GYPSUM  SPELEOTHEM  &

GYPSUM  BLOCKS

 

A few places in Carlsbad Caverns have gypsum speleothem and large gypsum blocks littering the cave floor.  Gypsum is hydrous calcium sulfate (CaSO4·2H2O).

 

Gypsum speleothem, near Bottomless Pit/Liberty Dome, Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.

 

Large gypsum block with drill holes formed by dripping water.  Gypsum is moderately soluble in water.  Near Bottomless Pit/Liberty Dome, Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.

 

Drip-drilled gypsum block, near Bottomless Pit/Liberty Dome, Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.


Drip-drilled gypsum block, near Bottomless Pit/Liberty Dome, Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.

 

Drip-drilled gypsum block, near Bottomless Pit/Liberty Dome, Big Room, Carlsbad Caverns.

 


 

 

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