Maquoketa Caves Formation

This video shows Maquoketa Caves State Park as well as specific features of the cave. Each of these features were formed over time through a variety of geologic processes. 

• What earth processes causes the Maquoketa caves to form?

• Could caves form in all types of rock in Iowa?
• Did the caves form instantly or over time?

Students could:

• Discuss the patterns and observations in the caves shown.
• Perform an acid test on limestone and 4-5 other rock or mineral samples to determine which types of rock dissolve.
• Research and model the types of weathering.
• Investigate what type of rock they believe caves are made out of based on the tests they performed.
• Create a model or diagram of cave formation based on lab findings.

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Maquoketa Caves State Park: Provides photos, park updates, and hiking suggestions.
• Earth Science Week: Making a Cave: Lab suggestion of modeling how caves are formed.
• NOVA | How Caves Form: Uses diagrams to describe how caves can be formed from limestone.