Speleologists and Caves.

Caves were probably prehistoric mans first shelter and home. In Europe, Africa and Asia there are numerous places that confirm this, where we can see graffiti of animals, men and tools.

In some of these caves bones and skulls have been found belonging to the species homo.

How are caves formed ? Mainly by the action of water and glaciers, over thousands of years, and the changes caused by the erosion, fracture and corrosion of the earths surface. Together these agents have created a wonderful underground world.

It is surprising and mysterious, with its astonishing, multicolored stalactites and stalagmites, lakes and rivers whose waters are refreshingly pure.

Speleologist, the scientific study of caves, is becoming ever more popular, as fascinating new discoveries are made in this field.

Man started studying caves long ago, around 1700 but it is only in this century that speleologist has really become a branch of scientific investigation. Pot- holing (exploring deep holes worn in rock) is best carried out by teams of experts who study the kind of rock in question, how a particular cave was formed, erosion caused by water, and any animal and plant life there is to be found.

Lately, speleologists have begun anew kind of experiment; they are studying how the human body and mind react to staying under ground for lengthy periods. Everything is carefully monitored; blood pressure, heartbeat, cerebral activity, and the influence on mans behavior.

Made by Elin Igor,11a form