Mammoth Cave National Park By: Kristi Welker

Park and Establishment Date Mammoth National Park is located in Central Kentucky. It was authorized as a national park in 1926. On July 1 1941 it was fully established. It was established to preserve the cave system and scenic rivers. This is the longest recorded cave system throughout the whole world, with 348 miles explored and mapped.

Why was it formed? About 280 million years ago, sea level began to fall. This caused and uplift in the whole area as well as river erosion, leaving the caves empty and open. The area’s water flows out into the Green River. Limestone rock is more moveable in acidic environments. As rain falls, it reacts with carbon dioxide. This forms carbonic acid and opens up organic matter to allow formations to occur.

Key Attractions Speleothems- (cave decorations) these are created by water running along the surface of limestone creating a thin sheet across the walls.

Key Attractions The Green River- Is the main waterway of the park. All of the water from the caves flow here.

Key Attractions Mammoth Cave Baptist Church- one of the churches that were established in 1827 and was within the border of the park.

Key Species-Animals Cave Crayfish Racoons Crustaceans

Key Species-Plants Rue Anemone and Blue Phlox Black Eyed Susans, Purple Coneflower at Eagle Prairie in the Park Fire Pink!

national-park.com suite101.com http://www.nps.gov/maca/naturescience/wildflowers.htm http://www.nps.gov/maca/naturescience/grasses.htm