Caving

Caving is the recreational exploration of natural caves, including underground passages and chambers. It ranges from walking through accessible caves to technical trips requiring ropes, climbing, and specialized equipment.

Karst: A landscape formed as soluble rock dissolves, often producing caves, sinkholes, and underground drainage. Many caves explored by cavers form in karst limestone landscapes.
Caving helmet: A protective helmet designed to shield the head and mount a light during cave exploration. Low ceilings and falling rock make head protection essential underground.
Vertical caving: Cave exploration involving substantial vertical drops, climbs, or rope work. It is the technical form of caving most dependent on rope systems.
Cave fauna: Animals that live in caves or depend on caves for part of their life cycle. Human presence can disturb bats and other cave-adapted wildlife.
Cave: A natural underground void large enough for a person to enter. Caving is the exploration of these natural underground spaces.
Headlamp: A light attached to the head, leaving both hands free for movement and equipment. Cavers need hands-free light in passages without natural illumination.
Wild caving: Exploration of undeveloped caves without built paths, lighting, or visitor facilities. It contrasts with guided tourism by requiring independent movement through natural passages.
Cave formations: Mineral deposits such as stalactites and stalagmites formed inside caves. Touching or breaking formations can destroy features that take millennia to grow.
Cave passage: A route or corridor connecting chambers and entrances within a cave. Passages shape the routes and obstacles encountered underground.
Single-rope technique: A system of ropes and specialized devices for ascending and descending vertical cave passages. It enables controlled travel through deep pits and shafts.

Linked from 12 pages