krubera cave tour

The Big Cascade, the largest pit in Krubera Cave, plunges 499 feet (152 meters), but spans less than a tenth of the distance to the cave's unknown bottom. Descending into Krubera, in the country of Georgia, one team member said, "was like climbing an inverted Mount Everest."

Call of the Abyss—World's Deepest Cave

When Sergio García-Dils de la Vega kissed his girlfriend, Pilar Orche, goodbye at the entrance to Krubera Cave, he promised to return the next day. But after teammate Bernard Tourte bruised his side in a tight passage, García-Dils decided to stay with him at an underground camp, missing his chance to return to the surface before going deeper. It was two weeks before Orche saw her boyfriend again.

Our expedition, however, had come prepared for a long siege, bringing more than five tons of gear to the cave. Ever since 1956, when explorers in France first descended below 1,000 meters (3,281 feet), generations of cavers had dreamed of achieving the 2,000-meter (6,562-foot) mark. Would Krubera take us there?

Cutting a jagged path through the limestone of the Arabika massif on the edge of the Black Sea, the “trail” to Krubera Cave drops down a chain of pitches, cascades, and pits—some more than 100 meters (328 feet) deep—connected by narrow rift passages called meanders. The cave, located in the separatist region of Abkhazia, was named after Russian geologist Alexander Kruber. In 1960 researchers from the Republic of Georgia explored it to a depth of 90 meters (295 feet). Two decades later, I organized a series of expeditions to investigate new deep caves, using dye traces in cave streams to probe Arabika’s potential depth. In 2001 a team led by Ukrainian Yuri Kasjan set a world record in the cave of 1,710 meters (5,610 feet). Last July a Moscow-based team extended that to 1,775 meters. Our hope was to find a path past 2,000 meters (6,562 feet).

At the start of the expedition, Alexander Karpechenko, whose nickname is “Brick,” exulted in getting his hands on a brand new gasoline-powered hammer that he planned to use to bore holes for explosives to free up tight passages. Team members in nearby Snow Cave cleared blasted rubble from a passage that had been blocked by a “boulder choke.”

Like mountaineers scaling a Himalaya peak, our expedition of 56 cavers from seven countries established a series of campsites at depths of 700, 1,215, 1,410, and 1,640 meters (2,300, 3,990, 4,600, and 5,380 feet). There team members cooked meals, slept five and six to a tent, huddled for warmth, and worked for up to 20 hours at a stretch.

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By the third week our downward progress was blocked by a sump at a depth of 1,775 meters (5,823 feet.) Gennadiy Samokhin surfaced after a dive to examine a tight squeeze at the bottom of a ten-meter-deep (32.8-foot-deep) pool. “No chance to get through,” he said.

Searching for a route around the sump, Sergio García-Dils de la Vega braved a cascade of near-freezing water. Also unsuccessful, he discovered to his dismay that his waterproof dry suit had holes in it. “The water was so cold I lost the feeling in my fingers,” he said later. In a last ditch effort, Denis Kurta and Dmitry Fedotov squeezed through a narrow, 100-meter-long (328-foot-long) passage called the Way to the Dream, which successfully bypassed the sump and pointed steeply down. The next day Bernard Tourte and others followed. It was the breakthrough we’d hoped for. The news, spread by telephone to all camps, was greeted with elation, boosting everyone’s spirits.

The newly discovered passage led to yet another sump at a record 1,840 meters (6,037 feet), where Samokhin emerged smiling from a brief test dive. There was a promising downward tunnel, he reported. But it would have to wait. After nearly four weeks of working underground, with supplies running low, our expedition had finally run out of time.

Flush with our success and relieved that team members had incurred only minor injuries, I opened my arms to welcome each of the cavers as he or she emerged back on the surface. Bernard Tourte, his red caving suit, helmet, and gear completely covered with grime, held a congratulatory bouquet of alpine flowers—for a job well done.

Four weeks later…We’d barely returned home before a new team from our Call of the Abyss project set out to surpass the record we’d just established. In early October a group of nine Ukrainian cavers led by Yuri Kasjan went back to the trough-shaped valley above Krubera Cave, where a farmer’s horse gamboled across the stony ground. Taking advantage of the ropes and anchors we’d left behind, they began 17 days underground. Three cavers—Ilja Lapa, Emil Vash, and Igor Ischenko—posed with their gear bags on the way down. Probing a series of “windows” in the walls of the deepest part of the cave, the team was blocked time and again by sumps or impossibly tight squeezes. But finally, on October 19, Kasjan dropped down a pit later dubbed Millennium and looked at his altimeter. He had passed the 2,000-meter depth, a fact later confirmed by surveying. More pits and passages brought the explorers to a sandy chamber at 2,080 meters, (6,824 feet)   the new “bottom of the world.” They named this spot Game Over. But the caving game is far from over. It won’t be—not as long as deeper abysses call out to be explored.

Extras: See photos, field notes, and more from this National Geographic article.

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Krubera Cave Expeditions

Disclaimer: Please note that Krubera Cave is located in Abkhazia, a region currently under the control of Russian forces. Due to the ongoing geopolitical situation and resulting security concerns, access to Krubera Cave for exploration or tourism purposes is not possible at this time. This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not advocate or suggest travel to the region under the present circumstances. We advise readers to stay informed about the latest travel advisories and geopolitical developments before considering any travel plans to this area.

Krubera Cave: A Deep Dive Into Earth's Depths

Krubera Cave, renowned as the deepest cave on Earth, represents a pinnacle in speleological exploration. Situated in the Arabika Massif of the Western Caucasus, in Abkhazia, Georgia, it has become a focal point for expeditions seeking to unravel the mysteries lying over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet) beneath the Earth’s surface. This article delves into the factual chronicles of these expeditions, painting a detailed picture of the challenges and discoveries encountered within this subterranean wonder. It caters to travel enthusiasts and professionals alike, integrating key aspects of tourism and the allure of underground exploration.

The Discovery And Geographical Context Of Krubera Cave

Krubera Cave, also known as Voronya Cave, was first discovered in 1960. However, its true depth was not known until the early 21st century. Located in the Gagra range of the Western Caucasus, the cave is part of a complex limestone region. Its entrance, at an elevation of about 2,256 meters (7,402 feet), opens the way to a subterranean labyrinth that extends over 13 kilometers (8 miles) horizontally and descends over 2,197 meters (7,208 feet) vertically, a measurement made in 2012 by the Ukrainian Speleological Association.

Early Expeditions And Their Significance

The exploration of Krubera Cave began earnestly in the 1980s, but it wasn't until 2001 that an expedition led by the Ukrainian Speleological Association made a groundbreaking discovery, reaching a depth of 1,710 meters (5,610 feet). This expedition set the stage for Krubera Cave as the deepest known cave at the time, surpassing the previous record holder, Lamprechtsofen in the Austrian Alps.

