Caving (n)- the exploration of caves, especially as a hobby.
Since its pioneering in the late 1800’s, caving has grown increasingly popular with daring adventurers looking for a greater understanding of what’s underground. Doesn’t sound overly familiar? In the United States and Canada, caving is more popularly referred to as ‘spelunking,’ and in the UK and Ireland, they prefer the term ‘potholing.’ Since it’s take-off in the 1920’s for scientific studies of underground ecosystems, caving has since increased safety, and put an emphasis on conservation of these natural biospheres. It has come to be known as an idividualist’s team sport, since help is rarely required, but groups are recommended for safety measures, and preferable to keep from feeling nervous or alone in such a secluded area. Caving can be hazardous, considering that rainwater can quickly flood underground areas, and the terrain is not always easily maneuverable. Some consider caving to be a strenuous and extreme sport, and enter intense training to continue into areas that require difficult climbs or flexibility.
Despite the fun in dropping into holes in the earth, the scientific community has since used this past time to create speleology, or the study of cave systems. This proved its usefulness when, in October of 2013, and ad was placed, claiming the need of skinny, brave cavers to collect the remains of a newly found cousin of the human species, Homo naledi. Of the 60 people who applied, 6 women were chosen to squeeze through the gap, which narrowed at one point to 7 inches! From this, 1,550 fragments from 15 different skeletons were uncovered over two weeks and promptly studied. The women, who all had to have caving experience in order to be hired, have shared how incredibly daunting and rewarding the experience was, compared to their previous experiences.
Are you inspired to try your hand at caving? Check out the links below! Don’t forget, we would like to hear your suggestions! What’s your forte?
Here are some common caving sites in southern California!: http://www.camp-california.com/Spelunking/california-spelunking.html
Not from around around Cal Lutheran? Here’s how to find other popular areas for caving!: http://www.nssio.org/Find_Grotto.cfm
Want to find out more on the incredibly brave women who helped discover a new species?: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2015/09/homo-naledi-rising-star-cave-hominin/404362/
Suggestion Survey: http://goo.gl/forms/Meq5LusUYI