← All categories

Spelunking

Spelunking is a hobby that involves exploring and studying caves. It's a hobby that requires physical fitness, mental preparation, and proper equipment. As you progress, you can learn different techniques for exploring and mapping caves, as well as identifying and appreciating the unique geological, biological and anthropological features of a cave. It's a hobby that is both physically and mentally challenging, and also can be quite rewarding. Spelunking can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and backgrounds, from beginners to experienced cavers, there is always room for discovery and new challenges to tackle. Whether you're looking to explore the underground world, or to learn more about the natural history of the earth, spelunking offers a fun and rewarding experience.

25 terms to explore

Level:

Secondary lighting in case primary fails

Area of fallen rock creating obstacles

Cave Conservation

Practices protecting cave environments

Specialized backpack designed for underground use

Network of connected underground passages and chambers

Large open space within cave system

Formation where stalactite and stalagmite meet

Navigation instrument for determining direction

Low passage requiring hands and knees navigation

Mineral deposits creating smooth cave formations

Primary lighting source worn on head

Tool measuring passage slopes and angles

Protective gear for crawling in caves

Tunnel or corridor connecting cave chambers

Rope climbing technique using friction knots

Controlled descent using rope

Mineral dams creating pools in caves

Cave formation created by mineral deposits

Tight passage requiring body contortion to pass

Mineral formation hanging from cave ceiling

Mineral formation growing up from cave floor

Mapping cave passages with measurements

Experienced caver responsible for group safety

Cave section requiring rope techniques

White Nose Syndrome

Disease affecting cave-dwelling bats