Technological Advancements And Deep Exploration

Advancements in technology played a crucial role in deeper expeditions into Krubera Cave. Modern equipment, such as advanced diving gear, durable ropes, and specialized communication devices, enabled explorers to delve deeper. In 2004, an expedition surpassed the 2,000-meter (6,562 feet) mark, a feat that was previously deemed nearly impossible. This milestone marked a significant leap in speleological exploration, underscoring the human determination to explore the unknown.

The Role Of International Teams In Krubera’S Exploration

Krubera Cave's exploration has been a collaborative effort involving speleologists and cavers from various countries. Teams from Ukraine, Russia, Spain, and Great Britain, among others, have contributed significantly to the exploration efforts. These international collaborations have not only facilitated the sharing of knowledge and techniques but also fostered a spirit of unity in the face of daunting underground challenges.

The Challenges Of Deep Cave Exploration

Exploring Krubera Cave is fraught with challenges. The cave's narrow passages, vertical shafts, and underwater sumps present formidable obstacles. The psychological and physical demands on explorers are immense, requiring not only technical skill but also mental fortitude. The risk of hypothermia, injuries, and the logistical challenges of prolonged underground stays add to the complexity of these expeditions.

The Significance Of Krubera Cave In Speleology

Krubera Cave’s exploration has significantly contributed to the field of speleology. The data collected on its geology, hydrology, and biology have provided valuable insights into subterranean ecosystems. These expeditions have also helped in understanding the geological history of the region and the processes involved in cave formation.

Krubera Cave In The Context Of Travel And Tourism

While Krubera Cave is not accessible to casual tourists, its existence and the stories of its exploration hold immense appeal for the adventure travel sector. It highlights the extremes of human exploration and the allure of the unknown, inspiring a sense of wonder in both professional explorers and travel enthusiasts.

The Environmental Impact And Conservation Efforts

The exploration of Krubera Cave does not come without environmental considerations. The unique and fragile ecosystem within the cave necessitates careful planning and execution of expeditions to minimize impact. Conservation efforts are crucial in preserving the cave’s natural state. These efforts include regulating the number of expeditions, ensuring proper disposal of waste, and educating explorers about the delicate cave environment. This approach not only safeguards the cave’s ecology but also ensures that it can be studied and appreciated by future generations of speleologists and scientists.

• Krubera Cave's Unique Biological Discoveries

The biological research conducted in Krubera Cave has yielded fascinating discoveries. The cave is home to a variety of endemic species, adapted to the dark, isolated environment. These include unique types of cave-dwelling crustaceans and insects. The study of these organisms offers insights into evolutionary biology and the adaptability of life in extreme conditions. The biological findings in Krubera have implications for understanding life in other extreme environments, including potential subterranean habitats on other planets.

Future Expeditions And Scientific Potential

The future of exploration in Krubera Cave holds significant potential for scientific discovery. Each expedition contributes to a greater understanding of the cave’s geology, hydrology, and biology. The ongoing interest in deep cave exploration continues to drive technological innovations, which in turn open new possibilities for deeper and more extensive exploration of Krubera Cave. Additionally, these expeditions continue to challenge and redefine the limits of human endurance and capability in extreme environments.

Krubera Cave In The Broader Context Of Global Caving

Krubera Cave’s status as the deepest known cave places it at the forefront of global caving endeavors. It represents a benchmark for speleologists and adventurers worldwide, setting a standard for what can be achieved in the realm of subterranean exploration. The cave's exploration has inspired a broader interest in caving and speleology, highlighting the importance of these activities in understanding Earth’s hidden frontiers.

Conclusion: Krubera Cave's Role In Advancing Speleological Knowledge

In summary, Krubera Cave stands as a monumental challenge and a beacon of discovery in the field of speleology. Its exploration has pushed the boundaries of human endeavor, offering profound insights into the depths of our planet. For the travel and adventure community, Krubera Cave symbolizes the ultimate journey into the unknown, igniting the imagination and inspiring future generations of explorers. As expeditions continue, Krubera Cave will undoubtedly remain a key focus in the ongoing quest to explore and understand the complex and mysterious world beneath our feet.

Table of Contents

• Krubera Cave: A Deep Dive into Earth's Depths
• The Discovery and Geographical Context of Krubera Cave
• Early Expeditions and Their Significance
• Technological Advancements and Deep Exploration
• The Role of International Teams in Krubera’s Exploration
• The Challenges of Deep Cave Exploration
• The Significance of Krubera Cave in Speleology
• Krubera Cave in the Context of Travel and Tourism
• The Environmental Impact and Conservation Efforts
• Future Expeditions and Scientific Potential
• Krubera Cave in the Broader Context of Global Caving
• Conclusion: Krubera Cave's Role in Advancing Speleological Knowledge

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Krubera Cave

About krubera cave.

Krubera Cave is located in Abkhazia , Gagra Municipality, on Berchil Range. The territory of Abkhazia is currently occupied by Russia. The Krubera Abyss is the second-deepest-known cave on Earth after the Veryovkina Cave, which is also located in Abkhazia. The cave was discovered in 1960 and is named after the famous Russian geographer Alexander Kruber, who explored the mountains of the Western Caucasus in the early twentieth century. Krubera Cave is an amazingly impressive and mystical sight. Access to the magical world of the cave through a vertical, very deep, gabled entrance is possible only with the help of special equipment. The entrance to the cave is 2320 meters above sea level. Krubera Cave is a sub-vertical type of cave. Miniature stalactites, stalagmites and curtains can be found in the cave. There are streams of water and small lakes in the cave. The River Reprua is fed by the waters of the Krubera Abyss.

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Krubera Cave

T he world’s second deepest cave is Krubera Cave in Western Caucasus. This great monument of nature starts as a seemingly small hole high up in the mountains.

GPS coordinates

Location, address, alternate names, name in regional languages, map of the site.

From 2001 to 2018 Krubera Cave was considered to be the deepest cave in the world. This small hole penetrates the mountains to a 2,197 m depth, just 15 m less than the world’s deepest cave – Veryovkina Cave some 5 km to the east.

Location and geology

Krubera-Voronya Cave is located in Arabika Massif, Western Caucasus. This is a very spectacular area, covered with dense forest (until the treeline at the height of some 1,800 – 1,900 m) and adorned with incredible mountain scenery.

Arabika Massif has been formed from an enormous shield of limestone that formed in the Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous epochs. This limestone shield (which once was lying flat and smooth at the bottom of the sea) rises and folds over the last 5,6 – 5,33 million years and had been fractured with hundreds of larger and smaller fissures. The tallest summit here is the Peak of Speleologists, 2,705 m high.

Arabika Massif is part of a larger area of limestone mountains and is delimited by the deep canyons of Bzyb, Sandripsh, Kutushara, and Gega rivers as well as the Black Sea.

Krubera Cave is located in Ortobalagan valley – a comparatively shallow valley formed by glaciers.

Hundreds of caves

This mountain block contains several hundred caves and five of these caves are deeper than 1,000 m. Most likely these caves started to develop when mountains started to rise – more than 5 million years ago.

