Great film, thanks Keith. That brought back lots of memories. The access to the Ladder Dig extensions seems to be somewhat better than when I was last there, decades ago!

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you enjoyed it. The wet squeeze is still fun. 😂

[@niklashall5969]

This video definitely gave me an understanding of caves that has increased my sense of awe and excitement to try my hand at this pastime! I can't wait to try that first claustrophobic squeeze deep underground....it terrifies me and yet it calls out to my soul. I have to do this.

[@TheFos88]

Have you done it yet?

[@brannonmcdonald5913]

Brilliant video very informative, keep up the good work.

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@hmm2928]

This was a brilliant video Keith keep up the great work!

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks Akash. I'm pleased that you liked it.

[@Emerild]

Exactly the comprehensive kind of vid I was looking for

[@CaverKeith]

I'm pleased that it was what you were looking for. Thanks for watching. Keith

[@adrianpturner]

Excellent work Keith!

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks Adrian. I was a little nervous about releasing this but it has been well received.

[@tohian]

Outstanding video. Thank you! 🙏

[@CaverKeith]

Wow! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@doughobbs7706]

brilliant as ever Keith - top stuff 👍

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you.

[@hannahrisken7183]

I love all the information and the pictures you have in this video

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you.

[@keshavmishra8478]

This one filled me with substantial knowledge ... Thanks for it !

[@CaverKeith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@user-ep2xq2wh9h]

Amazing information! Thank you so much!

[@CaverKeith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@janetmurphy3208]

A very clear explanation which really helped me to grasp the basics of cave formation. Thank you

[@CaverKeith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@magos_0083]

Absolutely informative. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@CaverKeith]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching.

[@imitc82077]

Keith, Great video and pictures. I'd forgotten my O level geography of Synclines and Anticlines. Thank you

[@CaverKeith]

Cheers. As you know the photos were all from Mark and Brendan.

[@TheFos88]

Beautifully explained!

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you.

[@MrOdsplut]

Inspiring me to go caving again

[@CaverKeith]

Do it!

[@niklashall5969]

That was an excellent video, the most informative I could find on caves and caving on KZbin that is no doubt. I can't describe my appreciation enough Keith, O can say that I replayed sections over that much I think it took me 45 minutes at least to watch it in full. Well done!! 👏👏👏👏🥀🥀🥀🥀

[@CaverKeith]

You are very kind. Be careful, caving gets into the blood.

[@gretacimolini6674]

Awesome video!

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@James120756]

Well done!

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks.

[@meldale6267]

great video!!

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you!! I'm pleased you liked it.

[@robbo03]

As someone who studies physical geography and geomorphology, this was very interesting. Thank you!

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@altafhussain2636]

This film was very informative. Thanks for all team

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@Henllan]

Excellent Keith :D

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks Ian.

[@norebangfra]

really well explained video and with excellent examples! kudos!

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you kindly!

[@becamicusack3598]

Always good to see your posts, and this is one of your best. Separating yourself from others by understanding the science behind your passion is what separates the best from the rest, especially when that knowledge is important for much of the enjoyment.

[@CaverKeith]

Wow! Thanks for making such a supportive comment. Much appreciated.

[@jamesmccrindle1022]

LEARN THE TRUTH ABOUT HOW CAVES WERE CREATED, SUBSCRIBE TO MUDFOSSILS UNIVERSITY AND ROGER SPURR WILL EDUCATE YOU. SO STOP TELLING LIES AS YOU HAVEN'T A CLUE WHAT IS REALLY GOING ON. SORRY TO BURST YOUR BUBBLE BUT WERE EDUCATED AND KNOW THE TRUTH AND ACADEMIA WILL PAY FOR ALL THE LIES THEY TEACH AND IF YOU SPEAK UP , STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT NOT TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES AND THEY ARE TOLD THEY WILL FAIL ,SO THEY HAVE TO MEMORIZE THE GARBAGE ACADEMICS TELL THEM ..THATS FRAUD , STUDENTS ARE BEING RIPPED OFF AND THIS HAS TO CHANGE.. WITHOLDING TRUTH IS ILLEGAL

[@jamesmccrindle1022]

Sir you've been deceived ,don't listen to this garbage...Caves are 100% biological, subscribe to Mudfossils University and watch and learn the shocking truth about everything. D n a certified fact

[@syzygy2043]

Great video. Really like the tie-in with your gorgeous photos. Next video...explaining how carbon and oxygen isotopes in speleothems can tell us about past climate and vegetation??

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks. I can't take any credit for the photos. They were mainly taken by Dudley Caving Club members Brendan Marris and Mark Burkey, but I agree they are fantastic. I love the idea for a sequel and I'd love to make it but it's way beyond my expertise. However if someone were to supply me with a script then I would certainly be up for it.

