| What is something about caves that invites | | | | dwellers". They used to live in caves, as it was |
| people to come in? There's really something in it | | | | evidenced thousands of years ago with artistically |
| that is very fascinating especially for people who | | | | made paintings on walls. This would be one of the |
| love adventure, for people who are fond of | | | | reasons why modern cavers take the risk of |
| exploration, such people call themselves cave | | | | visiting even the most dangerous caves because |
| explorers or "spelunkers." Oftentimes, these | | | | of the priceless beauty. |
| people pursue courses and even a degree in cave | | | | Who Are The Professional Cave Explorers? |
| exploration. When they graduate, they are usually | | | | Professional cave explorers are people who have |
| called as 'speleologists' or 'cave scientists' or the | | | | the deepest desire to discover caves. Study its |
| more common term, professional cave explorers. | | | | geological formations both for self-satisfaction as |
| | | | | well as for science contribution. |
| Why are caves explored? | | | | One of the 1st professional cavers was Warren |
| Caves are large underground openings in rocks. | | | | Netherton. He was considered a caver since 1984 |
| It's usually structured by rock formations such as | | | | when he attempted to arrange maps of several |
| stalagmites and stalactites, flowstones, columns | | | | caves. He has also inventoried and surveyed algae |
| and draperies. | | | | inhabitants and has developed a plan for the |
| Basically, caves or caverns are explored for | | | | restoration of certain caves. |
| research. Cave scientists study its wonder. They | | | | In the following year 1985, Jim Nepstad developed |
| are mainly concerned with the geologic formations | | | | the 1st automated cave map of Wind Cave |
| as well living things that reside within. Some | | | | National Park. His work was considered as the 1st |
| spelunkers also do cave mapping. | | | | management plan in the area. |
| Some explorers consider caving as a sport or | | | | Some explorers like Peter Jones had no formal |
| recreational hobby. While others, like those who | | | | education regarding professional caving. However, |
| just pass the caves, consider passing as a great | | | | through experience, he was one of the greatest |
| opportunity and experience as they take pictures | | | | contributors of science such that he was able to |
| and while enjoying the alluring landscape it possess. | | | | recognize the distinctive structure of caves. |
| | | | | Some other famous cavers have vast |
| Caves can also be considered as a natural shelter. | | | | contributions would be Maurizio Montalbini, a |
| In prehistoric times, cavers or cave explorers | | | | sociologist, and Mr. Roger Brucker. |
| already existed. They were known as the "cave | | | | |