The formation of caves in Arabika Massif continues up to this day. The climate there is wet. A thick layer of snow forms in winter and the snow may close the narrow entrance to Krubera Cave. Each spring this mass of snow is thawing and causes flash floods. The water here is very cold (what slows down the karst processes) but abundant (what facilitates karst processes).

Deep caves of Arabika Massif are located closely together and their passages often meet, thus creating linked cave systems. Thus, another very deep cave in Ortobalagan Valley is the 1,110 m deep system of Arabikskaja Cave which includes Kuybyshevskaya Cave and Genrikhova Bezdna Cave (965 m) and it is possible that Krubera cave has a connection to it. Entrances of these caves are only 300 m apart from each other. Another very deep cave near Krubera Cave is Berchilskaja Cave which is explored to 500 m depth.

Description of Krubera Cave

Krubera Cave is a 16,058 m long cave system that for the most part consists of deep, vertical wells that are interconnected with passages. The deepest wells are 152, 115, and 110 m deep.

The cave starts high in the mountains, at a height of 2,256 m. The entrance is narrow and sometimes in winter, it may get covered with a deep layer of snow.

Krubera Cave often is very narrow – in fact, it can be penetrated thanks to the hard work of numerous expeditions that have carved many passages wider in order to pass through.

At the depth of 200 m cave divides into two main branches: Non-Kuybyshevskaya (explored to a depth of 1,293 m in 2008) and Main (2,197 m deep). At the depth of 1,300 m, the cave divides into numerous branches.

When speleologists descend to the depth of 1,400 m, there starts the next hardship – sumps (siphons). There are known 8 sumps up to the deepest part of the cave. Terminal (final, in the deepest part of the cave) lake – Dva Kapitana Sump – is the deepest one, it has been dived up to 52 m depth.

Water in the cave is very cold. At the 100 m depth, the temperature is just 1° C, and at 2,000 m depth it reaches 7.2° C. Air temperature in the cave is similar.

In winter the flow of water in the cave is very low, but in late May and June, it reaches the maximum, and the lowest parts of the cave are then inundated.

Where goes the water?

Speleologists most likely have reached the bottom of the cave lake – but the water goes further than this. It is not that easy to find where the water from Arabika Massif comes to the surface.

Cave researchers have added tracers to the water in the nearby Kuybyshevskaya cave. These tracers later were found in Reproa Spring and nearby Kholodnaja Rechka spring, as well as in a borehole that takes groundwater deeper than the sea level.

Reproa Spring (located approximately at 43.331534 N 40.204696 E) is a very interesting natural monument – it is a powerful spring with an average discharge of 2,500 l per second and it forms one of the world’s shortest surface rivers which after 18 m falls into the Black Sea. The distance between Reproa Spring and the entrance to Krubera Cave is 12.75 km.

The deepest point in Krubera Cave, at a depth of 2,197 m, is located only 59 m above sea level. Thus one could assume that this cave cannot go much deeper than this.

Research shows that caves here could continue well under the sea level. This is testified by amazing undersea springs deep in the Black Sea. Thus, a group of springs can be seen near Tsandripsh at the depth of 5 – 7 m, there are known other submarine springs but one spring has been marked during hydrological research at the depth of almost 400 m!

This might seem like a mystery – how could freshwater go that deep under the sea level? But we need to take into account the geological history of this amazing part of the world. More than 5 million years ago the Black Sea almost dried up – and most likely caves formed already in these times and these ancient cave systems have “survived” up to this day when the sea level is much higher.

Thus, analysis of stalagmites from Krubera cave ( 230 Th dating), taken in the depth of 1,640 and 1,820 m testifies, that these cave formations are more than 200 thousand years old – this is a significant age.

Cave biology

This unique cave has some biological peculiarities too. Here live more than 12 species of arthropods including some endemic species: springtails Anurida stereoodorata , Deuteraphorura kruberaensis , Schaefferia profundissima, and Plutomurus ortobalaganensis . Here lives also near-endemic beetle Catops cavicis , which has been found also in some nearby caves.

Plutomurus ortobalaganensis is the deepest living terrestrial animal on Earth, found up to 1,980 m deep. This collembola is 3 mm long, without eyes and most likely feeds on fungi and organic matter coming from above.

History of exploration

Krubera Cave was discovered by Georgian speleologists (led by L.I.Maruashvili) in 1960. It was named by them after A.A. Kruber (1871 – 1941) – an outstanding Russian geologist and researcher of karst processes. Georgians back then explored it to the depth of 95 m – further advance was hindered by impassable squeezes.

In 1968 it was further explored (to the depth of 210 m) by an expedition from Krasnoyarsk and named – Sibirskaya Cave.

Further advances in exploring this cave (and other caves in Arabika Massif) were made mainly by Ukrainian speleologists. There was a period in the early 1980s when many speleologists believed that caves in Arabika Massif are not too deep and not too interesting. The persistence and good organization of works by Ukrainian speleologists proved the opposite. From 1982 to 1987 Krubera Cave was further explored by Kyiv speleologists (they reached a depth of 340 m) and then it got the name Voronya Cave (after a number of crows nesting near it). Speleologists were hard working to widen the narrow passages in order to squeeze through them – and some report that it was even a kind of mysterious feeling fuelling their efforts.

Only in 1999, when the political situation calmed down, exploration continued and since then have been achieved surprising results – Krubera Cave turned out to be the deepest known cave in the world! Ukrainian expedition in January 2001 reached world record depth (exceeding 1,710 m), and a few years later, in 2004 for the first time in the history of speleology, the explored depth of cave exceeded 2 km.

In 2012 Gennadiy Samokhin (Ukraine) reached the current depth of 2,197 by diving 52 m deep in the terminal lake.

Cave now is a very popular destination for expeditions coming from many countries, as it is a kind of “Everest” in speleology.

Currently, speleologists focus on the exploration of other passages in the hope to connect Krubera Cave to other nearby caves and reach a more significant length of the cave.

• Alexander Klimchouk, Krubera (Voronja) Cave. Encyclopedia of Caves, edited by William B. White and David C. Culver, 2012.
• Alexander Klimchouk, Yury Kasjan. In a search for the route to 2000 meters depth: The Deepest Cave in the World in the Arabika Massif, Western Caucasus. Accessible on CaveDiggers.com , 30 March 2014

Linked articles

Wonders of Georgia

There are few small countries in the world with such a distinct culture and richness of natural and man-made landmarks as Georgia. Here evolved several distinct writing systems, own architectural styles, and art styles.

Every year there are reported exciting discoveries of new caves and discoveries of new qualities such as cave paintings in the ones known before. But there still is a feeling that our knowledge covers just a small part of all these monuments of nature.

Though, those which are known to us, offer a surprising diversity of unusual features and impressive sights.

Biotope is a rather small area with uniform environmental conditions and a specific community of life. Wondermondo describes biotopes and ecosystems which have striking looks, look very beautiful, or have other unusual characteristics.

