Speleology

Discover the fascinating Bahardena cave, located on the northern slope of Kopetdag. This well-studied cave, excavated in Upper Jurassic limestones with gypsum interlayers, offers a glimpse into the geological history of the region. Learn about its formation and unique features, including the impressive entrance openings and expansive grottoes. Join us on an exploration of Bahardena Cave's natural wonders and marvel at its beauty. […]

Discover a unique and diverse complex of cave fauna thriving in low temperatures, high air humidity, and limited light conditions. From troglobionts, the typical cave dwellers, to troglophiles and trogloxentes, occasional visitors, each group offers insights into specialized adaptations. Delve into the intriguing world of troglobionts, creatures devoid of visual organs but rich in touch and smell senses. Explore the unique life cycles of cave animals, showcasing continuous growth and absence of seasonal periodicity. Unravel the mysteries of the hidden ecosystem beneath the Earth's surface. […]

Discover how the stunning chemogenic formations in caves are created by infiltration water seeping through carbonate rocks over thousands of years. Explore the role of water in decorating caves and the fascinating explanation by the renowned Russian scientist M. V. Lomonosov. […]

Discover the captivating beauty of the Kiselevsky (Chabaevsky) cave, nestled on the left bank of the Kiselevsky brook near Asha, Russia. Formed in limestones of the Upper Devonian, this cave features a corridor with side branches, a flowing stream, and a stunning grotto adorned with limestone blocks. With formations like gurs and stalagmites, the 1000-meter long and 40-meter deep cave promises an unforgettable underground adventure. […]

Discover the fascinating geological formations of the Novoafon (Anakopia) Cave near Novy Afon, formed in thick limestones of the Lower Cretaceous. This cave system features two distinct tectonic fracture systems, offering a unique exploration experience. With a total length of 1515 meters, the Novoafon cave proper boasts a volume of 1,006,600 cubic meters. Delve into the intriguing structure of the New Athos Cave, part of the Anakopi system, and uncover its vertical and horizontal components, including spiral-shaped formations and sinkholes. Explore the depths of this captivating underground world and witness the wonders of nature at their finest. […]

Discover the hidden secrets of the Kueshta cave located on the right bank of the Sim River in Russia. Formed in gypsum and anhydrite, this cave features a fascinating through cave structure with a main corridor stretching 410 meters. Explore the four interconnected grottoes, including the impressive Kruzhkovtsev Grotto with its unique geological formations and a stream flowing through the cave. Join us on a journey to uncover the wonders of the Kueshta cave, a true geological marvel waiting to be explored. […]

Discover the fascinating process of cave formation through the lens of V.I. Stepanov's research on the Anakopi Abyss. Delve into the intricate stages of crystallization and lithogenesis, as outlined by G.A. Maksimovich, shedding light on the unique chemogenic formations found within caves. Uncover the secrets of tuff stalactites, calcite stalagmites, corallites, and gypsum, and explore the diverse morphologies of stalactites and stalagmites that adorn these underground wonders. […]

Karst caves on the territory of the former Soviet Union are distributed unevenly, with cave sites most prevalent in mountainous areas characterized by high tectonic activity and significant rock fracturing. In flat regions, karst forms are typically found in river valleys and areas of tectonic disturbances, leading to the formation of underground cavities of significant sizes. Speleological zoning in this region presents a challenging and relatively new task, requiring extensive research. […]

Calcite nodules are characterized by the phenomenon of luminescence, which is associated with the presence of activating impurities in them. Irradiated with a pulse lamp, the nodule formations glow yellow, soft green, azure-blue, and blue light. Sometimes they emit a dazzling white steady light that seems to stream from these fabulously beautiful forms. The brightest luminescence is in colomorphs with an admixture of manganese.

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Delve into the enchanting world of caves, where icy wonders and calcite formations create a mesmerizing spectacle. Discover the allure of underground grottoes, where swift streams carve their way through ancient landscapes, beckoning explorers to uncover the secrets hidden within. […]