Do check their homepage to make sure the cave is open http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/dunmorecave/
Formation of the cave:
Dunmore cave is a limestone cave. The limestone was created millions of years ago when shells and bones from dead sea animals sank to the bottom of the sea. Over a long time this calcium rich layer was covered by other sediments and was pressed into limestone. Then tectonic movements forced the limestone up and some of it got exposed, this also formed cracks in the limestone. Whit the ice ages, water was forced through these cracks, expanding them, and over time with expansion and roof collapses the caves where formed. Then the water level fell and the erosion stopped. This allowed stalagmites and stalactites to grow and it is about these you have to answer some questions in order to log this cache.
1. In many parts of the cave's sealing small tubes are hanging down. These tubes are called straw stalactites and groves when the water coming down through the sealing leave tiny amounts of minerals that over years build up the straws. When they reach a length of 9 to 10 inches their weight cause them to fall down and break unless something has blocked the tubes. In this case they have a chance to grow into the massive and impressive stalactites you will see in the cave. All these straw stalactites have an internal diameter of 6mm. How can you explain this.
2. In the room called the Cathedral you will see a big stalactite called The Buffalo because its shape resembles the body of a buffalo. Underneath it is a big stalagmite growing from the floor, and to the left is another big stalagmite. You will notice that one is sparkling while the other one is shining. This has to do with one being wet and the other being dry. Is it the left or the right stalagmite that sparkles. Is it the wet or dry one that sparkles?
So to sum up, the questions are:
1: How can you explain the straw stalactites to have an
internal diameter of 6mm?
2: Which of the stalagmites is sparkling and is it the wet or dry one?
In order to log your find, send me a message through the message center. I would prefer if you log the cache the same day as you send me the answers. You don't have to wait for a reply before logging.
If you can't figure out all the questions on your own, I'm sure the guides will give you a hint if you ask nicely, otherwise I'll be happy to help. I hope you have an interesting trip into the dark.
I enjoy a good log, they are what make it worth hiding caches