Cave Exploring

Cave exploration is such a wonderful sport. It promotes appreciation of nature. You will have the pleasure of learning things regarding — how do speleothems (stalagmites and stalactites) form, you’ll be able to see and evaluate wall paintings done by our ancestors or the prehistoric cave dwellers. In addition, you’ll also see the wonder of how lifeforms inside interact and live together.

Are you ready to get in the cave? First, before entering, you must be aware of the safety precautions that come in visiting caves. Be disciplined! Like a student, always listen, trust and obey your tour guides. They will assist your tour inside the cave, and you will be rest assured that your safety is in their hands. But still, your own protection depends on you.

Upon entering, there are some things we need to bring. These things are useful gadgets that will help you enjoy more and will help you in protecting yourselves all throughout the trip.

Things to bring would depend on your planned activities inside a cave. For instance, if your purpose is just to pass the cave in a boat, all you have to bring is a flash light, specifically a miner’s headlamp, extra batteries of course, a life vest, knee pads, elbow pads, and of course a helmet, for your head’s protection. You may also bring drinking water and some snacks. But hey take care of your trash! You may opt to bring some trash bags.

For more exciting cave exploration, you need to have ropes, elbow and knee pads for added protection incase you fall on rocks while climbing, whistle or any other tool that can be used as warning sign for emergency purposes, helmet, flashlight/lamp, extra batteries, jacket, snack, water, first aid kit, cave maps and compass.

In some recreational caves, cellular phones and pets aren’t allowed. You can bring all the necessary things inside, just don’t bring things that can cause danger and of course things that will be damaged by water, rocks and mud. In fact, you can also bring cameras for capturing those wonderful sceneries inside. However, in some cases, cave managers provide all the necessary things for their visitors.

In entering caves, visitors are required to wear proper attire. To ensure protection, slippers aren’t allowed such that rocks inside maybe so slippery and their edges can cut your feet. Hence, old shoes, preferably a pair of heavy duty boots are required. Old clothes would also do, just also bring extras during the trip.

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What are the things we are supposed to do when we explore caves? Generally, managers or cave rangers prepare in advance the interesting activities in their tours. They set different packages for tourists of different preferences. However for ‘speleologists’ or cave scientists, they do exploration not only for pleasure, but their goal is mainly for research, to contribute to science.

Given that you have prepared and brought the essential things in your expedition, what are the next things to do? Activities also depend on the purpose of the caver. Hence, advanced preparation will help your exploration in an organized manner.

If you are a scientist, and your purpose is mainly for research, your activities inside the cave would depend on the planned procedures or methodology. Maybe you are interested of rock sampling? Or maybe you’re studying different formations in the cave? Some researchers would be interested in cave surveying or inventory, cave mapping, wildlife conservation as well as conservation of the cave itself.

For cave enthusiasts who visit caves for pleasure, what do you expect? Usually, tours are already prepared for you. You just have to follow your tour guide’s instructions and enjoy. However, activities vary with different caves. It depends on the structure of the cave as well with the added features it offers.

Exploration of caves is dangerous. It is recommended that cavers should always go in groups. Groups should also join an expert caver so as to ensure their safety. They should always bring a first aid kit. Before departure, it is suggested that they leave a word of mouth to someone not included in the trip about their whereabouts so that in case of emergency, there will be someone who can help them in case of trouble. Communication is very important in such dangerous activities like this.

Caving promotes outdoor recreation, fitness and health, camaraderie as well as environment conservation. The pleasure and adventure derived therein inflicts an increasing demand for establishing more and more activities in caving. This is to cater cave enthusiasts more productive things to do as they learn and enjoy throughout their trip inside the cave. But, there is but one warning for cavers out there, you can do all the necessary things you want to do in a cave, –take pictures, view bats, birds, explore rock formations and many more. Just don’t disturb and jeopardize its natural structure and all the other creatures living there.

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Exploration of stalagmites and stalactites are just some of the very exciting activities in caving. What are stalagmites and stalactites? What are they collectively called?

First let us define what stalagmites and stalactites are. Stalagmites are structures inside the cave that develop as they arise from the ground. Stalactites, on the other hand, are those structures commonly seen suspended on ceilings and walls of caves. They are sometimes referred to as “dripstones”.

How are they formed? These constituents are formed particularly in limestone type of caves. They are formed as calcium carbonate accumulates and as minerals drip down.

There are several types of caves, some of which are corrosion, solution, lava and ice caves. All of these three form stalagmites and stalactites except for corrosion caves which are frequently used as shelters.

Through time, these two structures meet which result to formations called pillar/ column/ stalacton. In general, these formations are collectively called as a “speleothem”. When water, air and rocks interact, these structures are produced.

