Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico is home to a stunning underground world filled with limestone formations and gypsum crystals. The caverns, located within the Guadalupe Mountains, boast North America’s largest cave chamber known as “the Big Room,” which is equivalent to over six football fields in size.
The formation of Carlsbad Caverns dates back to 265 million years ago when the region was submerged under a shallow inland sea, resulting in the creation of large reefs made of sponges and algae. As the climate shifted towards the end of the Permian period, the sea dried up, and the reefs emerged from the water, eventually becoming buried under sediment due to geological uplift.
Around 12 million years ago, the erosion within the ancient reef led to the formation of the caverns, which are unique in that they opened from the bottom up through sulfuric acid dissolution. The presence of sulfur, oxygen, and water near the Guadalupe Mountains oil fields created an acidic environment that facilitated the growth of gypsum crystals and other cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.
Despite the arid climate surrounding the caverns today, remnants of the lush maritime history of the reef can still be seen in the form of fossilized marine creatures like ammonites and trilobites. The caves also feature various types of formations such as soda straws, draperies, and cave pearls, each formed through different geological processes over millions of years.
Visitors to Carlsbad Caverns National Park can explore this underground wonderland and marvel at the intricate beauty of nature’s creations. The park offers guided tours and educational programs to learn more about the geological history and formation of the caves. Don’t miss the chance to witness the breathtaking sights of Carlsbad Caverns and immerse yourself in the ancient wonders hidden beneath the surface.