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Krubera Cave – The World’s Deepest Cave

Krubera Cave, also known as Voronya Cave (Russian for “Crow’s Cave”) is the deepest known cave on Earth. It is located in the Arabika Massif, one of the largest high-mountain limestone karst massifs in the Western Caucasus region of Georgia. This mountain block contains several hundred caves that started to develop when the mountains started to rise more than 5 million years ago. Five of these caves are deeper than 1,000 meters; Krubera is 2197 meters deep and is the only known cave on Earth deeper than 2,000 meters.

Krubera Cave is a 16,058 meters long cave system which for most part consists of deep, vertical wells which are interconnected with passages. The cave starts high in the mountains, at an altitude of 2,256 meters, with a narrow entrance. Krubera Cave often is very narrow and had to be carved at many places to allow safe passage. At other places, the passageway is as large as subway tunnel.

At the depth of 200 meters, the cave divides into two main branches: Non-Kuybyshevskaya (explored to the depth of 1,293 m in 2008) and Main (2,197 m deep). At the depth of 1,300 meters the cave further divides into numerous branches.

When speleologists started exploring the cave, one of the hardships they faced were flooded tunnels called "sumps." When they encounter a sump, cavers have to put on scuba gear and charge ahead. One of the sumps – the deepest one - has been dived up to 52 m depth.

The cave now is very popular destination for the expeditions coming from many countries.

Source: Wondermodo / Wikipedia . Photo courtesy: Avaxnews

Picture #11 and 12 is not krubera

Sorry, picture number 11 and 13 is not krubera

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cenote looks like a cropped version from here: http://fireelf.com/stories/11241/The-Maya-Believed-Natural-Wells-Such-As-The-Xkeken-Cenote-In-Mexicos-Yucatn-Led-To-The-Underworld.html with the watermark removed (shame!) https://www.google.com/search?tbm=isch&q=cenote%20mexico http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave_of_Swallows http://science.nationalgeographic.com/science/photos/extreme-caves-pictures/#/science-extreme-caves-goldondrinas-cave_47790_600x450.jpg

Very wonderfull photos..really cool

Photo #3 is absolutely incredible.

sorry picture number 11,12,13 is not really krubera

Krubera was made about 4,350 years ago during The Flood.

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Krubera Caves aka Voronya Cave... - New Athos Cave

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More than 40 years ago, I was still a child in the New Athos cave and I wanted to renew my... read more

Remember this cave since my childhood and glad it was not destroyed during the war. Actually it was... read more

Krubera Caves aka Voronya Cave, "deepest on Earth"

I am not an expert speleologist so I cannot confirm that this is the deepest cave in the world. But the unique metro train ride going down towards the center of the earth is a special kind of mini-adventure, and the constant 12 degrees Centigrade both summer and winter makes it a bit chilly in August. The staff on-hand can rent you a used overcoat or winter jacket for only 50 rubles [about $1.50] so you don't need to take winter clothes with you in summer. The tour guides were well versed and concerned with public safety. I will have to admit, i have seen more beautifully colorful caves of stalactites and stalagmites in Slovenia at the Postojnska Jama Caves there, but here I felt i was in Jules Verne's JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH. It is so dark down there that artificial lights are used to illuminate many of the largest stalactites and stalagmites, which does not make for good personal photos. The deep underground baby lake was spooky. I wonder what kind of creatures live in its depths? Wear shoes with good traction. A few ladies slipped and fell down, but were not harmed.

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Krubera Cave: Exploring One of the Deepest Caves in the World

Explore the depths of krubera cave , the world’s deepest cave. Discover its unique geological formations and diverse fauna in this captivating article.

Have you ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of our planet? Krubera Cave, also known as Voronya Cave, is an awe-inspiring testament to the hidden wonders of the Earth. Located in the Arabika Massif, Abkhazia, Georgia, this mesmerizing cave has captivated explorers and cavers for decades. Let’s embark on a virtual journey to uncover the secrets of one of the deepest caves in the world.

Location and Exploration

In the heart of the Caucasus, nestled within the rugged Arabika Massif, lies Krubera Cave. This remarkable geological formation was first discovered in 1960. However, it wasn’t until 2001 that the true extent of its depth was measured by a Ukrainian expedition, revealing a staggering 2,191 meters (7,188 ft). Since then, intrepid explorers have undertaken numerous expeditions to chart and explore this hidden gem, with the most recent one taking place in 2019.

Venturing into the depths of Krubera Cave is not for the faint of heart. It demands exceptional physical fitness, technical expertise, and an insatiable thirst for adventure. The complex and treacherous terrain, coupled with the extreme depth, render this cave one of the most challenging to explore. Narrow passageways, steep walls, and deep chasms await those who dare to venture forth. The journey to the deepest reaches of Krubera Cave can span several days, while the ascent can take even longer.

Geology and Formation

Krubera Cave, a limestone marvel, owes its existence to millions of years of geological processes. Formed during the Oligocene period, when the Arabika Massif began to take shape, this subterranean wonder is a testament to the power of water and time. Underground water slowly dissolved the limestone, creating a labyrinth of passages and chambers.

The unique geological features within Krubera Cave include expansive halls, narrow canyons, and vertical shafts. Adding to the cave’s allure are its breathtaking crystal formations, adorned with magnificent gypsum crystals, stalactites, stalagmites, and helictites. Each formation tells the story of water’s relentless journey through the cave, carrying minerals that gradually crystallize over time.

Studying the Geology and Its Significance

Unraveling the secrets of Krubera Cave’s geology is the key to understanding the processes that shaped this extraordinary underground world. The cave’s limestone formation bears witness to a combination of water erosion and tectonic activity. The cave’s imposing walls and deep shafts are a testament to the region’s turbulent geological history, while the passages and chambers stand as testament to the relentless power of water.

The significance of Krubera Cave’s geology extends beyond its natural allure. Situated in a tectonically active area, the Arabika Massif offers scientists valuable insights into the geological processes that have shaped the Caucasus region. Additionally, the cave’s stalactites and stalagmites act as time capsules, preserving vital information about past climate conditions. Analyzing these formations enables scientists to reconstruct historical climate patterns and gain a deeper understanding of how climate change may impact the region’s future.

Fauna and Flora

Descend into the depths of Krubera Cave, and you will encounter a unique ecosystem teeming with life adapted to thrive in eternal darkness. Invertebrates such as beetles, spiders, and crustaceans call this cave home. Among the cave’s most fascinating inhabitants are the eyeless cave spider, the blind cave beetle, and the troglobitic shrimp.

These incredible species have evolved extraordinary adaptations to survive in this harsh environment. The eyeless cave spider has honed its sense of touch, skillfully navigating the dark passages. The troglobitic shrimp, devoid of pigmentation, relies on its elongated antennae to locate sustenance in complete darkness.

Preserving the delicate balance of Krubera Cave’s fauna and flora is of utmost importance. Human activity, including tourism and exploration, can pose significant threats to the cave’s fragile ecosystem. Implementing measures to safeguard this unique habitat, such as limiting visitor numbers, enforcing strict safety regulations, and promoting responsible tourism practices, becomes crucial.