[@donaldmcfarlane934]

Very nice.

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@asismanna7779]

Very good Documentary video

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@gethinthomas3018]

Keith, this is a cracking little video well done. Have you anything on anastomosis?

[@CaverKeith]

Thanks Gethin. I was very nervous about uploading this as I was sure that people who know what they're talking about would point out all of the errors and omissions. Nevertheless it has been well-received. 😊 As for anastomosis, sorry the answer is no. I had to Google it to find out what it is! 😃

[@moaningpheromones]

A great video is one you want to watch again. This is what I was hoping to find. I'm slightly less confused by 'caveology' now.

[@CaverKeith]

I'm pleased it helped.

[@SoisehaveAudi]

Very science useful

[@CaverKeith]

Glad you think so!

[@bendavies3265]

"Where is the pleasure?" IT'S CAVING ITSELF!! What else is there to say lol.... adrenaline, a sense of wonder and privilege, and being places where so few other people have ever set foot :)

[@CaverKeith]

I couldn't agree more. Thanks for commenting.

[@exploringthetributaries643]

Wow, love this video, so informative and well explained! Now I finally have an idea what I'm looking at and how it's all formed, thanks!

[@CaverKeith]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for the great comment.

[@exploringthetributaries643]

Love your channel, hope you can get back to caving soon :)

[@Titan52berg]

"No hope of day we find... where, unredeemed by light... we wander lone and blind... within the Caves of Night!" --- John Christopher

[@mikos420211]

Layers of the beds are RINGS OF THE TREE! @7:20 COLOR OF CEDAR..... Look at the tree rings. @7:10 can see rings on wall. Breakdown chambers is permineralized wood!

[@juliosantosdrmrcontaantiga2456]

😍😍😍

[@CaverKeith]

Thank you.

[@chrisarnold2560]

Very informative. cheers Keith :), definitely aliens

[@CaverKeith]

So you have watched it!

[@chrisarnold2560]

​@@CaverKeith Yes, got the popcorn in specially

[@CaverKeith]

🤣

[@La-Cabra]

Another question, how bad is air quality down there usually? How do you tell when its not breathable anymore?

[@CaverKeith]

The air quality in caves is generally very good as caves are full of holes which means that air circulates freely. It's very rare to find poor quality air but any sign of laboured breathing and it's time to turn back.

[@La-Cabra]

@@CaverKeith Thanks for answering! Something else, I see you constantly dive in cave water but isnt stagnant water supposed to be deadly? I mean that water definitely moves eventually but the process must be slow. How do you determine whether its a good or bad idea to touch it?

[@CaverKeith]

The simple answer is that it's not stagnant water. I assume you are referring to sump pools where a cave passage is completely submerged. The pools may look stagnant but they have streams flowing through them. Also in times of high water/flood the pools get well flushed through. The only time I've been reluctant to dive into a sump pool is where it was situated downstream from a cowshed.

[@b.a.r.f1004]

imagine having imortality of all kinds but for that you need to see a cave being formed, would you acept? I would

[@DougBartlett-gb7ws]

Anything on the run off from Cave makeing looks like wight Chalk

[@CaverKeith]

It’s calcium carbonate.

[@La-Cabra]

Where would you refer someone who wants to learn to cave? I mean use equipment, basic security stuff etc.

[@CaverKeith]

Hi. The best and safest way is to find a local caving club. Members there will train you. Caving isn't something you should learn from books or the Internet.

[@La-Cabra]

@@CaverKeith In my country there seems to be no caving communities, but there are some for mountain rock climbing and that sort of stuff. You think that will be enough?

[@CaverKeith]

@@La-Cabra Rock climbing and caving are very different. I do not think that will be enough.

[@aliceunderground1620]

Very nicely done. Wonderfully thought out explanations, very clear and easy to understand. It was nice to see after doing this as my job for the past 18years

[@CaverKeith]

Hi Alice. Good to hear from you. Pleased that you like my latest offering.

[@AbcDef-ok5iy]

1st comment in 3 years!

[@mikos420211]

Look at Google earth... The formation your in is round. Very large but its round! Like a tree

[@danielledegeorge2129]

Why do stalagmites and stalactites look like teeth and the cave is the mouth that's going to eat me?

[@CaverKeith]

That will be because you have a very vivid imagination.

[@danielledegeorge2129]

@@CaverKeith lol, that is correct. I feel my active imagination serves me well tho. I think about John Jones in Nutty Putty and my gut says, "caves have mouths, teeth, a very tight throat, and a stomach that digests you and poops you out". That's frightening!

[@sncaterd]

Limey UwU's

[@deadlightmutantdankballs2431]

We drink the most powerful stone working tool in existence

[@CaverKeith]

It's true!