What is the difference between a stream cave and river cave?

Stream caves and river caves are both types of caves that are formed by water flowing through soluble rock, such as limestone or gypsum. However, there are some key differences between the two types of caves.

Stream caves are formed by small streams of water that flow through the rock, gradually dissolving it and creating a cave passage. The water in stream caves is typically clear and cold, and the cave passages are often narrow and winding. Stream caves are often found in areas with a lot of rainfall, such as tropical rainforests.

River caves are formed by large rivers that flow through soluble rock. The water in river caves is often muddy or silty, and the cave passages are often much larger than those in stream caves. River caves are often found in areas with a lot of limestone, such as the American Midwest and the Alps.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between stream caves and river caves:

| Feature | Stream Cave | River Cave |

|---|---|---|

| Water flow | Small streams | Large rivers |

| Water clarity | Clear and cold | Muddy or silty |

| Cave passage size | Narrow and winding | Large and open |

| Location | Areas with a lot of rainfall | Areas with a lot of limestone |

It is important to note that stream caves and river caves are not mutually exclusive. Some caves can have characteristics of both types of caves. For example, a cave might start out as a stream cave and then transition into a river cave as the water flow increases.