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Caving, also known as spelunking or potholing, is the recreational and scientific exploration of natural underground cavities. These cavities, known as caves or caverns, are formed through various geological processes over millions of years. Cavers, or cave explorers, venture into these subterranean environments to discover their unique geological formations, intricate passages, and fascinating underground ecosystems.
	'''Caving''' is the exploration of natural caves and other underground passages. In the United Kingdom it is often called caving or potholing; in the United States the word spelunking is also common.

== History ==
Caving has a long history that dates back thousands of years. Ancient cave paintings found in various parts of the world indicate that caves were explored and inhabited by early humans. In modern times, caving as a recreational activity gained popularity in the late 19th century when organized exploration of caves became more common. Today, caving is pursued by individuals and groups with a passion for adventure, science, and the exploration of Earth's hidden treasures.
	Caving can be recreational, sporting, scientific or exploratory. It combines navigation, climbing, rope work, geology, conservation and teamwork in an environment where ordinary outdoor assumptions often do not apply.

== Exploration and Techniques ==
Caving involves a combination of physical and mental challenges. Cavers must navigate through narrow passages, climb rock formations, and overcome obstacles in order to explore the depths of caves. They use specialized techniques such as rope work, climbing, and rappelling to navigate through vertical sections, and employ cave mapping and surveying techniques to create detailed maps of cave systems.
	== Caves and Karst ==
	Many caves form in soluble rock such as limestone, where water gradually enlarges cracks, joints and bedding planes. This landscape is known as karst.

	The British Geological Survey notes that karst occurs in several soluble rock types across the UK, including limestones, gypsum, halite and chalk. Karst landscapes can include caves, sinkholes, underground streams and springs.

== Equipment ==	== Equipment ==
Cavers use specialized equipment to ensure their safety and facilitate exploration. This includes helmets with headlamps for illumination, sturdy footwear, gloves, and knee pads for protection, and harnesses, carabiners, and ropes for vertical ascents and descents. Other essential equipment includes cave maps, compasses, and surveying tools to aid in navigation and mapping.
	Typical caving equipment includes:

	* A helmet with a reliable light.
	* Backup lighting.
	* Tough clothing and suitable footwear.
	* Gloves and kneepads.
	* A harness, rope and vertical equipment where needed.
	* Survey notes, route information or a cave description.
	* Emergency supplies appropriate to the trip.

	The exact kit depends on the cave. A dry horizontal cave and a wet vertical system have very different requirements.

	== Techniques ==
	Cavers may need to crawl, climb, squeeze through narrow passages, move through water, descend pitches, ascend ropes and navigate complex route choices.

	Vertical caving uses single rope techniques. Cave diving is a separate and highly specialised activity with different training, equipment and risk.

== Safety ==	== Safety ==
Safety is paramount in caving due to the challenging nature of the environment. Cavers should always be properly trained and experienced or accompanied by experienced guides. They should have a good understanding of cave systems and potential hazards, including unstable rock formations, water hazards, and the risk of getting lost. Cavers should also have knowledge of first aid and carry emergency supplies such as food, water, and communication devices.
	Caves can be cold, wet, dark and difficult to exit quickly. Hazards include flooding, loose rock, falls, exhaustion, navigation errors, equipment failure and getting stuck.

	Basic precautions include going with experienced people, leaving a call-out plan, checking weather and flood risk, carrying backup light, knowing the route and matching the trip to the group's ability.

== Conservation ==	== Conservation ==
Cave conservation is an important aspect of caving. Cavers follow principles of minimal impact and leave-no-trace ethics to preserve the delicate cave ecosystems. They avoid damaging cave formations, minimize disturbance to cave-dwelling organisms, and follow guidelines for waste disposal. Many caving organizations also engage in cave restoration and conservation efforts to protect these fragile underground environments for future generations.
	Caves can contain fragile formations, sediments, archaeology, fossils, bats and specialised ecosystems. Damage may be permanent.

	The British Caving Association promotes minimal-impact caving, including avoiding unnecessary contact with formations, keeping to established routes where appropriate and respecting access arrangements.

	== Caving in Britain ==
	Major British caving areas include the Yorkshire Dales, Peak District, Mendip, South Wales, Forest of Dean and parts of Devon and Cornwall. Access arrangements vary by cave, landowner and region.

	The British Caving Association is the national body for caving in the UK. The British Cave Research Association promotes cave science and speleological research.

== Notable Cave Systems ==	== Notable Cave Systems ==
Caving enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore numerous remarkable cave systems around the world. Some notable examples include:
	Internationally known cave systems include Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, Sistema Sac Actun in Mexico, the Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst caves, and Waitomo's glowworm caves in New Zealand.

* Mammoth Cave in Kentucky, USA, which is the world's longest known cave system.
* Sistema Sac Actun in Mexico, one of the longest underwater cave systems.
* The Caves of Aggtelek Karst and Slovak Karst, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the border of Hungary and Slovakia.
* The Waitomo Glowworm Caves in New Zealand, famous for their bioluminescent glow-worm displays.
	Notability in caving may come from length, depth, geology, archaeology, biology, difficulty or history of exploration.

These are just a few examples of the diverse and fascinating caves that attract cavers from around the world.
	== See Also ==
	* [[Geology]]
	* [[United Kingdom]]
	* [[Outdoor recreation]]

Caving offers a unique and awe-inspiring opportunity to explore the hidden wonders of our planet. Whether for scientific study, adventure, or personal exploration, caving provides a thrilling and immersive experience that connects individuals with the mysteries of the underground world.
	== References ==
	* [https://british-caving.org.uk/ British Caving Association]
	* [https://british-caving.org.uk/our-work/safety/ British Caving Association: Safety]
	* [https://british-caving.org.uk/our-work/cave-conservation/ British Caving Association: Cave conservation]
	* [https://bcra.org.uk/ British Cave Research Association]
	* [https://www.bgs.ac.uk/discovering-geology/earth-hazards/sinkholes/ British Geological Survey: Sinkholes and karst]
	* [https://jncc.gov.uk/resources/c144ac6d-f6d0-44e6-8356-62b6a9d62c96 JNCC: Karst and Caves of Great Britain]

	[[Category:Outdoor recreation]]
	[[Category:Geology]]