Tourist Visits and Safety Measures

Due to the challenging terrain and extreme depth of Krubera Cave, it is not open to the general public for tourism purposes. Only experienced cavers who are members of recognized caving organizations have the privilege to explore its depths. These adventurers must possess the necessary technical and physical skills, as well as the appropriate equipment, to safely navigate this underground labyrinth.

Aspiring explorers interested in caving must partake in training programs, courses, and expeditions before attempting to enter Krubera Cave. Safety measures are paramount when delving into its depths, as the risks of injury or even worse are ever-present. Cavers must equip themselves with protective gear, including helmets, headlamps, and harnesses, and adhere to strict safety protocols throughout their journey.

Responsible tourism practices play a crucial role in preserving Krubera Cave. The delicate ecosystem within is highly sensitive to disturbances. Thus, it is imperative to follow ethical and sustainable practices when exploring the cave, refraining from leaving any trace, disturbing the cave’s fauna and flora, and damaging its geological formations.

The Future of Krubera Cave

The future of Krubera Cave hangs in the balance, as it faces potential threats that could jeopardize its delicate ecosystem. Climate change, pollution, and human disturbances cast shadows over this natural wonder. Rising water levels due to climate change may disrupt the cave’s unique ecosystem. Pollution can harm the delicate balance of its fauna, flora, and geological marvels. Meanwhile, uncontrolled tourism can irrevocably damage the cave’s fragile environment, leading to its eventual closure.

Protecting and conserving Krubera Cave for future generations necessitates the implementation of effective conservation strategies. These strategies may include limiting access to the cave, enforcing strict safety measures for cavers, and fostering responsible and sustainable tourism practices. Raising awareness about the cave’s significance and the challenges it faces is paramount, along with supporting research and monitoring initiatives to better understand and safeguard its unique ecosystem. By taking these steps, we can ensure that Krubera Cave remains an extraordinary natural wonder for generations to come.

Ready to explore the depths of Krubera Cave? Join the ranks of intrepid adventurers and embark on a journey to witness the wonders hidden beneath our feet. Discover the intricate geological formations, crystal-clear underground rivers, and captivating fauna that thrive in this extraordinary subterranean realm.

To learn more about Krubera Cave and other natural wonders, visit TooLacks , and let the mysteries of the world unfold before your eyes.

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Visit Russia To Explore The Cave With Unreachable Depths Dubbed The Everest Of Caves

Nestled in the rugged terrain of the Western Caucasus, in Abkhazia, an autonomous republic of Georgia, lies Krubera Cave, often called the Everest of caves. With depths reaching 7,215 feet, this enigmatic subterranean giant holds the record as the second-deepest cave on Earth, just behind Veryovinka Cave (7,257 feet deep), also located in the same region. Krubera Cave is a realm where only the most daring venture, a unique challenge to speleologists and adventure seekers alike.

Krubera Cave captures the imagination with its staggering depth and intricate network of passages reaching almost 10 miles. The cave is named after Alexander Kruber, a Russian geographer, while its alternate name, Voronya Cave, means "Crow's Cave" because of a colony of crows nesting near the entrance. Discovered in 1960, the cave remained unexplored for decades due to technical challenges, extreme depths, and regional turmoil after the downfall of the Soviet Union. Its full scope was only discovered by modern expeditions, some led by National Geographic and others by international speleological organizations, in the early 2000s.

The comparison to Mount Everest is apt not only because of its record-breaking depth but also due to the sheer challenge and danger involved in exploring it. The cave represents the pinnacle of speleological exploration, a subterranean Everest, beckoning the bravest to descend into Earth's abyss. The ancient cave began developing during the Jurrasic and Cretaceous eras within the Arabika Massif, a limestone mountain block, one of the largest of its kind.

The journey into the depths of Krubera Cave

The journey into Krubera Cave is not for the faint-hearted. It starts at a narrow cave opening in the mountains, at an altitude of 7,400 feet, with a slow abseil down. This is a physically and mentally demanding expedition, requiring specialized equipment and extensive expertise. Krubera Cave is known for its claustrophobic, often impassable corridors, enormous vertical shafts, and other treacherous obstacles. 

The cave complex is comprised of two branches: Non-Kuybyshevskaya (4,242 feet deep) and Main (7,257 feet deep). However, the deeper you go into this bottomless pit, the more labyrinthine everything gets. Sumps, or water-filled basins, can only be passed with scuba diving gear. The deepest sump has been dived up to 170 feet. Five camp zones have been established by previous expeditions throughout the cave.

Frozen waterfalls, icy chambers, internal lakes, stalactites, and stalagmites adorn Krubera's interior, creating an otherworldly landscape. The ecosystem is equally fascinating, with unique species, such as crustaceans, insects, and the deepest living terrestrial animal. The isolated environment is characterized by complete darkness, high humidity, and stable but low temperatures.

As one of the most dangerous caves in the world , Krubera is a test of endurance and resilience. The cold, damp conditions, coupled with the constant threat of falling rocks and flooding, make each expedition a meticulous operation. Cavers must be prepared for the unexpected and be adept at problem-solving in this remote subterranean environment — in the case of an S.O.S., help may not come.

Essential preparation for one of the world's deepest caves

Due to the cave's location and the technical skills required, it's not a destination for casual tourists. You'll need everything from food to breathing equipment, tents to scuba diving gear, not to mention rope (and lots of it) — altogether, an expensive and challenging affair. Prospective explorers need to coordinate with speleological groups, ideally with previous Krubera experience, such as the National Speleological Society or the  Ukrainian Speleological Association , as they've completed multiple treks.

You may wonder how long it takes to explore Krubera Cave — all we can say is, if you want to venture to the depths, you're in it for the long haul. Some expeditions have been there for two weeks, and that's just the trip down. Moreover, due to the location of the cave within Abkhazia, a region with a complex political and historical background, reaching the entrance to the cave itself is not simple. You must obtain a visa, either from Russia or Georgia, and any necessary permits and insurance.

The exploration of Krubera Cave represents the extreme limit of human exploration, akin to the challenges faced in space exploration and deep-sea dives. "Even now, we don't know whether we've reached the limit — or if it will go on. We're pretty sure we'll eventually go even lower," said Alexander Klimchouk, one of the cavers who organized a Krubera mission in 2005 (via BBC ). For a Jules Verne-esque journey to the center of the Earth, this Everest of caves is your point of descent. 

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Krubera cave.

Krubera Cave is the deepest-known cave on Earth. It is located in the Arabika Massif of the Gagra Range of the Western Caucasus, in the ...

