Speleology

The word "cave" comes from the Latin word "cavea," which means a hollow place or cavity. It is believed to have its origins in the ancient Indo-European root word "keu," which also means to hollow.

The Waitomo Caves system is over 250 kilometers in length and around 120 meters deep. The main cave, known as the Glowworm Cave, is approximately 1.6 kilometers long.

Solution caves are a type of cave formed in soluble rock, such as limestone, by the gradual dissolving of the rock through chemical weathering processes. They can be created by underground water seeping through cracks and crevices, slowly eroding and enlarging passages to form complex cave systems. Solution caves often feature unique formations like stalactites and stalagmites.

A stalactite is a stony spike that hangs from the roof of caves. It forms as mineral-rich water drips from the cave ceiling and leaves behind deposits that gradually build up over time. Stalactites are commonly found in limestone caves and can vary in size and shape.

There are a total of 29 caves at the Ajanta Caves in Aurangabad, India. These caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are known for their ancient Buddhist rock-cut monuments and intricate paintings.

The Ajanta Caves were not founded by a single individual, but rather excavated over a period of several centuries by various artists and patrons. These caves were commissioned by different rulers and religious communities between the 2nd century BCE and 5th century CE in present-day Maharashtra, India.

The caves at Lascaux are divided into seven sectors: the Hall of the Bulls, the Axial Gallery, the Passageway, the Nave, the Chamber of the Felines, the Shaft, and the Apse. Each sector contains different types of prehistoric cave paintings depicting animals, symbols, and other imagery.

Some of the artifacts discovered in caves include cave paintings, tools like stone axes or arrowheads, pottery, animal bones, and sometimes even human remains. These artifacts help archaeologists understand the lives and cultures of past inhabitants.

The Ajanta caves are carved out of basalt rock, which is a type of volcanic rock. The stone is relatively easy to carve but is also durable, making it suitable for creating intricate sculptures and detailed artwork.

In Chapter 14 of "Maroo of the Winter Caves," Maroo helps an injured wolf pup and nurses it back to health. She builds a bond with the wolf pup, and it becomes a loyal companion, following her and protecting her. This chapter showcases Maroo's compassion and resourcefulness in caring for animals.

Luray Caverns were discovered in 1878 by a local tinsmith named Andrew Campbell and a prospector named William Campbell. They stumbled upon the entrance while exploring the area.

Yes, caves can form in mountains through various geological processes such as erosion, tectonic activity, or volcanic activity. These caves can provide unique ecosystems for plants and animals adapted to these dark and secluded environments.

The roof of a cave is referred to as the "ceiling" or "overhang".

Stalactites hang from the roof of caves. Stalactites are mineral deposits that form over thousands of years as water drips down and leaves behind calcite. These formations can vary in size and shape, creating unique and beautiful features inside caves.

Cave drawings typically feature animals, human figures, symbols, and abstract shapes. These drawings were created by early humans using materials like charcoal, ochre, and clay. They provide important insights into prehistoric art, culture, and beliefs.

If there were no caves, many animals that rely on them for shelter, breeding, and hibernation would struggle to find suitable habitats. Additionally, some caves play a crucial role in groundwater recharge and filtering, so ecosystems that depend on caves for water supply would face challenges. Lastly, caves provide unique opportunities for exploration, learning, and scientific research, so the loss of caves would impact both the scientific community and recreational cavers.

spelunkers

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Cavers

I have never seen "spelunker" in any caving literature.

Revising my previous answer, having learnt more about it since, "spelunkers" was name coined by a group of New England caving club for themselves in the 1940s; and rather grandly combines Latin and Greek words for "cave". It was used happily and neutrally in the US (but rarely anywhere else) until the 1960s, when American cavers themselves started to turn it into a derogatory term for poorly-equipped and none-too-competent novices and dilettantes.

[Source: Wikipedia]

The proper term throughout the English-speaking world is "caver".

Coastal caves are typically formed by the erosive power of waves, which gradually wear away at the rock along the coastline. As waves repeatedly crash against the rocks, they create indentations that can develop into caves over time. Additionally, chemical weathering can also play a role in the formation of coastal caves, as certain types of rocks are more susceptible to dissolution by water.

Yes, it can be difficult for miners to exit caves due to dangers like poor ventilation, steep inclines, and unstable rock formations. Additionally, they may face challenges with visibility in poorly lit areas and may need to navigate narrow passages. Exiting the caves safely requires careful planning and adherence to safety protocols.

The entrance to the Mendenhall ice cave is typically around 18-20 feet wide and 12-15 feet tall. It can vary slightly depending on the conditions and specific location within the cave.

The Buchan Caves in Victoria, Australia, are a popular tourist attraction known for their limestone formations and underground beauty. They are used for guided cave tours, exploring the unique geological features, and experiencing the natural beauty of the caves. Additionally, they offer opportunities for education, research, and outdoor recreation activities like bushwalking and camping in the surrounding Buchan Caves Reserve.

Deposition in a cave occurs when minerals in water slowly accumulate on the cave walls and ceiling, creating formations like stalactites and stalagmites. This process happens over thousands of years as water drips through the cave's ceiling, leaving behind mineral deposits that build up into these unique cave formations.

The Altamira Caves are important because they contain some of the best-preserved examples of prehistoric cave art, dating back over 20,000 years. Their restoration efforts are crucial to preserve this valuable cultural heritage for future generations and provide insights into the cognitive and artistic abilities of early humans. The caves also attract visitors interested in archaeology and art history, contributing to the local economy through tourism.

In caves, you may find natural formations like calcite, quartz, amethyst, and geodes, but you won't typically find precious gemstones like diamonds or rubies, as these are formed under different geological conditions. Minerals like fluorite, selenite, and celestite are common in cave environments and can resemble gemstones in appearance.

The caves of Lascaux were closed to the public in 1963 due to the growth of algae and fungi on the cave walls, leading to damage of the prehistoric artwork caused by visitors' breath and humidity. The preservation and conservation efforts were made to protect the precious ancient paintings from further deterioration.