The Wonder of CavesThe Wonder of Caves

What is a cave?What is a cave?• A cave is a natural

underground chamber which has an opening to the surface.

• Can be on land or even under water

• Caves can be found in mountains, under the ocean and even among ice glaciers!

Famous Caves around the WorldFamous Caves around the World

• Dragons Lair cave in Europe is famous because scientists found fossils of cave bears that lived 50,000 years ago.

• Blue Grotto is on the Island Capri in Italy.

• Waitomo is another cave in New Zealand

Dragon’s Lair Cave - EuropeDragon’s Lair Cave - Europe

The Blue Grotto – Capri, MaltaThe Blue Grotto – Capri, Malta

Caves can be made of ice too!Caves can be made of ice too!

Waitomo – New ZealandWaitomo – New Zealand

StalactitesStalactites

• Icicle shaped of rock hang from the roof of a cave.

StalagmitesStalagmites

• Look like stalactites, but grow up from the floor of a cave.

Spelunking (or Caving)Spelunking (or Caving)

• A sport where people explore caves using a variety of equipment.

• There are spelunking clubs all over the world and these clubs explore different caves together.

Pictures of SpelunkingPictures of Spelunking

• Cavers wear special equipment when exploring. • Headlamps, safety helmets and boots are just some of the gear needed when caving.

Cave DivingCave Diving

• Is similar to spelunking, but involves the use of special underwater equipment.

Cave SafetyCave Safety If you are going to explore caves on your own, take

these basic caving precautions:

• NEVER GO ALONE! • Take 3 sources of light. • Wear a helmet with a chin strap • Use rubber soled boots. • Dress warmly. • Take some energy food along • Tell someone where you are going and your estimated

time of return.

Wanna go caving? Wanna go caving?