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Caving Organizations:
The Cave Environment:
To the beginning caver, the cave
environment is quite alien. The absolute darkness within the
cave can only be illuminated by the light sources you bring
with you. This isolated environment is accentuated by the
pervasive quiet, broken now and then by drops of water
falling from the ceiling. The cave can be either dry, muddy,
or wet. The floor might slope in one direction, then
suddenly change and slope in another, and sometimes drop
away all together into a deep pit. Meanwhile, the height of
the cave ceiling can also change radically. It may vary from
huge chambers dozens of feet high to low crawlways of less
than a foot. Some caves are extraordinarily beautiful. They
contain decorations such as stalagmites, stalactites,
helictites, soda straws, cave coral, travertine dams,
draperies, and flowstone, among others. But even caves
without decorations can have a special attraction. Caves and
their formations take millions of years to form.
Compared to the outside world, the
darkness, temperature, and humidity inside most caves are
fairly constant. In most caves, especially those that have
active speleothems, or cave formations, the humidity is near
100 percent. Some caves may be drier and have lower
humidities. In large caves, the temperature deep within the
cave is near the mean annual temperature for the area
(usually in the 60's or 70's for most Texas caves). Near the
entrance, however, the temperature is directly influenced by
the exterior climate and becomes variable.
Where animal life is found, it is
unusual and has required special adaptations for it to exist
in the relatively stable and isolated cave environment. Some
animals you may see include blind albino cave fish, albino
salamanders, cave crickets, and bats. Most of these animals
are extremely rare and delicate, and you should take care to
avoid harming any of them. Some cave fauna are protected by
the state or federal governments as endangered species.
It is in this special environment that
you as a cave explorer will find yourself. Every cave is
unique and has new challenges for the caver. As you gain
experience in cave exploration, you may decide to pursue
some specialized types of caving. These may include
surveying and mapping caves, studying cave wildlife, cave
photography, vertical caving (rappelling and ascending ropes
to reach otherwise inaccessible caves), exploration, and
cave diving (which is considered one of the most dangerous
sports in the world).
Basic Dos and Don’ts of Caving:
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Before entering any cave, make sure you have
permission from the landowner. Give the owner a signed
release form which states that he or she is not liable for
any accidents.
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Never cave alone, and never without at least
one experienced caver. It is best to have at least three
people on any cave trip.
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Before entering a cave, let someone not
entering the cave know where you are going and when you
expect to return.
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Before entering a cave, pay close attention to
the weather. Many caves flood rapidly during rainstorms, so
you should never enter a cave if heavy rain is possible.
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Never use alcohol or drugs before entering a
cave.
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Carefully check the cave entrance for
scorpions, spiders, and poisonous snakes when you enter and
exit the cave.
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Wear your helmet at all times.
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Always carry at least three independent
back-up sources of light, including batteries and bulbs.
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Personally carry everything you may need in
the cave, in case you get separated from the rest of the
group.
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Look behind you as you travel through the cave
so you will recognize the way out.
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Be aware of loose rocks, crevices, and other
dangerous topography that could cause accident or injury.
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Never smoke or use tobacco in a cave. It can
pollute the fragile cave environment.
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Don't drink any water found in the cave. It
may look pure, but is generally contaminated.
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Some caves have pockets of unbreathable air
(“bad air”). Retreat immediately to a location where the air
is pure or exit the cave if you experience any of these
symptoms: Labored breathing, headache, nausea, vomiting, or
weakness; unexplainable discomfort or anxiety. You can check
for bad air by trying to light a candle, match, or cigarette
lighter; the flame will be separated, small, brief, or
absent in bad air.
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Know your physical capabilities and
limitations, never exceed them. Don't push yourself beyond
your limits.
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Do not mark or deface the caves in any way. Do
not write on the cave walls or formations.
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Avoid touching cave formations, especially
with your bare hands. Cave formations are delicate and may
break easily. Also, the oil from your skin will permanently
mar them and affect the growth of formations.
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Never remove cave formations. Many states
protect caves and their formations, and carry stiff
penalties for those who damage caves or steal formations.
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If you encounter any animal life, avoid
contacting or harming it if possible. Most cave fauna are
extremely delicate and rare.
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Carry out all waste, including human waste,
spent carbide, and dead batteries.
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Follow the NSS motto: "Take nothing but
pictures, leave nothing but footsteps, kill nothing but
time."
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