How to Use the Images

Table of
Contents

Diagram 1: Cross section through Mammoth Cave.

Questions for Diagram 1

1. Examine Diagram 1 which shows a number of important geological features found in the park and surrounding area that are key to understanding the formation of caves. Does the diagram help you to better understand how caves are formed? What key element in the formation of Mammoth Cave can you observe in this diagram that would not be evident in a surface map?

2. Explain the role underground streams play in the formation of caves. In the Mammoth Cave area, the dip of the rock layers, as indicated in the diagram, causes these underground streams to flow from the sinkholes in the Pennyroyal Plateau through the Chester Upland and into the Green River.

* The diagram on this screen has a resolution of 72 dots per inch (dpi), and therefore will print poorly. You can obtain a high quality version of Diagram 1, but be aware that the file will take as much as 30 seconds to load with a 28.8K modem.