Moaning Cavern is a solution cave found in California's Sierra Nevada foothills. It has a metal spiral stairway leading into the largest cave room in the state. This room is large enough to fit the Statue of Liberty inside! Flowstone refers to the features that result from water flowing in laden with minerals, which then evaporates and leaves the minerals behind to accumulate over thousands of years. The Igloo shown in the photo, had water drip onto it, then run down the sides, causing the feature called cave drapery below the top of the igloo-like part of the feature. The name of the cave came from the sound that air flowing out of its natural entrance used to make. Unfortunately the lights are on long enough that algae is starting to grow on the flowstone.
Cave features can be difficult to photograph since the photographer usually has to provide all the lighting and then position it well. This feature was lit for the tourists to see, so that made it easier to photograph from a distance. You can also see some of the features above it were also lighted.We're hoping to make a video and photo book highlighting all the cave types in California. Interesting that most people don't associate California with caves, but the state could have more than any other state, plus the five main types of caves are represented here, as well.
Remember, it's not just a picture, it's a story!
