Cavern development

Cavern development refers to the process of natural underground cavity formation, primarily in soluble rocks like limestone, due to groundwater movement. Over time, acidic water seeps through cracks, dissolving the rock and enlarging these spaces into caves or larger underground chambers. This process can take thousands to millions of years and is influenced by factors like rock composition, water chemistry, and geological activity. Cavern development shapes underground landscapes, creates features like stalactites and stalagmites, and can impact surface stability, which is important for construction and resource extraction.