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Sulfuric Acid
This is a picture of Diana Northup and Penelope Boston studying a sulfide vent. Sure looks safe doesn
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Caves formed from sulfuric acid are called hypogenic caves. Hypogenic caves are formed in the following way:

Step one: Microbes eat the sulfate in oil from underground oil fields.

Step two: The microbes release a gas called hydrogen sulfide.

Step three: The hydrogen sulfide rises through cracks in the rock until it reaches an area with oxygen.

Step four: The hydrogen sulfide gas reacts chemically with the oxygen and forms sulfuric acid , or microorganisms “eat” the hydrogen sulfide, forming sulfuric acid as a product of this metabolism.

Step five: The sulfuric acid eats away at the limestone in a the cave wall.

Step six: A cave begins to form

This is a picture of Diana Northup and Penelope Boston studying a sulfide vent. Sure looks safe doesn
Click on the Picture for Image Information
This picture shows Diana Northup and Penelope Boston studying sulfuric acid in a cave. I hope they don't fall in!

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How Rainfall Helps Caves Form
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How Flowing Lava Helps Caves Form

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What Caves Are
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Where Caves Are
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How Cave Form
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How Caves Are Decorated