Alley Mill Closed for Renovations
The Alley Mill will be undergoing renovations much of summer of 2014. It will be open daily through Aug 17 and then only on weekends after that. There will be fencing around the Mill which will prevent close access. More »
Aquifer - A layer of rock or sediment containing groundwater that can be drawn for use above ground.
Biospeleology - The study of cave life.
Calcite - the crystalized form of calcium carbonate. This is the major material in stalactites and other cave formations.
Carbonic Acid - A weak acid formed by rain or other water in contact with carbon dioxide in the atmosphere or in soils and vegetation.
Cave-A natural cavity beneath the earth's surface. Example: Round Spring Cave
Groundwater - The naturally occurring water found beneath the earth's surface in layers of rock or sediment.
Joints - natural cracks of fractures in rock that do not show displacement.
Karst topography - a landscape characterized by the presence of sinkholes, caves, springs, and losing streams created by groundwater solution of sedimentary rock such as limestone.
Losing Stream-A surface stream that is diverted to the underground via a sinkhole or cave within the stream's valley.
Natural Bridge-The roof remnant of a collapsed cave system. A good example is visible at Grand Gulf State Park, about 30 mile south of the Ozark Riverways.
Seep-A slow, oozing natural discharge of water from rock or soil to the surface.
Sinkhole-A rounded depression in the landscape formed by solution of bedrock or collapse of an underlying cavity.
Speleology - The study of caves.
Speleothem - Cave formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, flowstone, dripstone, rimstone, soda straws, helictites, columns, etc.
Spring-A natural discharge of water from rock or soil to the surface.
Troglobites - Animals that spend their entire lives in caves. Often with special adaptations to the cave environment, such as long sensitive limbs.
Troglophiles - Animals that can and do live in caves, but are capable of surving outside. May be found in similar outside environments such as under rocks or in soil.
Trogloxenes - Animals that visit caves but return to the surface regularly. Caves may be used as shelter, denning sites, etc.
Water-filled Conduit-The vertical cracks and spaces between sedimentary layers convey water.
Did You Know?
Blue Spring is 310 feet deep. If the Statue of Liberty was standing on the bottom, the top of her torch would be underwater! It is widely considered to be the most beautiful spring in Missouri due to its vivid blue color. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...