What aspect of Niagara Cave's geology allows it to serve as a record of environmental changes?

The aspect of Niagara Cave's geology that allows it to serve as a record of environmental changes is rooted in its layering and formation process. The layers of sediment, rock, and mineral deposits within the cave are formed over thousands of years as water drips and minerals precipitate out. Each layer can trap information about climate conditions at the time of its formation, providing a timeline of environmental shifts.

For instance, changes in the composition or thickness of these layers can indicate variations in rainfall, temperature, and even vegetation in the area over time. This geological layering acts like a historical archive, capturing data that researchers can analyze to understand past climate conditions and ecological shifts, highlighting its significance as a natural record.

In comparison, while stalactites and stalagmites do form as a result of mineral deposits, they do not provide as comprehensive an environmental timeline. The cave's mineral composition might reveal some information about the minerals present but not necessarily about the climate history over time. Temperature variations can influence cave formation processes but do not directly record the changes as effectively as the layering process does.