Geology of the Caves in the Northern Cove

Abstract

The structure plunges to the northeast, carrying the limestone below the Oriskany Sandstone and the Millboro Shale. There are three large caves in this region, Water Sinks Cave that marks the downstream termination of the Burnsville Cove Drainage, Helictite Cave just north of the contact, and Wishing Well Cave, completely beneath the caprock. Much of the drainage from the Cove converges to the Emerald Pool in the Water Sinks Subway and from there follows a major lineament eastward to Aqua Cave and discharges at Aqua Spring. Helictite Cave and Wishing Well Cave are an abandoned part of the Emory Spring drainage but developed deeper below the non-karstic sandstones and shales than might have been expected. Present day recharge along the flanks of Jack Mountain must flow at considerable depth and almost right angles to the structure to reach Emory Spring.

Compiled by the Editor.