Friday, March 30, 2018

About georgia The nation of Georgia (Georgian: საქართველო sakartvelo) was first unified as a kingdom under the Bagrationi dynasty by the King Bagrat III of Georgia in the 8th to 9th century, arising from a number of predecessor states of the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Iberia. The kingdom of Georgia flourished during the 10th to 12th centuries under King David IV the Builder and Queen Tamar the Great, and fell to the Mongol invasion by 1243, and after a brief reunion under George V the Brilliant to the Timurid Empire. By 1490, Georgia was fragmented into a number of petty kingdoms and principalities, which throughout the Early Modern period struggled to maintain their autonomy against Ottoman and Iranian (Safavid, Afsharid, and Qajar) domination until Georgia was finally annexed by the Russian Empire in 1801, which got nominally confirmed in 1813. After a brief bid for independence with the Democratic Republic of Georgia of 1918–1921, Georgia was part of the Transcaucasian Socialist Federative Soviet Republic from 1922 to 1936, and then formed the Georgian Soviet Socialist Republic until the dissolution of the Soviet Union. The current republic of Georgia has been independent since 1991. The first president Zviad Gamsakhurdia stoked Georgian nationalism and vowed to assert Tbilisi's authority over Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Gamsakhurdia was deposed in a bloody coup d'état within the same year and the country became embroiled in a bitter civil war, which lasted until 1995. Supported by Russia, Abkhazia and South Ossetia achieved de facto independence from Georgia. The Rose Revolution forced Eduard Shevardnadze to resign in 2003. The new government under Mikheil Saakashvili prevented the secession of a third breakaway republic in the Adjara crisis of 2004, but the conflict with Abkhazia and South Ossetia led to the 2008 Russo–Georgian War and tensions with Russia remain unresolved. The history of Georgia is inextricably linked with the history of the Georgian people

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Krubera Cave, The World’s Deepest Cave

Krubera Cave is the deepest known cave on Earth. It is located in the Arabika Massif of the Gagra Range of the Western Caucasus, in the Gagra district of Abkhazia, a breakaway region of Georgia.

The difference in elevation of the cave’s entrance and its deepest explored point is 2,197 ± 20 metres (7,208 ± 66 ft). It became the deepest-known cave in the world in 2001 when the expedition of the Ukrainian Speleological Association reached a depth of 1,710 m (5,610 ft) which exceeded the depth of the previous deepest known cave, Lamprechtsofen, in the Austrian Alps, by 80 m. In 2004, for the first time in the history of speleology, the Ukrainian Speleological Association expedition reached a depth greater than 2,000 m, and explored the cave to −2,080 m (−6,824 ft). Ukrainian diver Gennadiy Samokhin extended the cave by diving in the terminal sump to 46 m depth in 2007 and then to 52 m in 2012, setting successive world records of 2,191 m and 2,197 m respectively. Krubera remains the only known cave on Earth deeper than 2,000 metres.

Location and background

The Arabika Massif, the home of Krubera (Voronya) Cave, is one of the largest high-mountain limestone karst massifs in the Western Caucasus. It is composed of Lower Cretaceous and Upper Jurassic limestones that dip continuously southwest to the Black Sea and plunge below the modern sea level.

To the northwest, north, northeast, and east, Arabika is bordered by the deeply incised canyons of Sandripsh, Kutushara, Gega and Bzyb rivers. The Bzyb River separates Arabika from the adjacent Bzybsky Massif, another outstanding karst area with many deep caves, including the Snezhnaja-Mezhonogo-Iljuzia System (−1,753 m or −5,751 ft) and Pantjukhina Cave (−1,508 m or −4,948 ft). To the southwest, Arabika borders the Black Sea.

The Arabika Massif has a prominent high central sector with elevations above the tree line at ~1,800–1,900 m (5,900–6,200 ft). This is an area of classical glaciokarstic landscape, with numerous glacial trough valleys and cirques, with ridges and peaks between them. The bottoms of trough valleys and karst fields lie at elevations of 2,000–2,350 m (6,560–7,710 ft), and ridges and peaks rise to 2,500–2,700 m (8,200–8,900 ft). The highest peak is the Peak of Speleologists (2,705 m (8,875 ft)) but the dominant summit is a typical pyramidal horn of the Arabika Mount (2,695 m (8,842 ft)). Some middle- to low-altitude ridges covered with forest lie between the central sector and the Black Sea. A plateau-like middle-altitude outlier of the massif in its south sector is Mamzdyshkha, with part of the plateau slightly emerging above the tree line.

Among several hundred caves known in the Arabika Massif, fifteen have been explored deeper than 400 m and five deeper than 1,000 m (shown in Figure 1).

Krubera Cave is located at 2,256 m above sea level in the Ortobalagan Valley, a perfectly shaped, relatively shallow, glacial trough of the sub-Caucasian stretch, which holds the advanced position in the Arabika’s central sector relative to the seashore. Since 1980, Ukrainian cavers have been undertaking systematic efforts in exploring deep caves in the Ortobalagan Valley, resulting in exploration of the Krubera Cave to its current depth and of the Arabikskaja System to depth of −1,110 m (−3,640 ft). The latter consists of Kuybushevskaya Cave (also spelled as Kujbyshevskaja; −1,110 m) and Genrikhova Bezdna Cave (−965 m to the junction with Kujbyshevskaja). Another deep cave in the valley, located in its very upper part and explored by Moldavian and Ukrainian cavers is Berchilskaya Cave, 500 m (1,600 ft) deep. All large caves of the Ortobalagan Valley likely belong to a single hydrological system, connected to large springs at the Black Sea shore. The direct physical connection of Krubera Cave with the Arabikaskaja System is a sound possibility, although not yet physically realized.

The Ortobalagan Valley extends along the crest of the Berchil’sky anticline, which gently dips northwest. The cave entrances are aligned along the anticlinal crest  but the caves are controlled by longitudinal, transverse, and oblique fractures and faults and comprise complex winding patterns in the plan view, remaining largely within and near the anticlinal crest zone. The caves are predominantly combinations of vadose shafts and steep meandering passages, although in places they cut apparently old fossil passages at different levels (e.g., at −2,100–2,040 m (−6,890–6,690 ft) in Kujbyshevskaja and Krubera caves, −1,200–1,240 m (−3,940–4,070 ft) and −980–1,150 m (−3,220–3,770 ft) in the non-Kujbyshevskaja branch of Krubera Cave, etc.). The deep parts of Krubera display a more pervasive conduit pattern with a mixture of phreatic morphology, characteristic of the zone of high-gradient floods, which can be up to 400 m above the low-flow water table, and vadose downcutting elements that are observed even below the water table.

The core part of the Arabika Massif is composed of the Upper Jurassic succession resting on the Bajocian Porphyritic Series, which includes sandstones, clays and conglomerates at the top, and tuff, tuff sandstones, conglomerates and breccia, porphyry and lava. The Porphyritic series forms the non-karstic basement of Arabika, which is exposed only on the northern and eastern outskirts, locally in the bottoms of the Kutushara and Gega River valleys. In the central part of Arabika the Cretaceous cover (Valanginian and Hauterivian limestones, marls and sandstones) is retained only in a few ridges and peaks, but it lies intact through the low-altitude ridges to the south-west of the central part. There the Cretaceous succession includes Barremian and Aptian–Cenomanian limestones and marly limestones with abundant concretions of black chert.

The Upper Jurassic succession begins with thin-bedded Kimmeridgian–Oxfordian cherty limestones, marls, sandstones and clays, which are identified in the lower part of Krubera Cave. Above lies the thick Tithonian succession of thick-bedded limestones with marly and sandy varieties. Sandy limestones are particularly abundant through the upper 1,000 m sections of deep caves of the Ortobalagan Valley.

