Caves | Introduction
Introduction
CavesAlso called cavern, a hollow or natural passage under or into the ground large enough for a person to enter., also called caverns, are natural hollow areas inside the ground that are large enough for a person to fit inside. There are millions of caves on Earth. Some caves, are only a few yards (meters) deep. Others stretch hundreds of miles underground, splitting into numerous rooms and passageways. There are caves underwater, on the sides of mountains, and beneath flat land. Interiors of caves often contain unique landscapes and life forms that are spectacular sights.
Along with their awesome beauty, caves have provided people with important clues to ancient life and geology. The scientific study of caves is called speleologyScientific study of caves and their plant and animal life. (pronounced spee-lee-AH-lu-gy), from the Greek words for cave, spelaion, and knowledge, logos. Scientists who study these caves are known as speleologistsOne who studies caves. and they are only beginning to unearth the treasure of information that caves contain. Speleologists have found unique animals, new plant life, and clues to Earth's history.