Caves and caverns are two words that seem to go hand-in-hand, but they actually represent two very different types of subsurface habitats. The majority of people will be more familiar with the word ג€_x009c_caveג€_x009d_ than the word ג€_x009c_cavernג€_x009d_, so letג€™s take a closer look at the differences between these two structures before we move on to the specifics of caving in general.
What are caves and caverns?
A cave is a natural cavity formed by the collapse of a roof or roof layer in the earth. The walls of a cave are smooth and generally devoid of any visible bedding planes. In contrast, a cavern is an often-branching structure which forms when water dissolves or erodes away soluble rocks and leaves behind insoluble resistant strata. Generally, there will be sedimentary strata visible within caverns.
What makes a cavern a cavern?
In order to be classified as a ג€_x009c_cavern,ג€_x009d_ the structure must be found at a depth of between 600-1,500 feet below ground level. The word comes from the Latin ג€_x009c_cavernaג€_x009d_, meaning ג€_x009c_shaft,ג€_x009d_ which was used by Roman geologists to describe deep mines that were believed to have been dug out by ancient peoples.
Is it cavern or caverns?
A cavern is a subsurface habitat within the earth, while a cave is a tunnel-like space in the earth with natural or artificial openings to the outside. So, if youג€™re looking for a habitat like this on Earth that can be found on a trail, your best bet would probably be to visit a cave.
Are caves bigger than caverns?
The answer to this question is no. Caves are the smaller of the two, with a wide range of sizes spanning from a few hundred square meters to several kilometers in length. Although, caverns can also be very small, and some have been found to be as deep as 3 kilometers.
Caves can also refer to natural structures that exist on Earth or man-made structures that are created within caves. For example, a cave-like ice house is one type of structure made inside a cave. They were used by ancient populations for food storage during the winter months and typically take up less space than an icehouse built outside in frigid conditions.
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