Located in St. Thomas parish of Barbados, Harrison Caves are some of the the country's most beautiful places, attracting plenty of tourists each year.
The caves were formed by natural erosion caused by weak carbonic acid formed by water that combined with free carbondioxide to form weak carbonic acid. This water starts permeating through the rocks of limestone dissolving and carrying calcium carbonate along with it. After sometime, the carbondioxide separates, leaving the salt behind. This salt forms the formations inside a cave.
Explorer's pool:
This pool was the original entrance to the caves.
The pool is 8 feet deep and has a ladder for emergency exit. See straight in front for the ladder.
Cascade fall:
The fall is majestic and forms a pool 9 feet deep.
The water falls from a height of 40 feet through a small opening. Water empties into the ocean after this.
Great hall:
This is the cavern with the largest surface area, of 50 square feet. Looking above one is able to see the formations at different levels.
Flowstones:
Flowstones are calcite or calcium carbonate deposits which are formed by the calcium carbonate deposits left by water which is precipated during flow and leaves behind precipitated minearls.
They are usually formed on the sides of caves.
Most of them look like ice on the walls. They are very soft and powdery and easily succumb to touch.
Sometimes, such caves are seen where there is no formation of stalagtites or stalacmites like in the above picture. In such cases the rock is impervious and the water cannot seep inside.
The caves are situated at 700 feet above sea level and are fed by a gully. Most of the water flows out into the ocean.
The caves were formed by natural erosion caused by weak carbonic acid formed by water that combined with free carbondioxide to form weak carbonic acid. This water starts permeating through the rocks of limestone dissolving and carrying calcium carbonate along with it. After sometime, the carbondioxide separates, leaving the salt behind. This salt forms the formations inside a cave.
entrance to Harrison's cave
Tony Mason
Tony Mason grew up in the parish of Saint Thomas. He along with Ole Sorenson, a Dutch explorer entered the cave and discovered the marvels inside in 1970.
an array of stalgmites
Stalactites are formed when the water drips from the top of a cave. The minerals present in water precipate forming icicle like structures. They are usually conical in structure.
Stalagmites are formed on the surface of caves when the water drops on them, minerals precipitate. They usually have a rounded top.
When the stalagmites and stalactites meet, they form a column. One such column is about to be formed in the extreme right side of the above picture.
new stalactites forming
This pool was the original entrance to the caves.
Cascade fall:
The fall is majestic and forms a pool 9 feet deep.
The water falls from a height of 40 feet through a small opening. Water empties into the ocean after this.
This is the cavern with the largest surface area, of 50 square feet. Looking above one is able to see the formations at different levels.
Moving ahead we see a pool and a cave.
a pool and cave
flowing water
Flowstones:
Flowstones are calcite or calcium carbonate deposits which are formed by the calcium carbonate deposits left by water which is precipated during flow and leaves behind precipitated minearls.
Sometimes the water deposits form draperies on the side of walls forming beautiful folds.
a chandelier formation
A beautiful formation of chandelier which is formed by a cluster of limestone deposits. Experts say that it takes almost 120 years to form a cubic centimeter of this formation. One can imagine how many years this one must have taken.
Flowstones forming a "popcorns"
In this formation, small nodules are formed which cling together to form a big mass.
Sometimes, such caves are seen where there is no formation of stalagtites or stalacmites like in the above picture. In such cases the rock is impervious and the water cannot seep inside.
The caves are situated at 700 feet above sea level and are fed by a gully. Most of the water flows out into the ocean.
trams which take you on the tour
our excellent tour guide, Colleen
Opening hours:
0800 to 1600 hours
Entry fee:
Adults: BDS $50 or US$ 25, residents of Barbados: BDS$ 25
Very nice. Sounds a lot like Luray caves in usa
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Look forward to visiting!
ReplyDelete