Caves are more than just big holes in the ground. They are really great places to look for all kinds of natural treasures!

Underground caves are called caverns. They are usually formed in rock we call limestone. Water causes elements in the limestone to dissolve.

Caverns are the kind of caves where you might find stalagmites and stalactites. Those are the neat looking formations that grow up from the floor or down from the ceiling of the cavern.

We do have a few caverns in Ohio, but most of our caves are much different. They are called recess caves or overhangs. This kind of cave is usually an opening above the ground that is carved out by centuries of erosion. These caves are usually found in another type of rock called sandstone. Ash Cave at Hocking Hills State Park is the largest recess cave in the state of Ohio.

Across

1. Use insect repellent to keep from getting mosquito _____.
2. Someone who studies rocks, caves and other landforms.
3. Stalactites grow down from the ceiling or ____ of a cave.
4. These flying mammals like caves.

Down

5. The kind of stone in which caverns usually form.
6. The speed at which caves form.
7. Caves are dark because very little of this can get in.
8. The largest recess cave in Ohio (at Hocking Hills State Park).

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