Speleogenesis

Speleogenesis is the origin and development of caves, the primary process that determines essential features of the hydrogeology of karst and guides its evolution. It often deals with the development of caves through limestone, usually caused by the presence of water with carbon dioxide dissolved within it, producing carbonic acid which permits the dissociation of the calcium carbonate in the limestone.

== Limestone == The majority of limestone caves are formed by calcium carbonate dissolution by the solvent action of meteoric waters circulating through the rock.