Shapes of Stalagmites and Stalactites

In visiting caves, the most enjoyed and appreciative part is the pleasure of classifying different types and shapes of formations. Some of the fine shapes would be columns, dogtooth spar, cave pearls, flowstone, helictites and soda straws as well as carrot and curtain shape. Different shapes form depending on the activity and interactions among deposits, water, air and gravity.

Stalactites and stalagmites have different colors depending on the minerals that are present, but most of them are brown colored. Such minerals are iron and copper.

Popular Cave Forms

There is an enormous number of attractive caves worldwide. Usually, people spend time to visit them just to experience and personally see various formations inside a cave. One of the most popular stalactites ever known was that formed in the Chamber of Rairities in Brazil. It measures about 20 meters long. Another one would be that of the structures named as “The Hall of Giants” found in the caverns of Carlsbad.

Entering a Cave

Cave exploration entails a lot of safety pre-cautions since caving is considered as a dangerous sport. In touring several stalactite and stalagmite-forming caves, you must follow several rules such as “don’t touch the rocks!” This is so because of the fact that rocks may still be in the process of formation and may still be moving, they are fragile. Appreciating its beauty is good but following some precautions would be better so as to ensure protection for both visitors as well as other creations therein.

What does spelunking mean? In simple terms, it means cave exploration. Spelunking is rooted in a Latin word spelunca, meaning cave. Technically, it is derived from the word Speleology that means “scientific study of caves”. Speleologists are scientists involved in the study of caves. They are the ones responsible for studying cave forms, origin, ecology etc. Edouard Martel first launched cave research and study in France.

How do spelunkers and cavers differ from each other? For some, they are somewhat similar in sense. But technically, there is only a minor difference, which separates them. Some cavers also call themselves spelunkers and vice versa. While others, don’t consider themselves as both. Actually, spelunkers are those people who are responsible for the scientific discovery of caves while cavers are just those people who are fond of discovering the caves by just traveling around. Their activities greatly differ from each other.

What are their activities? Both of them follow a predetermined or prepared plan of activities or itineraries. They also both have objectives and expected outputs. But how do they really differ?

Spelunkers or speleologists follow a more formal, written and approved course of work regarding their study, while cavers also follow a list of activities, but for the sole motive of pleasure and enjoyment. They pay for amusement. However, spelunkers get paid for their contributions to science. Students of speleology, also come to caves for educational purposes.

Important Caves

Some caves which are of great importance in spelunking are Colossal Cave Mountain Park of Arizona, USA; Cumberland Caves, Carlsbad Caverns National Park; Desert Caves of Saudi Arabia; and many others. These caves and caverns are explored for history research, wildlife conservation as well as art appreciation and some other discoveries.

Spelunking in the Cave

Caves cater different features for spelunkers. Caves were formed through intense water flow and pressure on rocks and landmasses like mountain or hillsides. Through time, several rock formations were sculpted forming different shapes and structures. They are commonly known as stalactites and stalagmites. These structures are one of the objects of research for some spelunkers.

As cave progresses, it can eventually form into caverns. Different rooms inside also form, as water thrusts on the rocks. And as it improves in formation, living creatures, of both plants and animals, inhabit the area. And so on… and so forth. This evolution would be one of the reasons why spelunking has paved its way forward.

What is something about caves that invites people to come in? There’s really something in it that is very fascinating especially for people who love adventure, for people who are fond of exploration, such people call themselves cave explorers or “spelunkers.” Oftentimes, these people pursue courses and even a degree in cave exploration. When they graduate, they are usually called as ‘speleologists’ or ‘cave scientists’ or the more common term, professional cave explorers.

Why are caves explored?

Caves are large underground openings in rocks. It’s usually structured by rock formations such as stalagmites and stalactites, flowstones, columns and draperies.

Basically, caves or caverns are explored for research. Cave scientists study its wonder. They are mainly concerned with the geologic formations as well living things that reside within. Some spelunkers also do cave mapping.

Some explorers consider caving as a sport or recreational hobby. While others, like those who just pass the caves, consider passing as a great opportunity and experience as they take pictures and while enjoying the alluring landscape it possess.

Caves can also be considered as a natural shelter. In prehistoric times, cavers or cave explorers already existed. They were known as the “cave dwellers”. They used to live in caves, as it was evidenced thousands of years ago with artistically made paintings on walls. This would be one of the reasons why modern cavers take the risk of visiting even the most dangerous caves because of the priceless beauty.

Who Are The Professional Cave Explorers?

Professional cave explorers are people who have the deepest desire to discover caves. Study its geological formations both for self-satisfaction as well as for science contribution.

One of the 1st professional cavers was Warren Netherton. He was considered a caver since 1984 when he attempted to arrange maps of several caves. He has also inventoried and surveyed algae inhabitants and has developed a plan for the restoration of certain caves.

In the following year 1985, Jim Nepstad developed the 1st automated cave map of Wind Cave National Park. His work was considered as the 1st management plan in the area.

