Which ancient sea influenced the formation of Niagara Cave?

The Silurian Sea is recognized as a significant ancient sea that played a pivotal role in the geological formation of Niagara Cave. During the Silurian period, approximately 443 to 416 million years ago, much of what is now the Midwest of the United States was submerged under this shallow sea. The deposition of sediments in this marine environment contributed to the layered limestone formations that make up the cave system today.

The limestone is primarily composed of calcium carbonate, formed from the accumulation of marine organisms' shells and other sediments. Over millions of years, geological processes such as erosion and the dissolution of limestone by slightly acidic groundwater have sculpted the intricate carvings and features within Niagara Cave. This geological history is fundamental to understanding not only the cave's formation but also its ecological significance and hydrogeology.

Other ancient seas, like the Pacific, Caribbean, and Atlantic, while they have influenced different regions and geological features, are not directly associated with the formation of Niagara Cave in the same way the Silurian Sea is. This context highlights the unique contributions of the Silurian Sea to the geology of the area where Niagara Cave is located.