Speleology is the scientific study of caves, including their formation, structure, and history.

Sedimentary rocks, such as limestone, dolomite, and sandstone, are most susceptible to erosion and dissolution by water, leading to the formation of caves.

The entrance to a cave is commonly referred to as a portal or cave mouth.

Stalactites are cave formations that hang from the ceiling, formed by the deposition of minerals from dripping water.

Stalagmites are cave formations that rise from the floor, formed by the deposition of minerals from dripping water.

Solutional caves are formed by the erosion of soluble rocks, such as limestone, by acidic water.

A squeeze is a narrow and constricted cave passage that requires cavers to contort their bodies to pass through.

Collapse caves are formed by the collapse of a sinkhole, creating a large open chamber.

Lava tube caves are formed by the erosion of volcanic rock by lava, creating long, narrow tunnels.

Sea caves are formed by the erosion of rock by the action of waves, creating cavities and tunnels along coastlines.

Glacier caves are formed by the erosion of rock by the movement of a glacier, creating tunnels and chambers within the ice.

Eolian caves are formed by the erosion of rock by the action of wind, creating cavities and tunnels in soft rock formations.

Fluvial caves are formed by the erosion of rock by the action of water, creating tunnels and chambers along river courses.

Hydrothermal caves are formed by the erosion of rock by the action of hydrothermal fluids, creating cavities and tunnels in volcanic areas.

Bacterial caves are formed by the erosion of rock by the action of bacteria, creating cavities and tunnels in limestone and other soluble rocks.