The tectonic structure of Arabika is dominated by the axis of the large sub-Caucasian anticline (oriented NW–SE), with the gently dipping southwestern mega-flank, complicated by several low-order folds, and steeply dipping northeastern flank (Figure 3). The axis of the anticline roughly coincides with the ridge bordering the Gelgeluk Valley to the north. Located on the southwestern flank of the major anticline is another large one (Berchil’sky), in which the crest is breached by the Ortobalagan Valley. There are several smaller sub-parallel anticlines and synclines farther southwest, between the Berchil’ Ridge and the coast.

The plicative dislocation structure of the massif is severely complicated by faults, with the fault-block structure strongly controlling both cave development and groundwater flow. Major faults of the sub-Caucasian orientation delineate several large elongated blocks that experienced uplift with different rates during Pliocene and Pleistocene. This had a pronounced effect on the development of deep groundwater circulation and of Krubera Cave in particular. Both longitudinal and transverse faults and related fracture zones play a role in guiding groundwater flow; the latter guide flow across the strike of major plicative dislocations, from the central sector toward the Black Sea.

Hydrogeology

Major on-shore karst springs with individual average discharges of 1 to 2.5 m3/s (35 to 88 cu ft/s) are located at altitudes ranging from 1 m (3.3 ft) (Reproa Spring) to 540 m (1,770 ft) (Gega waterfall). Two of them are located in the shore area; these are Reproa (average discharge 2.5 m3/s or 88 cu ft/s; altitude 1 m or 3 ft 3 in above sea level) and Kholodnaja Rechka (1.2 m3/s or 42 cu ft/s; 50 m or 160 ft a.s.l.). Two more major springs are located in the river canyons bordering Arabika to the east: Goluboe Ozero in the Bzyb canyon (2.5 m3/s or 88 cu ft/s; 90 m or 300 ft a.s.l.) and Gega waterfall in the Gega canyon (1 m3/s or 35 cu ft/s; 540 m or 1,770 ft a.s.l.). There are also several smaller springs in the Gagra town.

Some boreholes located along the shore of the Black Sea yield karstic groundwater from depths of 40–280 m below sea level. Other much deeper boreholes tapped low-salinity karstic waters at depths of 500 and 1,750 m in the Khashupse Valley near Tsandripsh and 2,250 m near Gagra. This suggests the existence of a deep karst system and vigorous karst groundwater circulation at depth.

Submarine springs are known in the Arabika area, emerging from the floor of the Black Sea in front of the massif. Shallow springs at depths of 5–7 m can be reached by free dive near Tsandripsh. Tamaz Kiknadze (1979) reported submarine springs near the eastern part of Gagra at depth of 25–30 m and Buachidze and Meliva (1967) revealed submarine discharge at depths up to −400 m by hydrochemical profiling. Recently an outstanding feature of the sea floor topography near Arabika has been revealed from a digital bathymetric map that combines depth soundings and high-resolution marine gravity data. This is a huge submarine depression in front of the Zhovekvara River mouth, which has dimensions of about 5 x 9 km and a maximum depth of about 380 m (1,250 ft). The Arabika Submarine Depression is a closed feature with internal vertical relief of about 120 m (390 ft) (measured from its lowest rim) separated from the abyssal slope by the bar at a depth of about 260 m (850 ft). It has steep northern and northeastern slopes (on the side of the massif) and gentle south and southwestern slopes. Its formation is apparently karstic. Presently this depression seems to be a focus of submarine discharge of the karst systems of Arabika.

The speleological explorations and a series of dye tracing experiments conducted during the 1980s under the coordination of Alexander Klimchouk have radically changed previous notions of the hydrogeology of Arabika, revealed its outstanding speleological perspectives and strongly stimulated further efforts for exploration of deep caves. Tracers injected in the Kujbyshevskaja Cave and the Iljukhina System were detected in the Kholodnaja Rechka and Reproa springs, proving groundwater flow to the south-southwest across major tectonic structures over a distance of 13–16 km as the crow flies (Figure 1). The tracer from Kujbyshevskaja Cave was also detected in a borehole located between these two springs, which yields groundwater from a depth of 200 m (660 ft) below sea level. This has been interpreted as an indication of the connection of the cave with the submarine discharge. The large “Central Karst Hydrologic System”, which encompasses most of the southeastern flank of the Arabika anticline, had been identified in this way. The system became the deepest in the world with its overall vertical range of about 2,500 m (8,200 ft) (measuring to the borehole water-bearing horizon) or even 2,700 m (8,900 ft) (measuring to the deepest reported submarine discharge points).

Another tracer was injected in the Moskovskaja Cave (−970 m) and detected at the Gegsky Vodopad spring, indicating the presence of a karst hydrologic system comprising the northeastern flank of the Arabika anticline (the “Northern System”). No connections have been revealed with yet another major spring, Goluboje Ozero in the Bzyb River canyon, although it apparently drains a large area of the eastern sector of the massif (the hypothetical “Eastern Karst Hydrological System”). It is not clear where Sarma Cave (−1,550 m) drains to, Goluboje Ozero to the southeast or Reproa to the southwest, at the shore.

The results of the dye-tracing tests demonstrated that groundwater flow is not subordinate to the fold structure but is largely controlled by faults that cut across the strike of major folds, and that the large part of the central sector of Arabika is hydraulically connected to the springs along the seashore and with submarine discharge points.

Krubera Cave has an extremely steep profile and reveals a huge thickness of the vadose zone. The lower boundary of the vadose zone (the top of the phreatic zone) is at an elevation of about 110 m (360 ft) at low flow, which suggests a low overall hydraulic gradient of 0.007-0.008. Low-TDS groundwater is tapped by boreholes in the shore area at depths of 40–280, 500, 1,750, and 2,250 m below sea level, which suggests the existence of a deep flow system with vigorous flow. Submarine discharge along the Arabika coast is reported at depths up to ~400 m b.s.l.

It is difficult to interpret these facts in terms of the development of karst systems controlled by contemporary sea level, or within the range of its Pleistocene fluctuations (up to −150 m). In combination with the existence of the Arabika Submarine Depression, all these facts point to the possibility that karst systems in Arabika could have originated in response to the Messinian salinity crisis (5.96–5.33 Ma) when the Black Sea (Eastern Paratethys) could have almost dried up, as did the adjacent Mediterranean, where the dramatic sea level drop of ~1,500 m is well established.

Note: The above post is reprinted from materials provided by Wikipedia .

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Krubera cave

Krubera Cave - Journeying to the Depths of Georgia in One of the World’s Deepest Caves

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Krúbera-Voronya: The deepest cave in the world nobody has managed to fully explore

Often when one thinks of the Earth’s surface, one imagines it to be completely homogeneous, perhaps because of the constant images of a perfectly spherical planet. However, it is known that it is not a flawless sphere. It has previously been described as having an elliptical shape, although it is more accurate to say that it is a geoid. This implies that it has very protruding reliefs and also large indentations, a gigantic ball with large differences in its surface. Everest is well known for having the highest altitude on the entire surface of the earth, but its counterpart, the deepest cave in the world called Krubera-Voronya, is largely unknown.

