Caving

The terms "caving" and "spelunking" are often used interchangeably to describe the activity of exploring a cave undertaken out of a sense of adventure. Most modern cavers give some attention to the geological, biological, or historical features while enjoying the physical challenge. Along with oceans, caves have become a new frontier, and are attracting enthusiasts who hope to discover their treasures.

History

Poets and writers have often used caves as a metaphor for the unknown, the darkness of life, and inner journeys. One of the most familiar examples of a cave used as a prominent setting in American literature is Mark Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer (1876). Twain based his descriptions on a cave located near his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri, which was later named in his honor.

Throughout history, caves have been used as hideaways by robbers, convicts, and bootleggers, and for shelter and burials by American Indians and other indigenous people. They have been mined for ice, salt, saltpeter, guano, and valuable minerals.

During the mid-nineteenth century, as a cave's resources became depleted or unnecessary, as in the case of saltpeter, some cave owners searched for other ways to generate income. In Kentucky, the owners of Mammoth Cave began to charge admission to guide curiosity seekers from around the world through the behemoth formation. Other pioneer "show caves" included Grand Caverns (originally Weyer's Cave) in Virginia, Organ Cave in West Virginia, and Wyandotte Cave in Missouri.

Commercial caves enticed tourists first with the addition of stagecoach stops, then later with restaurants, hotels, gifts shops, and other ventures. Special effects lighting, organ music, and boat tours added to the appeal. Additional show caves opened as more were discovered during the twentieth century.

Commercial caves helped to spark a new wave of spelunkers. The National Speleological Association was formed in 1941 and remains one of the world's foremost organizations dedicated to the promotion of caves and caving.

Improvements in caving equipment have allowed for safer expeditions. The development of vertical climbing techniques has resulted in the discovery of new caves and hundreds of miles of additional passageways in known caves. In 2006, recreational spelunkers uncovered a new cave in Sequoia National Park. Additionally, inexpensive and long-lasting LED lights are now used in helmets and lighter backup batteries can be easily carried to ensure the expedition will have lighting. To improve mapping and surveying of caves, laser technology has been developed to measure distance.

Tips & Techniques

• Obtain permission from the property owner before entering a cave.
• Obtain a cave map and, if necessary, topographic and area maps.
• Inform friends, neighbors, or authorities about caving plans.
• Check the weather forecast. Rain or snow can cause deadly flash floods in caves.
• Cave with other people (four to six is optimal).
• Take three or four light sources with extra batteries, parts, and matches.
• Wear a helmet at all times.
• Move slowly to avoid accidents.
• Be aware of the path being taken. Identify landmarks.
• Do not panic when moving through narrow passages.
• If a cave contains a stream, be alert to rising water or other changes.
• Take regular rests.
• Stay on trails.
• Do not touch fragile speleothems (various formations).
• Do not handle bats. They could be rabid.
• Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes.
• Do not remove cave life.
• Pack out everything taken inside.

Trends

The conservation of caves and educational programs that promote cave biodiversity and geology have become a primary focus of cavers, commercial cave operators, and caving associations. Some groups have been attempting to repair damaged speleothems (stalagmites and stalactites) and to remove graffiti from cave walls. Some commercial caves have stopped boat tours when research showed the detrimental effect to the cave environment. Kartchner Caverns in Arizona is considered a showcase for conservation measures. Many organizations and institutions, including local high schools and universities, offer caving clubs, and they often coordinate with conservation efforts in their exploration activities.

Biospeleologists have been attracting much attention in recent years with new discoveries. In 2006, scientists in California discovered nearly thirty new species of scorpions, spiders, crustaceans and other cave dwellers, while scientists in Israel also identified new cave species. In 2015, it was announced that in 2013, cavers had discovered the bones of a new species of ancient human in a South African cave that, upon excavation, was named Homo naledi.

Caving for Fun vs. Profit

Cavers can become guides for expeditions and tours, publish photographs, and write books and articles. Additional skills in rappelling, scuba diving, and life saving can lead to many more opportunities. Cavers can combine their skills with a career in biospeleology or another scientific discipline.

Learning More

Organizations

National Caves Association <http://cavern.com/>

National Speleological Society <http://www.caves.org>

Books

Boga, Steven. Caving. Stackpole Books, 1997.

Hurd, Barbara. Entering the Stone: On Caves and Feeling Through the Dark. Houghton Mifflin, 2003.

Jones, Cheryl. A Guide to Responsible Caving. 3rd ed., National Speleological Society, 2003.

McClurg, David R. Adventure of Caving. National Speleological Society, 1996.

Rea, G. Thomas, editor. Caving Basics. 3rd Rev. ed., National Speleological Society, 1992.