We concluded our Appalachian Trail hiking adventure with a visit to the Luray Caverns where companions Lynn Rush (left above) and Dot Morrison ponder the cave’s geology. In the large photo below Lynn, (from left) Noelle Silk, Ted Kmet and Dot enjoy meandering through a passageway.
THE LURAY CAVERNS--
The Luray Caverns of Virginia began their formation about 600 million years ago when the continents drifted and collided around the Earth. That created a broad shallow depression we now know as the Shenandoah Valley which for 400 million years was covered by an ancient sea.
In more recent times--yet still spanning millions of years—a fairly shallow layer of limestone, formed by that ancient sea, began to dissolve by the action of surface water percolating through
that layer. The entire cavern is confined to a zone only about 100 feet thick top to bottom.
The small, hollowed-out or dissolved areas eventually were filled by water creating more dissolving and enlargement of the existing crevices. Run-off soon descends into lower levels of the Earth leaving the huge limestone chambers visitors enjoy today.
As those initial volumes of water subside to slow seepage, nature’s decorating process begins. A solution of calcium carbonate allows precipitation of lime to form deposits that grow slowly from the top of the cave called stalactites.
As that dripping falls to the floor of the cave similar deposits grow upward from the floor called stalagmites. When they eventually grow together a column is formed.
Do not expect to watch that process happen. While water drips constantly new deposits accumulate at the rate of one cubic inch in 120 years.
Today, a visit to the cave involves an hour-long meander through a stunning and nicely illuminated collection of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstone which forms draperies, frozen waterfalls, and veils throughout the cave.
All colors seen in the cave are naturally created.
My favorite cave feature was the Stalacpipe Organ. Located in a large underground room festooned with “frozen” limestone and known as the Cathedral, the organ electronically taps nearly 3 ½ acres of stalactites which produces tones of symphonic quality.
Take your jacket for your visit. While average temperatures can vary you can expect a relatively cool reading in the upper 50s Farenheit.
Since its discovery in 1878 the cave has become the most popular one in Eastern America.
More than 500,000 visitors each year attest to that.
THE LURAY CAVERNS--
The Luray Caverns of Virginia began their formation about 600 million years ago when the continents drifted and collided around the Earth. That created a broad shallow depression we now know as the Shenandoah Valley which for 400 million years was covered by an ancient sea.
In more recent times--yet still spanning millions of years—a fairly shallow layer of limestone, formed by that ancient sea, began to dissolve by the action of surface water percolating through
that layer. The entire cavern is confined to a zone only about 100 feet thick top to bottom.The small, hollowed-out or dissolved areas eventually were filled by water creating more dissolving and enlargement of the existing crevices. Run-off soon descends into lower levels of the Earth leaving the huge limestone chambers visitors enjoy today.
As those initial volumes of water subside to slow seepage, nature’s decorating process begins. A solution of calcium carbonate allows precipitation of lime to form deposits that grow slowly from the top of the cave called stalactites.
As that dripping falls to the floor of the cave similar deposits grow upward from the floor called stalagmites. When they eventually grow together a column is formed.
Do not expect to watch that process happen. While water drips constantly new deposits accumulate at the rate of one cubic inch in 120 years.
Today, a visit to the cave involves an hour-long meander through a stunning and nicely illuminated collection of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, and flowstone which forms draperies, frozen waterfalls, and veils throughout the cave.
All colors seen in the cave are naturally created.
My favorite cave feature was the Stalacpipe Organ. Located in a large underground room festooned with “frozen” limestone and known as the Cathedral, the organ electronically taps nearly 3 ½ acres of stalactites which produces tones of symphonic quality.
Take your jacket for your visit. While average temperatures can vary you can expect a relatively cool reading in the upper 50s Farenheit.
Since its discovery in 1878 the cave has become the most popular one in Eastern America.
More than 500,000 visitors each year attest to that.
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