Science Fact Finder | The Earth - What Is The Difference Between Spelunking And Speleology?

What is the difference between spelunking and speleology?

Spelunking is the exploration of caves as a recreational activity. Speleology, on the other hand, is the scientific study of caves and cave-related phenomena.

One subject of tremendous interest to speleologists is the world's deepest cave, called Jean Bernard, in the French Alps. This cave has a total depth of 5,036 feet (1,535 meters). Another speology destination is the world's longest cave system, the joint Mammoth Cave and Flint Ridge Cave system in west-central Kentucky. These caves have a combined length of 329 miles (530 kilometers).

Sources: Halliday, William R. Depths of the Earth, p. 407; "Jean Bernard." Encyclopaedia Britannica CD 97; "Mammoth Cave National Park." Encyclopaedia Britannica CD 97.

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