Speleology

Discover the fascinating Balaganskaya cave, situated on the left bank of the Angara River, showcasing unique geological formations dating back to the Cambrian age. With underground galleries spanning 1200 meters across multiple levels, this cave offers a captivating journey through grottoes and passages shaped by tectonic fracturing. Dive into the depths of the largest grotto, Bolshoi, and unravel the mysteries hidden beneath the surface. […]

Explore the theory of the origin of caves and the evolution of limestone karst formations through the five main stages of cave development. Learn about the process of cave formation based on W. M. Davis's research and the distinction between phreatic and vadose groundwater flows in shaping underground structures. […]

Learn about how the leaching process of karst rocks unfolds, particularly focusing on carbonate formations. Discover how natural waters, enriched with carbon dioxide and organic acids, interact with the rock structure, leading to the dissolution of calcium carbonate and the formation of calcium bicarbonate. Dive into the reversible nature of this reaction and the impact of factors like carbon dioxide content and water temperature on the leaching process. […]

Discover the unique speleological wonders of the Ural Mountains, a region characterized by a significant distribution of underground karst cavities. From the western foothills to the central elevated parts, explore how the karst caves and mines are unevenly distributed across this vast geological landscape. Join us on a journey through the Northern, Middle, and Southern Urals to uncover the complex karst-forming factors and morphological peculiarities that make this region a speleological country. […]

Discover the mesmerizing Kan-i-Gut Cave located in the Shodymir tract of the Sarytau Ridge. With its vast network of grottoes, wells, and corridors spanning 3 km, this karst cave offers a unique exploration experience. Learn about the geological history of the cave, influenced by mining activities and chemical reactions, shaping its intriguing formations. Uncover the mysteries of Kan-i-Gut Cave, a must-visit destination in the Pamir-Tyaninan speleological country. […]

Discover the fascinating world of The Optimistic Cave, the longest gypsum cave in the world and ranked third globally for its extensive underground galleries. Located 1.5 km west of Korolivki village, this natural wonder was formed in Upper Tortonian gypsums along tectonic fractures. With wide and low passages, towering galleries, and mesmerizing grottoes, The Optimistic Cave offers a unique adventure for explorers and nature enthusiasts alike. […]

Speleological studies have traditionally focused on morphology and description, but there is a need to expand and enhance these efforts for a more comprehensive understanding of underground karst cavities. This article explores the importance of studying natural underground complexes and the evolution of research methods in speleology. Despite recent advancements, there are still many unexplored areas in speleological analysis that require further investigation. […]

Discover the hidden treasures of Pamir-Tanynan, a speleological country encompassing the mountain systems of south-east and east Central Asia. Dive into the exploration of three distinct speleological areas - Tanynan, Hissar-Alai, and Pamir-Tajik. Uncover the mysteries of the Tanshan region with its 60 known caves, including the impressive Karasayskaya cave in the Karatau ridge. Delve into the Gissar-Alai region, home to 44 described caves like Kan-i-Gut, Beshungur, and Katranungur, each offering unique geological wonders waiting to be explored. […]

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Mlynki Cave located near the village of Mlynki in the Ternopil region of Ukraine. With a length of 14,120 meters, this cave boasts stunning limestone formations, intricate grottoes, and unique geological features. Join us as we delve into the eastern and western parts of the cave, each offering a different experience filled with natural wonders waiting to be explored. […]

Discover the fascinating world of the Eastern Carpathians, also known as the Wooded Carpathians, in Ukraine. This speleological area is home to a diverse range of caves and mines, with the Central Carpathian speleological province being the most widely studied. Explore the stunning karst formations in the southern foothills of the Carpathians, including the renowned Druzhba Cave with its intricate network of passages. Join us on a journey through these ancient underground wonders. […]