How were limestone caves at carlsbad cavern formed?

Limestone caves at Carlsbad Caverns were formed through a process known as chemical weathering, primarily involving the dissolution of limestone by slightly acidic water. Rainwater absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and soil, forming a weak carbonic acid that seeps into the ground. As this acidic water flows through cracks in the limestone, it gradually dissolves the rock, creating cavities and passages over millions of years. This process, combined with the subsequent erosion and the formation of stalactites and stalagmites, has shaped the stunning caverns we see today.