News Physics

Dissolving a puzzle

Study shows mathematically how a trickle can create a cavern

By Alexandra Witze

- More than 2 years ago

Spelunkers look at a cave and wonder how to explore its deepest reaches. But physicists look at it and wonder how it got there in the first place.

JUST ADD WATER A simulation shows how fluid flow (in this case, from bottom to top) can lead to deep penetration in a rock and, eventually, a cave.