COLLAPSED BLOCKS
Many caves have abundant
small to large, irregularly to blocky masses of rock littering the
floors. These result from partial collapse of cave ceilings
(breakdowns). Some famous caves have had major block collapses in recent
times (e.g., Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, USA). No one has yet reported
hearing or witnessing breakdowns at Carlsbad.
All collapsed blocks shown
below are composed of limestone. Some are coated or covered with
travertine.
Collapsed block covered by dripstone,
flowstone, and coralloids. The inclined top surface is a limestone
bedding plane. Note that the stalagmites are pointing vertically upward,
demonstrating that block collapse preceded the formation of those particular
speleothems. King's Palace, Carlsbad Caverns.
Collapsed blocks, near the Boneyard,
northwestern corner of the Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.
Collapsed blocks, near the Boneyard,
northwestern corner of the Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.
Collapsed blocks, near the Boneyard,
northwestern corner of the Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.