Some explorers like Peter Jones had no formal education regarding professional caving. However, through experience, he was one of the greatest contributors of science such that he was able to recognize the distinctive structure of caves.

Some other famous cavers have vast contributions would be Maurizio Montalbini, a sociologist, and Mr. Roger Brucker.

Those with backgrounds in art or geology have probably tried Paleolithic cave exploring but this kind of exploration would surely prove to be an enjoyable and interesting activities even for those who have no background in this discipline whatsoever. For one thing, you will get to see the ice age art that was carved by our forefathers probably millions of years ago and learn what the life in those ages was like. It would serve to enrich our lives as we gather the insights that led to the life as we know it today. In exploring Paleolithic caves, we will expand out horizons, not just what life is about today, but also look back at our pasts and understand how the origins of humanity progressed from then to the now as we know it today.

There are two forms of Paleolithic cave drawings and parietal art is one of them. The parietal form can usually be found in caves in Western Europe, concentrated in the areas of Spain and France in particular. It was thought that these paintings dated back three hundred thousand years to eleven thousand years ago. These forms of art were the result of the creativity of the olden people. Some of the caves that were found to contain these priceless pieces of human ingenuity lacks consistency in terms of art expressions and researchers think that it are because of the overlap between the earlier from of evolution of humans, the Cro-Magnon, and the later humans, the Neanderthals.

These art forms are vivid and they depict what life was at the time of their life, for example, parietal art in Europe includes diverse kinds of pictures representing animals and humans. There is also a wide variety of depictions we can see in different caves because the way of life in a particular area may be far different from another. For example, a particular cave may depict wild animals in an area located in the forest while another cave’s artworks may lean toward depicting sea creatures when it is located near a body of water.

Despite all the studies that have been made about Paleolithic caves, the meanings behind these arts may never be found. Despite these setbacks, people will continue to try to find out what its meaning is and Paleolithic cave exploring will continue to draw thousands of people into its charm. Joining a Paleolithic cave exploration will truly be worth your while because you will be able to see life with a wider perspective even as the meaning behind these artworks remain a mystery that can’t be solved forever.

Misty caves are a very attractive option when you decide to explore different caves. The reason for this is because the mist that is found in caves actually feels welcoming and there is a mysteriousness attached to it. Before you go cave exploring, however, it is first important to know what caves are like so that you will know what to expect. Basically, a cave is a natural hole in the earth that is big enough for humans to live in. Caves are formed naturally from both physical and chemical processes the earth undergoes. There are several types of caves and the one that is formed simultaneously with other rocks surrounding it known as primary caves.

There are several sub categories under the primary cave and one is the caves that were formed through lava. Essentially, these caves can only be formed when there is a volcanic activity that occurred nearby. This kind of caves comes to being when the lava flows and then the air cools the lava so it will become solid.

On the other hand, there is another kind of cave known as the secondary cave. This kind of caves forms through the physical process of erosion. Sea caves are an example of this. They form because waves crash along the sea cliffs. These kinds of caves are actually smaller when compared to caves formed by lava but nevertheless very long.

There are also other types of caves like the glacier caves which are formed when ice melts. But because these caves are heavily dependent on water, sometimes these caves close at the entrance once again. Another type of cave is the solutional caves which are actually mostly found in limestone. Other kinds of rocks can also be host to this type of caves like marble and granite, caves can actually also be formed by something like chalk.

Going on a cave exploration expedition is enjoyable and you will learn many things from this trip. You can also go on a Paleolithic cave exploration to see the artworks of human beings thousands of years ago. Misty cave exploring is also an alternative, doing this will make you feel the atmosphere that is really associated with cave exploration. The mist will surely make your day and because of the mystery attached to it, some people even call it romantic. Be careful about caves that are too misty however, because you probably won’t be able to see where you are going so having all the right gear is crucial to an enjoyable misty cave exploring experience.

Kentucky is the home of one of the world’s most famous cave systems, the Mammoth Onyx Cave. This cave is nestled within the Mammoth Cave National Park which preserves the cave system as well as a portion of the Green River Valley. The Mammoth Onyx Cave is a part of a cave system which is considered as the world’s longest. More than 365 miles of it has been explored so far. The name Mammoth was coined from its vast system of chambers and twisting paths and complex labyrinths. The term Onyx on the other hand, came from the many formations of onyx seen as one goes through its easy-to-walk-through trails. Tours and explorations of the Mammoth Onyx Cave have been going on since 1816.

