Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Boxwork Formation, Wind Cave National Park


IMG_8105 Boxwork Formation, Wind Cave National Park
Figure 1. Boxwork Formation, Wind Cave National Park.

I made a trip to Black Hills and Badlands in South Dakota during Memorial Day Week. Wind Cave National Park is one stop, though I returned here couple times due to the rain. It rained a lot in 2015 spring here, which makes the cave a great place to visit.

Boxwork Formation is the signature feature in Wind Cave National Park. They are abundant on Natural Entrance Tour. This rock formation is uncommon in caves and 95% of Boxwork Formation is found in Wind Cave. It is speleogen (formed by erosion) rather than speleothem (formed by deposit). On the other hand, Wind Cave is a rather dry cave. Typical formation like stalactite and stalagmite is not easily seen here.

On the ground, Wind Cave is also a good place to spot wildlife. Bison, pronghorn, elk and prairie dogs are frequently seen.

IMG_8074 Boxwork Formation from Natural Entrance Tour
Figure 1. Boxwork Formation from Natural Entrance Tour.