The Krubera Cave
By: Madeleine Wanklyn
Introduction
The landform that I have chosen is the Krubera Cave. The Kubera Cave was named the deepest cave in the world in 2001. The depth is unknown, but it is estimated it plunges 2,080m (6,800 feet). Many researchers have tried to brave this terrifying landform by adventuring down this deep crevice but have not made it farther than have the depth (1000m). Many life forms have been found inside the cave ecosystem pseudoscorpions, parasitic worms, crows, bats, and transparent fish in near zero-degree water.
Location
The Krubera Cave
A body of water in the Krubera Cave
Opening to the Krubera Cave
Specific Information
This landform falls under the category of a cave. The Krubera Cave is made out of limestone. This landform is formed when water seeping through the soil carries carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide dissolves in the water, forming a small amount of carbonic acid. As the carbonic acid flows through cracks in the limestone, it breaks down the rock and carries it away. This weathering and erosion results in cavities in what once was solid rock. The small cavities become larger overtime, thus creating a large cave such as the Krubera Cave.
Interesting Information
This cave can only be accessed four months of the year. This cave was once called “Voronya Cave”, which means the cave of crows, because in ancient times it used to nest hundreds of crows. There is only one entrance into the cave. It was discovered in the early 1960’s by Georgian speleologists led by L. Maruashvili. The Krubera Cave is the only known cave to have a depth of more than 2000m
Tourism
Many explorers have ventured down the Krubera Cave for research or personal interests, but there are not many tourists. Scientists have a great interest in this landform because of all its mystery. Some travel from all over the world just to set eyes on this amazing landform.
Human and natural processes that affect caves
Global Warming – High temperatures affect a formally cool habitat and its ecosystems, causing a large amount of algae to grow.
Visitors to the cave- When researchers or scientists come to the cave they are sometimes forced to create opening to enter certain cervises. This can effect the structural stability of the cave. Visitors can also bring in foreign bodies into the cave that can effect a caves ecosystem.
Natural Processes- As well as other landforms cave can be effected by naturals processes such as weathering and erosion.
Light Changes – When tourists or researchers enter the cave, the impact of light (even from a flashlight) and widening of the cave itself can cause what is known as “redistribution of animals” as their food sources and ecosystem are disrupted. Animals look to relocate and thus are forced to look for new food sources. Unfortunately, some are not able to adapt to a new environment and die.
Bibliography
"10 Most Interesting Caves In The World - Listverse." Listverse. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 May 2014.
Kauffman, Nicole. "In What Ways Are Humans Impacting the Cave Ecosystems?" EHow. Demand Media, 15 May 2011. Web. 21 May 2014.
"Krubera Cave." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 05 Nov. 2014. Web. 21 May 2014.