Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Cave and Karst Science, cilt.26, sa.1, ss.35-40, 1999 (Scopus)
Ballica Cave is formed in crystalline limestones. Considering the limited limestone outcrop, the volume of the cave is extremely large. The limestone is unbedded, faulted and fractured, and cracks are filled with calcite. The limestone is composed of 96% CaCO3. Karstic structures in the limestone include karst pits, swallow holes, dissolution funnels and clints, developed on discontinuity planes. The fractured structure and chemical composition of the limestone are the main factors controlling karstification and the formation of stalactites, stalagmites and columns in the cave. The cave comprises two main galleries trending NE-SW (1) and NW-SE (2), and has associated rooms and saloons. The 1st Gallery has an undulating floor, whereas the floor of the second comprises gradually declining levels, related to a series of normal faults. Fallen blocks on the floor of the cave might have broken off as a result of regional earthquakes. Stalactites, stalagmites, columns, flowstones, draperies, macaroni-shaped stalactites, dripstones, pools and cave pearls are present in the 1st Gallery. All of these speleothem types, and a variety of other stalactite shapes including a 6.5m-long stalactite (with no corresponding stalagmite) are also seen in the 2nd Gallery. There is evidence that karstic, tectonic and earthquake episodes have all affected the cave's development. The most significant pieces of evidence are: (a) the presence of surface travertines that are believed to be sourced from seepage waters in the cave; (b) the opening of the cave entrance along the fault; (c) fallen blocks in the cave; (d) signs of horizontal fractures in thick columns; (e) secondary mineral occurrences indicating that for a long time groundwater remained at the Cokuntu Saloon level, along a horizontal line visible in the wall; and (f) long stalagmite-free stalactites in the lower part of the Yeni Saloon. Ballica Cave most probably began to form 3.4 million years ago and its development has continued until recent times, dependent upon regional climatic conditions.