Cave - GCSE Geography Definition

A cave is a natural underground hollow or passage typically formed by the erosion of rock, often limestone, due to chemical weathering and groundwater action. Caves can develop over thousands of years and may contain features such as stalactites and stalagmites formed by the deposition of minerals from dripping water. In GCSE Geography, studying caves provides insight into processes of physical geography, like erosion, weathering, and the karst landscape system, which involves the interactions between water and carbonate rocks. Understanding caves helps students appreciate how geological processes shape the Earth's surface and contribute to diverse ecosystems.