Hi there!
even though spelunking should not be considered a sport, one can't qualify as a hobby either.. and we didn't do any science.
Speleology, or spelunking, is the investigation of caves, holes and pits, mostly of natural origin. Other subjects are closely linked to it, such as zoology, water resources management and even natural park conservations.
The picture here was taken last saturday, on a natural cave in southern Germany. As most caves, this one originated through water flow in a limestone rock body. Everyone's heard of stalactites and stalagmites, and other breathtaking natural works of art. Here is where conservation comes in: going in to caves is not a sport, or even a tourist attraction. While it's legitimate allowing people to observe these natural wonders, conservation is increasingly difficult with rising numbers of visitors - just like the paintings in Egypt or churches in Europe.
Then there's the wildlife protection. Even though most animals only occupy the entrance section of caves, bats travel rather deep inside. If one disturbs these animals during their hibernation period, they may exit the cave, eventually dying from exposure or being preyed on by other animals.
Water management? Yes - water does flow through these caves. Indeed, some caves show a typical tiered construction, with older, higher levels being permanently dry and lower ones increasingly humid until one reaches the freatic zone, which is usually underwater. Measurement of water quality can give us an understanding of whether the path ahead will be enough to make water suitable for consumption.
And why would anyone go into dark, wet, muddy holes? Well, it's fun, it's dangerous, and if turn your lights out you may feel very, very peaceful. And if you do it as a scientist, you're contributing to the conservation of wildlife.
Renato[img][/img]
even though spelunking should not be considered a sport, one can't qualify as a hobby either.. and we didn't do any science.
Speleology, or spelunking, is the investigation of caves, holes and pits, mostly of natural origin. Other subjects are closely linked to it, such as zoology, water resources management and even natural park conservations.
The picture here was taken last saturday, on a natural cave in southern Germany. As most caves, this one originated through water flow in a limestone rock body. Everyone's heard of stalactites and stalagmites, and other breathtaking natural works of art. Here is where conservation comes in: going in to caves is not a sport, or even a tourist attraction. While it's legitimate allowing people to observe these natural wonders, conservation is increasingly difficult with rising numbers of visitors - just like the paintings in Egypt or churches in Europe.
Then there's the wildlife protection. Even though most animals only occupy the entrance section of caves, bats travel rather deep inside. If one disturbs these animals during their hibernation period, they may exit the cave, eventually dying from exposure or being preyed on by other animals.
Water management? Yes - water does flow through these caves. Indeed, some caves show a typical tiered construction, with older, higher levels being permanently dry and lower ones increasingly humid until one reaches the freatic zone, which is usually underwater. Measurement of water quality can give us an understanding of whether the path ahead will be enough to make water suitable for consumption.
And why would anyone go into dark, wet, muddy holes? Well, it's fun, it's dangerous, and if turn your lights out you may feel very, very peaceful. And if you do it as a scientist, you're contributing to the conservation of wildlife.
Renato[img][/img]
That, and when I was very smal I saw a movie ( where they discovered new underground caves ) but surprise surprise - a Monster lived there - and he/she/it started to kill people.