One of its most breathtaking features is the onyx waterfall which rises up to 78 feet above the trail. Going through the Mammoth Onyx Cave trail tickles one’s imagination as one observes the unique forms and shapes as well as the gigantic sizes and wonderfully colorful striations that the rock formations assume. Cave explorations wouldn’t be complete of course without a spectacular view of stalactites and stalagmites and with this, the Mammoth Onyx Cave will not disappoint its visitors. Another inviting feature of the vast cave is its crystal- clear pool flowing through delicate rock formations. The Mammoth Onyx Cave is also a well- known site for archaeological studies and had been the collection site for human remains that have been dated back to approximately 680 BC. However, the actual archaeological site isn’t open for public viewing and is therefore not included in the tour and human remains are also not available for public viewing.

A tour of the Mammoth Onyx Cave isn’t just limited to adults and nature enthusiasts. Tour programs have been designed to fit different people from different age groups. There are even parts that are exclusively for children as well as parts that are more arduous and have been specifically chosen for more people looking for a wild, exciting quest and at the same invigorating exercise. Kids under six years of age are even admitted free of charge. The entire family can in fact go explore this wondrous formation together. All tours are led by a ranger that offer exciting and very interesting facts about the Mammoth Onyx Cave as the adventure along its trails continue.

Trips through the cave may range from 1 ¼ hour to 6 ½ hours. The tour programs have been put together not just to maximize viewing of the cave system’s most beautiful parts but also to enhance learning and appreciation on the part of the visitors. Activities included in the said programs include trips to the caves, nature strolls, slide programs and even campfire sessions. So if you and your family and friends are looking for some wild, fun-filled experience that will increase your knowledge, appreciation and love for nature, come and explore the Mammoth Onyx Cave for some mammoth adventure!

Spelunkers won’t get very far into a cave if they can’t see where they’re going. Even if they could have reached their underground objective, it would be nearly impossible finding the way out. There is a total absence of light within a cave and this is why lights are essential caving equipment. Serious cavers choose a good, reliable unit and complements this with at least two backups.

Most societies and organizations recommend that each person must have at least three independent sources of light. The three light source system doesn’t mean you will necessarily use all at the same time or one after another but rather for you to have two backups if the main one fails. Not having a light deep inside a cave could be a matter of life and death so you must choose reliable light sources. These must be water proof and be durable enough to withstand rough use.

There used to be a time when carbide lamps were widely used outdoors and by miners and cavers. Battery powered electric lights have since taken over now that these have become more reliable and economical. LED lamps are particularly getting more popular because of the amount of light it can deliver not to mention its being lightweight and energy efficient.

The main light source must be mounted on the helmet so you can see wherever you turn your head and both hands are free for climbing or crawling.

The second source of light is typically a flashlight though another helmet mountable light is even better. The third source of light is usually another flashlight. Maglites are recommended by most cavers.

There are other sources of light but with LED lamps and flashlights being small, light and inexpensive, these should be considered better than all the others. However, in a real emergency, these alternatives can be life savers.

Candles give out light but are unreliable. Together with matches, these are quite vulnerable to getting wet. While these can be used in a pinch, and can be a heat source, candles shouldn’t be considered among the three light sources.

Glow sticks are another source of light but again, these should only be considered as a backup to your three light source system.

In a really tight situation, don’t forget other items you may have with you that can give out light such as your cellular phone, or the LCD screen of a GPS Device.

Caving or spelunking is the recreational activity of exploring natural underground enclosures. It is the art of moving safely through a cave and getting back to the ground without doing yourself or the cave any harm.

Exploring caves can be very dangerous if done without prior knowledge of the safety rules and guidelines of caving. Hypothermia, injuries from falling and severe physical exhaustion are just some of the risks. If you are interested in exploring caves, it is necessary for you to take the time to learn the basics of caving.

There are reading materials, online and offline, that can provide you with the information you need in exploring caves. The skills needed for each major type of caving are mostly developed by actively taking part in cave tours. You will learn more by observing and emulating how experienced cavers move. Getting some minor cuts and scratches as well as making some mistakes will also teach you what not to do when caving.

Know, remember and practice the techniques and safety rules you need to follow and you will experience the joy and wonder of spelunking. Here are some of the ways you can learn and experience caving and enhance your skills for this physical sport.

Joining a caving club in your neighborhood is a good way to learn how to explore caves. The National Speleological Society local chapters or grottos offer caving trips for beginners. They provide training opportunities, teach and exercise cave conservation, and generally offer the fundamentals for learning about caves.

Various national parks with caves also provide many opportunities to learn how to explore caves. They offer caving tours for beginners as well as wild caving trips that necessitate headlamps, helmets and other safety caving gear.

If you reside in an area with caves, it is possible there are show caves that offer caving tours for a fee. It is a good way to learn and experience caving without spending anything on your own equipment as most of these tours provide you with everything you will need. However, some of these tours can be costly or may not really offer a satisfying educational experience.

Caves are entrepots of valuable scientific and historical information. They are important sources of freshwater for the nation. It is to the best interest of every living thing to preserve and protect these natural geological formations. When you explore caves properly, you learn to appreciate nature’s beauty and do your part in conserving them.