Cascade

The Big Room – Carlsbad Cavern Frozen in geologic time, this flowstone formation was created by rapidly dripping water that spread its calcite over a wide area. Minerals such as iron and manganese produce spectacular colors in the formation. [Photographer's note: this image was shot the night of May 18, 2006 while Randy Travis was recording a segment for the "Christmas on the Pecos" TV special. The spectacular lighting was provided by an internally-illuminated, helium-filled balloon, which was tethered and floated up near the cave ceiling.]