Speleology

"Cave Pearls" - large-scale ooids of calcite from water dripping onto the grains. Eventually the cave pearls become too heavy for the drips to rotate them, and they will become amalgamated into a flowstone deposit.

A speleologist is a person who studies caves. The word speleology, which refers to the scientific study of caves, comes from the Latin word spelaeum (cave) + the Greek word logos (discourse).

Ellora Caves were constructed between the 6th and 9th centuries AD, making them around 1,200 to 1,500 years old.

Yes, the Bandera Pass area in Texas has several caves, including the Bandera Ice Cave and the Cave Without a Name. These caves are popular attractions for visitors looking to explore underground formations.

The Ajanta Caves are important because they represent some of the finest examples of ancient Indian art and architecture, dating back to the 2nd century BCE. The caves contain exquisite rock-cut sculptures and paintings that depict scenes from the life of Buddha and various Jataka tales. They also serve as a valuable historical and cultural site, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of ancient India.

No, most caverns form below the water table. Caverns are typically formed by the dissolution of underground limestone or other soluble rocks by water, and this process usually occurs below the water table where the rocks are saturated with water.

A limestone tower is a tall structure typically made of limestone rock that has been naturally eroded over time, creating a narrow, vertical column-like formation. These towers are often found in areas where limestone deposits have been subjected to erosion by wind, water, and other natural forces. Limestone towers can be found in various parts of the world, including places like China's Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and the limestone karst landscapes of Southeast Asia.

Compound relict caves are a type of cave system that has multiple levels and passages, typically formed through a combination of erosion and tectonic processes. These caves often have intricate networks of chambers and tunnels, creating complex underground environments.

Caves provide a stable environment with consistent temperature and humidity levels, protecting paintings from extreme fluctuations that can cause deterioration. The darkness of caves shields paintings from light damage, such as fading or color changes. Additionally, caves are usually secluded and provide a natural barrier to protect against vandalism or human interference.

A cave is formed through various natural processes such as erosion, weathering, and the dissolving of rock over long periods of time. Most caves are created in limestone, which is easily eroded by water, creating underground cavities. Volcanic caves are also formed when lava flows and cools, leaving behind a hollow space.

Caves can be found in various parts of the US, with some notable locations including Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, and Luray Caverns in Virginia. These caves offer unique geological formations and underground ecosystems for visitors to explore.

In chapter 9 of "Maroo of the Winter Caves," Maroo and her brother, Otak, encounter a pack of wolves while out hunting. They manage to avoid the wolves by climbing up a tree, but Otak injures his leg in the process. Maroo takes care of her brother's injury and they eventually make their way back to their cave, where they must now deal with the challenges of Otak's injury and the approaching winter.

The Batu Caves in Malaysia are important as a Hindu religious site and a popular tourist attraction. The caves house several Hindu shrines and temples, including the iconic giant golden statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance. They also host the annual Thaipusam festival, drawing devotees and tourists from around the world.

Neanderthals and early humans lived in parallel, and both no doubt would have used any convenient cave as a home. I don't know what they did when they were far from any caves - presumably made shelters from tree-branches, animals skins and suchlike.

No, Hermit Cave is not the deepest cave in Utah. Nutty Putty Cave holds that honor, with a depth of over 380 feet.

It depends on their speciality!

1) Normal caving equipment & clothing - you can't study a cave or its contents unless you can negotiate it safely & properly. Most speleologists are either professional natural-scientists using their hobby of caving, or amateur cavers with a genuine interest in cave science, and both groups play valuable collaborative roles in Speleology as a whole.

2) Whatever field-work tools & laboratory facilities necessary for the particular study in the particular branch of science within Speleology.

3) Genuine and sound knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the subject and of caves generally. The knowledge may range from keen amateur, starting with cave original-exploration & surveying or animal-observing, to professional-level skills in fully-equipped laboratories.

4) Access to appropriate publications, publishers & libraries to record the findings properly and formally. One such is 'Cave & Karst Science', the learned-Journal of the British Cave Research Association, and it enjoys an international reputation and authorship from countries as diverse as China, Iran, America & S.Africa as well as Europe and of course its GB home.

Stalactites hang from the ceiling of a cave. These mineral formations are created by dripping water depositing minerals over time, gradually forming icicle-like structures that hang from the cave roof.

Peak Cavern in England has been historically used for mining lead and as a rope-making facility. Today, it is mainly used for guided tours and as a concert venue due to its unique acoustics.

Peak Cavern was formed by the gradual erosion of the limestone rock by underground streams over millions of years. The dissolving of the limestone created a network of passages and chambers that make up the cave system we see today.

People can damage caves by touching or removing formations, littering, defacing walls with graffiti, introducing pollutants, and introducing non-native species. These actions can harm the delicate ecosystem inside caves and degrade natural formations that have taken thousands of years to form.

Gold is typically found in ore deposits within the Earth's crust rather than in caves. However, some caves may contain traces of gold if the cave is located in a gold-rich region or if gold-bearing water has flowed through it. Prospectors may stumble upon gold deposits near caves, but the cave itself is unlikely to be a primary source of gold.

Meramec Caves and Onondaga Caves are both located in Missouri and offer guided cave tours to visitors. However, Meramec Caves is larger in size and has a longer history of exploration, while Onondaga Caves is known for its impressive cave formations and unique natural beauty. Both are popular tourist attractions for nature enthusiasts and families looking to explore underground wonders.

In caves, you can find formations like stalactites and stalagmites, cave-dwelling animals such as bats and insects, underground rivers or lakes, minerals like quartz or calcite, and sometimes even prehistoric cave paintings or artifacts left behind by early human inhabitants.

Ellison's Cave was formed by a combination of erosion and weathering processes over millions of years. The cave system is located in the southern Appalachian Mountains and is known for its deep pits and vertical drops, which were created by underground streams and chemical reactions dissolving the limestone bedrock.

Carter County, Kentucky, along Tygarts Creek.