| DRAPERIES or CURTAINS |
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HOW DO THEY FORM? Water running down a limestone cave wall or along a ledge will deposit calcite into delicate draperies, also known as curtains. WHERE ARE THEY FOUND? Draperies can be found hanging out from walls, down from ceilings or off the bottom of flowstone formations. You can find excellent examples at all of our caves. The top photo was taken in Boyden Cave's drapery room, and the bottom photo in the main chamber of Moaning Cave. HOW ARE THEY IDENTIFIED? Very simply, draperies look like delicately draped and folded fabric. Draperies can vary in size and can reach dramatic sizes. Sometimes they are so delicate that you can shine a light through them. Draperies that have mineral stripes are known as cave bacon. |
| For more detailed information on speleothem formation, go to our Cavern Geology lesson plan's section on speleothems by clicking HERE. © 2006 Sierra Nevada Recreation Corporation. All rights reserved. |
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