Water in caves

Water is the life essence of caves. Not only is it responsible for the solution of the bedrock but it also carries of solved minerals, that later crystallize to delicate speleothems on the passage ceilings. We encounter water in raging torrents of cave streams and roaring underground waterfalls, but also as delicate drops on the tip of soda straw stalactites or in quiet lakes. In other situations whole passages are flooded, forcing explorers to use sophisticated scuba gear.