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Where is the Voronya Cave?

Located in Arabika, Georgia, the Krúbera-Voronya Cave is the deepest cave in the world and the crevice that comes closest to the heart of the Earth. It is so far into the bowels of the planet that man has not been able to explore it in depth. When it was discovered in 1960, explorers did not venture deeper than 180 meters. Since then, however, the records have been extended more and more.

Today it has become a challenge for the most experienced speleologists who try to reach the bottom. However, it seems that the cave is so majestic that even having reached a depth of 2,191 meters, they have not managed to discover its end.

But interesting facts about the Voronya Cave have been discovered. The expeditions have revealed that it is not a linear cave as many would imagine. Rather, it is a subway labyrinth full of complicated paths leading to various false bottoms. It is so complex that to explore it, underground camps have been set up to decipher its mysteries.

Subway camps

The first team of speleologists to achieve this milestone was a Ukrainian team that in the late 1990s set up camps at -700 meters below the earth’s surface. Later the same Ukrainian team managed to reach 1,200 meters below the ground and set up a second camp. Once the 1,000-meter barrier was crossed, the curiosity of cavers from all over the world turned into an obsession to reach the end of the deepest cave in the world.

Little by little, various teams from all over the world discovered the paths to continue descending, as there are many areas where there is no way to continue. They have also discovered subway lakes more than 50 meters deep, which make it even more difficult to search for the bottom. In addition to this, there are extremely narrow stretches that, if attempted to be crossed, any rescue would be in vain.

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Despite all these dangers, a new all-time record was set at the end of 2004. The UkrSA team managed to reach -2080 meters, a point is known as ‘Game Over’ because it is the lowest point discovered so far and where apparently no further progress is possible. However, this has not impeded Gennadiy Samokhin, who holds the record for the longest descent in the Voronya cave.

Shamokin continues the journey not on foot, but using scuba equipment to dive into one of the lakes. A feat that allowed him to reach 2,191 meters below the earth’s surface, which is the most current record. As is to be expected, it is not an easy path, it involves living for some time in the subway camps, crossing straits up to 40 centimeters wide that, if flooded, would mean death. Even diving and then dodging the icy waterfalls that form as a result of the rain.

Although all these challenges have been overcome, speleologists are still not sure where the end of the cave is. It is likely that this geological wonder still has much more to amaze us. Just take a look at the map of Voronya, which seems to have no end.

Text and photos courtesy of Ecoosfera

Isabel Carrasco

History buff, crafts maniac, and makeup lover!

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The Krubera Cave In Georgia Is The Second Deepest Known Cave In The World

The Krubera Cave is a fascinating and super deep hole in the Earth that started to form over five million years ago.

The second deepest known cave on Earth, Krubera Cave is 2197 metres deep. The only cave that’s deeper is Veryovkina Cave , which is also found in Abkhazia / Georgia. The area itself has several hundred caves. They started to form way back when the mountains started to rise… more than five million years ago.

A total of five of these caves are deeper than 1,000 metres. Krubera, however, is special. It starts high in the mountains, with a narrow entrance that sits at an altitude of 2,256 metres. Inside, it’s often very narrow. In fact, while discovering the true depths of this cave, the explorers had to carve away rock at several points to allow safe passage.

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At other points, however, the space of the cave is as large as a subway tunnel. And as far as the depth of Krubera Cave is concerned, to give you context it’s as deep as 6.5 Eiffel Towers stacked on top of each other… underneath the ground!

“Summiting” The Bottom Is No Easy Feat

Yet another super cool thing about Krubera Cave is that it has many tunnels. In fact, a lot of them are flooded, which makes them “sumps”. The deepest sump has been explored up to 52 m deep.

Because of the complicated cave-and-tunnel system within the Krubera Cave, it’s hard to get to the bottom. Since it was discovered in 1960, explorers and scientists have been trying to get deeper and deeper into “the Everest of caves”.

In 2012, a Ukrainian diver named Gennadiy Samokhin explored to the deepest part of the cave, smashing world records. It was a struggle in the cave exploration community to surpass the 2,000 metre mark. Because of this, the discovery of the true depth of Krubera was a celebration for a lot of researchers and scientists.

What You Will Find Inside The Depths Of The Cave

Inside the depths of the cave looks like a scene from some incredible sci-fi movie.

There are freezing underground waterfalls, and full caves filled with icy water. It’s an entire underground network and tunnels that are so narrow a human can hardly fit through. And yet, they have.

There are also super spacious areas which are just begging to be explored. Basically, the inside of Krubera Cave is an explorer’s paradise, full of wonders and sights not previously seen by human eyes!

How Difficult Is It To Visit Krubera Cave?

It’s definitely not easy to visit and explore Krubera Cave. Descending in Krubera, one of the explorers said that it’s like “climbing an inverted Mount Everest”.

Because of this, prep is long and hard. There’s very specific training that you’d need to take in order to even consider for such a task. Going to such depths requires a level of lung training that few people will ever be able to experience.

On top of that, getting there is a trip! Please note that the area where the cave is located is currently occupied by Russia, so travel there is obviously not a good idea at the time this article was written.

Check out this link for more detailed info about exploring Krubera Cave, released by a local authority. May you enjoy all of your adventures in the magical world of cave exploration!

Caves fascinate you? Us too!   These marble caves in Chile will blow your mind. It’s hard to believe they’re all natural!

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Summer of weekly guided tours to begin at Lava River Cave on Newberry National Volcanic Monument

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Deschutes National Forest and Discover Your Forest invite you to discover your national forest while participating in a guided Lava River Cave tour! Immerse yourself in the volcanic history of Newberry National Volcanic Monument while exploring Lava River Cave.

Lava River Cave interpretive hikes will take you on a two-mile hike through Oregon’s longest lava tube. Discover Your Forest and Forest Service rangers will guide you on your cave adventure while providing information on central Oregon geology and cave ecology! Whether local or visiting, you will learn exciting new information about Newberry National Volcanic Monument.

Lava River Cave guided programs are available on Thursdays, June 6 through September 5, with the exception of Thursday, July 4. Programs are at 2:00 p.m. and last one and a half to two hours. No hiking or caving experience is necessary.

Participants must come prepared for the cold, in close-toed shoes, and have a flashlight. Flashlight rentals are $5 if necessary. Dogs are not permitted, and children under eight are not permitted. All participants must follow cave white-nose syndrome policies. Prior registration is required. Please register at: Lava River Cave Tours - Discover Your Forest . A Recreation.gov timed ticket is not required for this program.

Discover Your Forest programs are free; however, donations are greatly appreciated to support Discover Your Forest’s free education and interpretation programs throughout the Deschutes and Ochoco National Forests.

For questions, please contact Laken Bosé Education and Interpretive Programs Manager at (541) 383-5557 or [email protected]

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