Ackerman, David. 1961. The Formation and Detailed Description of a Portion of Wind Cave-Traverse #27-63. Geological Engineering Department, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (for partial fulfillment of a Bachelor of Science Degree). 24 p.

Abstract

Wind Cave lies on the Southern edge of the Black Hills. It was formed in the Pahasapa limestone by solution below the water table. The solution was guided by three main fracture systems.

Although Wind Cave is one of the largest caves in the Black Hills, it is relatively dry and lacks the abundace of dripstone and calcite crystals found in other local caves. The chert in the cave is believed to be a replacement product.

Traverse #27-63 starts on the Second elevator level and ends near electric light #12-14 on the third level.

Prominent features are boxwork, popcorn, frostwork, fallen blocks, flowstone, chert, and some brachiopod fossils.

A tourist route could be established quite easily along this traverse. The only objection to this route is the lack of ornamentation.