Wulkowicz, Gerald M. 1972. An Analysis of the Passage Patterns in Wind and Jewel Caves, South Dakota and an Interpretation as to the Origin of these Patterns. University of Illinois, Chicago. 38+ p.

Abstract

Eight hundred and thirty-eight passages totally 122,275 feet were measured from subsurface maps for Wind and Jewel Caves, South Dakota. The passageways are found to be controlled by joint planes developed in response to local stress fields associated with the Black Hills Uplift. This interpretation is substantiated by the surface trends of joints, faults, and geologic structures found in the areas adjacent to the cave systems and the inferred orientation of principle stress necessary to produce these features.

The present cave systems are interpreted to be at earliest Late Cretaceous and more probably Middle Eocene features developed through solution along joint planes.